Review on the Classification and Distribution of Fifteen Main Collaterals

십오락맥(十五絡脈)의 종류와 분포특징에 관한 문헌적 고찰

Objectives & Methods: This study was aimed to investigate denomination and distribution of fifteen main collaterals through oriental medicine literature. Results & Conclusions: 1. Kyung-maek-pyoun(經脈篇) of Yeong-chu (靈樞; divine pivot) says that fifteen main collaterals (十五絡脈) consist of main collaterals of the twelve regular meridians (十二經脈), Conception Channel (任孤), Governor channel (督脈) and great collateral of the spleen(脾之大絡). While chapter 26 of Nan-gyung(難經; Classic of difficulty) says that Yin-heel & Yang-heel channels are included instead of Conception channel(任脈) and Governor Channel (督脈). what is explained in Yeong-chu (靈樞; divine pivot) is considered more proper. 2. Great collateral of the stomach (胃之大絡 ) has been considered as one of the main collaterals, resulting in an opinion of sixteen main collaterals. We speculate that this is a wrong interpretation of Pyoung-in-gi-sang-lon(平人氣象論 ) of So-mun(素問). 3. Gumi (CV1) is more resonable than Hoeeum(CV14) for the Connecting point of Conception Channel(任脈) 4. Kyung-maek-pyoun (經脈篇) of Yeong-chu (靈樞; divine pivot) did not mention that the collateral of Hand Jueyin (手厥陰絡版) was running to Hand Shaoyang(手少陽經脈), which is considered to be omitted by mistake. 5. Fifteen main collaterals are mostly distributed on the legs and arms, while some are distributed in the internal organs, chest, abdomen, as well as head and five sensory organs.