Storage of repressed experiences and reintegration of the mind.
Acupuncture for deeply repressed trauma, letting go of the past, and obsession.
The Dai Mai encircles the lower abdomen horizontally. It functions as a basin that holds the qi and fluids into the body, preventing the leakage of these vital substances. It also acts as a repository for unprocessed trauma and negative beliefs about the self.
Because of its horizontal orientation, it is the ideal channel for integrating the activities of the other extraordinary channels. It connects the whole system together and allows for total communication between them. The connection of all the pieces integrates the mind. If there is disruption in the Dai Mai, it can cause a fractured mind in need of reintegration.
Dai Mai Functions
Far away from the shen (spirit) in the Heart, it is an ideal place to store repressed material. The body-mind will store trauma here to protect the life of the individual until there is enough support and resources to acknowledge and integrate the shocking and uncomfortable experiences.
While trauma is the most severe experience to be repressed here, there are other uncomfortable feelings and beliefs that the Dai Mai will store. We internalize negative beliefs about ourselves from social cues received from parents, siblings, teachers, and friends. Over time, the negative feelings solidify and get stored in the Dai Mai.
Leakage
Repression requires more than just sending the memory to the Dai Mai. In order for it to stay in place, it must be weighed down by something heavy. This heaviness is provided by what is called “dampness.” Dampness is sluggish and sticky. It’s not easy to move through. It engulfs the memory and acts as an insulator. This strategy ensures that the repressed memory will not easily escape, cause discomfort, and potentially threaten the life of the person.
The Dai Mai’s capacity as a basin will become compromised as it fills with dampness, allowing the leakage of qi and fluids from the body. Some symptoms that may arise from this lack of containment include urinary issues such as frequent urination or urinary dribbling. It also includes sexual dysfunction such as premature ejaculation and vaginal discharge.
The dampness that arises may manifest in many ways. It can include extra adipose tissue around the belly or organs (visceral fat). It can also arise in the form of endometriosis, cysts, or fibroids. For men it can be prostatitis. It can also come in the form of fluid retention and edema.
Latency
Repression is important. It plays a vital role for preserving the mind-body. We call this function of the Dai Mai “latency,” since it delays the confrontation with the repressed material.
Once you have the support and resources, the repressed experiences can be acknowledged, accepted, and integrated.
So why not just leave the repressed memories in the Dai Mai? Aside from the physical manifestations of dampness that were listed above, it’s also important because the act of creating latency is an active process. It takes energy, qi, to maintain. It uses up the life force to protect the mind (shen) from discomfort. Healing the Dai Mai frees up your qi to pursue your life’s purpose.
Dai Mai Acupuncture Treatment
A Dai Mai treatment opens up a door to walk through. On the other side of the door you will find you can drop beliefs and experiences that don’t match up with your true identity. It is important that in this process you are in touch with your deepest self. Therefore, a healthy Chong Mai is necessary for this work.
It sounds simple, but make no mistake, healing the Dai Mai is confrontational. This step does take bravery. The process can disorient or confuse the person. However, with support and resources, that state of mind is temporary.
Who Needs Treatment?
If you find the following in your psyche, you may benefit from treating the Dai Mai.
- Holding on to the past
- Obsession
- Feelings of not being supported
- Deep Trauma
- Resentment