CV - Conception Vessel

任脉 - Rèn mài

In TCM theory, the eight extraordinary vessels are channels that sit alongside the twelve principal channels. The Conception Vessel and the Governing Vessel are the two that have points of their own.

Traditional teaching calls the Conception Vessel the 'sea of the yin channels' and links it with the uterus, conception and pregnancy.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

Up the front midline of the body (CV-1 to CV-24)

Pathway

  • Starts: CV-1, in the perineum
  • Abdomen and chest: Up the midline of the abdomen and over the breastbone
  • Throat and face: Up the front of the throat to the chin
  • Ends: CV-24, in the hollow at the centre of the groove between the lower lip and the chin
  • Internal course (TCM theory): Begins in the lower abdomen
  • Connection (TCM theory): Linked with all the yin channels
CV Conception Vessel pathway illustration

Traditional Functions (TCM)

The Conception in TCM theory

  • Governs the yin channels
  • Is linked with the uterus, conception and pregnancy
  • Is linked with breathing and the chest

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Traditional Applications

In TCM, points on this channel are traditionally used for

  • Bloating and indigestion
  • Tiredness
  • Period pain
  • Chest tension
  • Throat tension

CV Routines

Conception Vessel Routine (4 minutes)

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent (not in pregnancy)
  2. Massage CV-12 gently in slow circles for 1 minute
  3. Press CV-6 gently for 30 seconds
  4. Press CV-17 gently for 30 seconds
  5. Breathe slowly throughout

All CV Points

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Precautions

Abdomen

  • Do not press the abdominal points if you are or may be pregnant, or after recent abdominal surgery. Stop if you feel unusual abdominal pain

Throat

  • Press CV-22 only lightly

Pregnancy

  • CV-2 to CV-15 are traditionally avoided in pregnancy; see each point's page