mERIDIANS
Meridians are strings connecting points, which are considered passageways through which energy flows throughout the body. The meridian system is composed of 12 principal meridians, each of which connects to an organ system and extends to an extremity and eight collaterals within the body.
nervous system
Are meridians connected to your nervous system? That is, the meridians are the representation of the nervous system. The peripheral neurovascular bundles literally validate the TCM concept that Blood and Chi (energy) flow in the meridians.
Connection
The 12 standard meridians, also called Principal Meridians, are divided into Yin and Yang groups. The Yin meridians of the arm are the Lung, Heart, and Pericardium. The Yang meridians of the arm are the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner. The Yin Meridians of the leg are the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. The Yang meridians of the leg are Stomach, Bladder, and Gall Bladder.
Meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
What Are Meridians?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), meridians are an interconnected network of energy pathways that flow throughout the body, distributing chi (vital energy) and blood to support overall health. These pathways link the organs, tissues, and mind, playing a crucial role in physical and emotional well-being.
Understanding the Meridian System
The meridian system is divided into two main groups:
1. Primary Meridians (12 Main Channels)
These correspond to the major organs and are categorized into yin and yang pairs, ensuring the balanced flow of energy.
2. Extraordinary Meridians (8 Special Channels)
These function as reservoirs, regulating and supporting the primary meridians when needed.
The 12 Primary Meridians
Each of the 12 primary meridians is associated with a specific organ and has distinct functions.
| Meridian Name | Associated Organ | Yin/Yang | Key Functions | Common Imbalances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lung (手太陰肺經) | Lungs | Yin | Governs respiration, immune response | Cough, asthma, low immunity |
| Large Intestine (手陽明大腸經) | Large Intestine | Yang | Regulates digestion, waste elimination | Constipation, bloating |
| Stomach (足陽明胃經) | Stomach | Yang | Processes food, extracts nutrients | Acid reflux, stomach pain |
| Spleen (足太陰脾經) | Spleen | Yin | Controls blood, aids digestion | Fatigue, weak digestion |
| Heart (手少陰心經) | Heart | Yin | Circulates blood, governs emotions | Anxiety, palpitations |
| Small Intestine (手太陽小腸經) | Small Intestine | Yang | Absorbs nutrients, mental clarity | Poor digestion, confusion |
| Bladder (足太陽膀胱經) | Bladder | Yang | Eliminates toxins, stores emotions | Frequent urination, back pain |
| Kidney (足少陰腎經) | Kidney | Yin | Stores vital energy, governs growth | Low energy, weak bones |
| Pericardium (手厥陰心包經) | Pericardium | Yin | Protects the heart, regulates emotions | Emotional imbalance, chest tightness |
| Triple Burner (手少陽三焦經) | N/A (Energy Flow) | Yang | Regulates metabolism, body fluids | Swelling, heat imbalance |
| Gallbladder (足少陽膽經) | Gallbladder | Yang | Aids digestion, decision-making | Indecisiveness, headaches |
| Liver (足厥陰肝經) | Liver | Yin | Stores blood, regulates emotions | Anger, hormonal imbalance |
Visualizing the Meridians
To fully understand meridians, it’s helpful to see their pathways across the body. Below is a general guide to where each meridian flows:
📌 Upper Body: Lung, Large Intestine, Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Burner
📌 Lower Body: Stomach, Spleen, Bladder, Kidney, Gallbladder, Liver
💡 Pro Tip: Each meridian follows a unique path, and understanding these routes can help with acupuncture, acupressure, and self-care techniques.
Balancing the Meridians for Health
When a meridian is blocked or imbalanced, symptoms arise. TCM offers various techniques to harmonize energy flow and restore health:
✅ Acupressure & Acupuncture – Stimulates meridian points to relieve pain and restore balance.
✅ Qigong & Tai Chi – Uses movement and breathwork to enhance qi flow.
✅ Herbal Medicine – Supports organ function and meridian health.
✅ Dietary Therapy – Eating according to TCM principles strengthens specific meridians.
Key Acupressure Points for Self-Healing
Here are a few points you can stimulate daily for better health:
🔹 LI4 (Hegu – Large Intestine Meridian) – Relieves headaches, improves digestion
🔹 ST36 (Zusanli – Stomach Meridian) – Boosts immunity, relieves fatigue
🔹 LV3 (Taichong – Liver Meridian) – Reduces stress, balances emotions
(Gently massage these points for 30 seconds to activate their healing benefits.)
Final Thoughts
Meridians are the energetic highways of the body, and keeping them balanced leads to vitality, emotional harmony, and overall well-being. Whether you explore meridian healing through Qigong, acupuncture, or self-care practices, understanding this ancient wisdom can profoundly enhance your health journey.
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References:
- Ni, Maoshing. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary. Shambhala, 1995.
“Prime Minister”: This foundational text describes the governing roles of organs and explains why the Lung is referred to as the “Prime Minister” in TCM.
“Grief”: TheNeijing Suwen addresses the emotional correspondences of each organ, explaining the connection between the Lungs and grief. - Maciocia, Giovanni. The Psyche in Chinese Medicine: Treatment of Emotional and Mental Disharmonies with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Elsevier, 2009.
“Connection to mind”: Maciocia explains the relationship between the Lung and Shen, as well as the connection to Po. It provides insights on how breathing connects the mind and body and regulates emotional health.
“Prime Minister”: Maciocia elaborates on the metaphorical language used in TCM, where the Lung’s role in governing Qi and respiration is likened to that of a prime minister managing the state.
“Grief”: Maciocia gives a detailed account of how emotions like grief and sadness manifest when the Lung is imbalanced, and it explains the physiological impact of this imbalance, including how stagnation of Qi contributes to depression and anxiety.
“Pathogenic Diseases”: Maciocia details the Lung’s role in the distribution of Wei Qi (defensive Qi), and how the Lung’s connection to the skin and pores forms a crucial barrier against external pathogens. - Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. Contemporary Books, 2000.
“Breath”: Kaptchuk discusses the importance of breath and the role of Qi in linking body, mind, and spirit, highlighting the influence of controlled breathing on emotional states.
“Grief”: Kaptchuk offers an understanding of how the physical function of the Lungs influences mental and emotional health, particularly in the context of anxiety and grief. - Deadman, Peter, and Al-Khafaji, Mazin. A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2007. This reference explains the Lung’s role in Qi flow and defense, emphasizing how the Lung distributes Wei Qi to protect the body from external influences.
- Wang, J., & Yang, J. (2012). Clinical Applications of Meridian Theory in Acupuncture (1st ed.). People’s Medical Publishing House. This text focuses on the clinical usage of meridians in the treatment of various conditions, with a particular emphasis on the Lung meridian’s influence on respiratory and emotional health.
- Liu, Y., Liang, F., & Xia, Y. (2013). Acupuncture points and their relationships with the central nervous system. Neuroscience Bulletin, 29(6), 759-770. This peer-reviewed article explores how acupuncture points, including those along the Lung meridian, influence physiological and emotional regulation through the nervous system.
- Cheng, X. (Ed.). (1999). Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (revised edition). Foreign Languages Press. This book, often used as a standard reference in acupuncture education, details the Lung meridian’s functions, acupuncture points, and its critical role in treating respiratory and immune-related conditions.
- Xue, C., Zhang, A., & Du, Q. (2011). Acupuncture treatment for respiratory disorders: A review of clinical evidence. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 31(2), 123-128. This article reviews the effectiveness of using Lung meridian points in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
- Zhao, Z., & Sun, X. (2015). The Role of the Lung Meridian in Emotional Health and Immune Function. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 108, 25-30. This research article investigates the clinical application of the Lung meridian in regulating emotional states and strengthening immune response in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- Wang, X., & Yin, J. (2014). The Five Element theory and its clinical applications in Chinese medicine. Journal of Traditional Medicine, 29(4), 17-25. The article discusses how the Lung-Large Intestine pairing and their interactions within the Five Element theory play a key role in maintaining the balance between respiration and digestion.