Meridians
Introduction & Theory

What Are The Meridian?

The meridian, or channels, are invisible qi pathways which form an energy network which connects all parts of the body, and connects the body to the universe. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the body has twelve major meridian, as well as various collateral and sub-collateral meridian throughout the body. Each meridian is related to a specific Organ System in the body. The meridian pathways are often thought of as a network which links each meridian with each other as well as connecting all body structures such as the skin, tendons, bone, internal organs, and cellular structure, which enable Qi to flow freely throughout.

How The Meridian Work

The meridian network is analogous to a system of highways, roads and streets that links major cities. The highways (the meridian) and the cities (organs) make up an entire energy matrix or map (the body). It is through this system of integrated roadways that energy (Qi) runs. For example, if a city's internal streets are congested with traffic, eventually this situation will cause a problem with the major highways leading into this city. If the traffic condition worsens, all the cities linked by the major highways will experience a problem. Or, two cities may be fine and traffic may be flowing smoothly within their areas. Yet, if there is an accident and traffic builds up on one of the roads that link the cities, eventually one or both of these cities will find themselves affected by the traffic congestion. This helps us to understand how blockages in the meridian can cause problems in organs.

The ancient medical text Neijing states: "The function of the channel (meridian) is to transport the Qi and blood and circulate yin and yang to nourish the body." Meridians form a powerful organic information system within which each Organ also forms its own data system. In addition to the transfer of the flow of Qi, meridians also transmit biological information to and among the Organ Systems. When the meridian system is clear and free flowing, the body (including its mind, spirit and emotions) is healthy and maintains its original state of wholeness.

The Meridian and Healing

Because the meridian respond to and carry stimulation as well as transmit information, they have the ability to bring healing qi energy to local, as well as distant, parts of the body. This can create physiological and emotional changes in the body as the Qi circulates. It is this function that makes acupuncture and acupressure work: at specific points along the meridian, the flow of Qi can be enhanced or modified either with needles or with the pressure of the finger or the hands. Energy practices such Qigong and yoga, with its postures and movements, also affects the flow of Qi.

The energy pathways and the Organ Systems they link with provide Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as holistic healing modalities such as The Universal Healing Art of Jing-Qi-Shen, with a framework for identifying the root cause of disease or illness, along with the diagnoses to heal them. The Meridians work by regulating the energy functions of the body and keeping it in balance. If Qi stagnates for too long in any meridian, it can become blocked and eventually condense down and solidify (turn into matter), setting the stage for conditions that create cysts and tumor like masses.

The most basic meridian theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine: "As long as Qi flows freely through the meridians and the Organs work in harmony, the body can avoid disease."

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