The primary pathway of the Du Meridian has its origin deep within the lower abdomen (i.e. in the area of the lower dantian). It emerges to the surface of the body at DU1 (at the root of the spine, midway between the tip of the coccyx and the anus) and then ascends along the midline of the sacrum and through the interior of the spinal column.

At the nape of the neck, one branch enters the brain and emerges at DU20 (Bai Hui, at the crown of the head), and another continues along the back of the skull, reuniting with the first branch at DU20. From the crown of the head the channel descends along the midline of the forehead and nose to its final point, DU26, at the junction of the upper lip and gum.

As is the case with all of the meridians, the Du Mai has various secondary branches. One of its secondary branches originates in the lower abdomen (as does its primary pathway), circles the external genitalia, then ascends to the navel region, continues to ascend to pass through the heart, circles the mouth and the splits to ascend to the lower border of the two eyes.

Another secondary branch begins at the inner canthus of the eye (BL1), flows up to the crown of the head where it enters the brain and then emerges at the nape of the neck, and then descends on either side and parallel to the spine (along the Bladder Meridian) to then enter the kidneys.