What IS the Governing Vessel in relation to Bioenergetic Testing, and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Both our affiliate practitioners, and bioenergetic testing clients alike want to know, “What is the Governing Vessel?” And how do you relate it to Bioenergetic Testing to when creating balanced health?
In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is seen as an intricate network of energy pathways, known as meridians. The meridians are a network where Qi flows. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that runs through each being. Qi is a concept that is foundational to TCM, along with the concept of Yin and Yang.
Yin and yang are terms used to describe elements of Qi, that are opposite in nature, yet influence each other, because in Traditional Chinese Medicine, all things are connected. Isn’t that the philosophy of any holistic health perspective This is why we love the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In this article, we will dive into the definition of the governing vessel, and explore its role in maintaining our overall well-being, as influenced by TCM.
What is the Governing Vessel? Historical significance.
To look at the historical significance of the Governing Vessel, is to look at the history of TCM. Chinese medicine itself has gone through four major periods, according to Brittanica.com.
The basis of TCM is rooted in prevention, and early intervention, and the “physicians” of the day were rated bases on the people that stayed well under their guidance, not the ones who were sick and then treated.
The governing vessel itself, also known as Du Mai, or Du Meridian, has a rich historical significance that dates back thousands of years. The word Du means “oversee”. Ancient texts from China describe the governing vessel as a key channel that connects the brain, spinal cord, and reproductive organs. It is believed to be the pathway through which our Qi flows.
In TCM, the governing vessel is considered the most important meridian for regulating the circulation of Qi throughout the body. It ha 28 acupressure, or acupuncture points, along with secondary branches.
It also has an opposing vessel, called the Conception Vessel.
Understanding the governing vessel in Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to TCM philosophy, the governing vessel is responsible for governing the yang energies of the body. Yang represents the active, warm, and masculine aspects of our being. Yin represents passive, feminine aspects of out body.
These two aspects need to be brought into balance. By harmonizing the flow of yang energies, the governing vessel helps to maintain balance for the brain and spinal cord, along with 5 ancestral organs. These include the liver and gallbladder system, bone marrow, uterus and blood system.
When the governing vessel becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues.
It is believed that the governing vessel acts as a reservoir of energy, providing a constant source of vitality and resilience.
The Meridian Pathway of the Governing Vessel
The energy pathways, or meridians, are like invisible strings, which circulate Qi.
They are considered passageways through which energy flows throughout the body. If you have experienced acupuncture, you are experiencing a treatment aimed at improving the flow of energy through meridians (1).
There are 12 principle meridians all connecting to organ systems. There are also 8 accessory or “extraordinary meridians, one of which is the Governing Vessel. This is also called the DU meridian, or the Sea of all yang meridians. You can think of the Governing Vessel as running up the back of the body.
The governing vessel starts deep in the abdomen. It is said to come out or the perineum and follow a pathway traveling up the spine, and reaching the crown of the head. It also moves out to the midline of the face, chest, and other areas of the abdomen through accessory branches. One branch connects through the front of the body, which is the REN meridian, showing how the flow of Qi (vital energy) also intertwines with yin and yang energy.
This meridian pathway connects the major energy centers of the body, allowing for the smooth flow of Qi and the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
From a bioenergetic perspective, this meridian can influence:
- The reproductive organs, part of the Urogenital System and visible on a Full Scan. The Governing Vessel emerges from the lower abdomen and flows toward the Uterus in women and the Sperm origin in men.
- The kidneys, also part of the Urogenital System.
- The bladder.
- The brain and spinal cord.
- The blood.
- The liver and gallbladder.
The Connecting channel is the main vessel of the Governing Vessel.
Common conditions supported with the governing vessel
In TCM, the governing vessel is often used to diffuse a variety of conditions, both physical and emotional.
It is particularly effective in relieving symptoms related to stress, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Stimulating the governing vessel at the top of the head can induce a relaxation response. The governing vessel is also commonly used to address musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. By stimulating the flow of Qi along the governing vessel, TCM practitioners aim to restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
Functions and Importance of the Governing Vessel in Bioenergetic Testing
The governing vessel plays a vital role in links to the Blood System, The Nervous System, The Locomotor System, The Urogenital System, the Liver/gallbladder System, and even the Immune System, which may show up stressed on a CBH bioenergetic report.
Remember how the governing vessel is also closely associated with our mental and emotional states? If any of your Awareness Scan emotions point to overwhelm and anxiety from outer forces, stimulating points on these meridians can support this. If anxious feelings are common for you, you may think of finding GV 20. To do this put your fingers at the top of your head and trace a line upwards. Pressure on this point may help with feelings of anxiety and jaw clenching. (Hmm, teeth and jaw drainage show up on your report)?
When creating balanced health, the governing vessel promotes clarity of thought, focus, and emotional stability.
If you see the Locomotor System listed in your Bioenergetic Report, and you have sciatic pain, you may look to acupressure at your GV3 area along your spine.
While the governing vessel holds great significance in TCM, its importance extends beyond this ancient healing system. In other modalities such as Japanese acupuncture, Shiatsu, and Reiki, the governing vessel is recognized as a key pathway for balancing and harmonizing the body’s energies. These practices often incorporate specific techniques and exercises to stimulate the governing vessel and promote overall well-being.
Self-care practices for maintaining and creating balanced health of the governing vessel
In addition to seeking professional help, there are various self-care practices that can be incorporated into your daily routine to maintain the health of the governing vessel. Mind-body practices like qigong and tai chi help to cultivate and balance the flow of Qi along the meridians, including the governing vessel. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can also help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a harmonious flow of energy throughout the body.
There are several techniques and therapies that can be used to stimulate the governing vessel and restore its balance. Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the meridian pathway. This helps to regulate the flow of Qi and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Other techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion, and cupping, can also be used to stimulate the governing vessel and restore its harmonious flow of energy.
Takeaways in Understanding the Governing Vessel
The governing vessel, with its intricate meridian pathway and vital role in maintaining our overall well-being, is a powerful force in the world of holistic healing.
By looking at this meridian as a point that is showing up on your bioenergetic report, you can tap into its potential to promote balance and harmony.
What else shows up? Liver and gallbladder? Perhaps you need liver support AND to take care of emotional energy balance. Does Blood and the governing vessel show up? Ask yourself if you are nourishing yourself properly to feed the physical building blocks of blood, or are digestive issues present, blocking absorption the needed building blocks?
The connections on a CBH Energetics Report with any scan are better made with a practitioner. Having an outside, non biased guide, to ask you questions about your experience, can help link the findings on your bioenergetic report to your own human experience.
Whether through acupuncture, life coaching, nutrition support, self-care practices, or other healing modalities, the governing vessel offers us a pathway to optimal health and well-being. So, take a moment to connect with this mysterious meridian, and unlock the power of the governing vessel in your own healing journey.
