What and Where are the Meridians in the Body?

Meridians are a network of invisible energy pathways that connect to each other and to every atom, cell, tendon, bone, organ, and all skin in the body! Qi energy flows throughout the body via the meridians. Jing luo is the Chinese term for meridians, otherwise known as energy channels. Jing meridians are the vertical interior channels within the meridian system, while Luo meridians are the horizontal connecting channels.

There are twelve major meridians in the body. Each side of the body has three yin meridians which flow upwards, and three yang meridians, which flow downwards. Because they connect all major organ systems, meridians play a crucial and specific role in the health of the body. Each organ is dependent on the other organ systems plus the meridian network. Unless there is a disruption, together they create healthful flow of Qi throughout the body.

The meridians not only carry Qi energy, they also send information to and among your organs. Numerous messages constantly flow through your meridians to communicate with your body. Some are messages to raise or lower your body’s temperature, while other messages may indicate that it is time for your body to release water, or to regulate emotion. The meridians help coordinate work of the organs while they regulate the body’s functions. The ultimate goal is to keep your body balanced and in harmony.

A person remains in good health if there is harmony and balance in the energy flow between the forces of yin and yang. When someone has diminished energy or vitality, it’s usually because the body's organs or tissues aren’t functioning properly and the Qi flow is inadequate, blocked, or disrupted in some way. Disease or dysfunction can cause blockages and disruptions of meridian pathways which may compromise the flow of Qi.

When balance and harmony in your body is disturbed or disrupted, you become vulnerable to disease. Disrupting Qi in one meridian may affect other meridians and their associated organs. Damage, disease, or dysfunction to one part of the body will then inevitably affect the system as a whole. The result will be sickness and/or disease, which could become severe or chronic.

The Twelve Meridians:

  • Lung - regulates respiration and energy intake

  • Large Intestine - extracts and processes water from the body’s waste material, then expels it.

  • Stomach - distributes energy to the spleen and intestines after digesting and extracting it from the food we eat

  • Spleen - distributes nutrients and regulates blood flow throughout the body as well as maintaining muscle and limb tone

  • Heart - circulates blood to all body organs

  • Small Intestine - distributes nutrients through the body

  • Bladder - removes the body’s liquid waste

  • Kidney - produces blood and bone marrow, regulates reproductive system, stores sexual energy

  • Pericardium - surrounds, lubricates and protects the heart, removes excess energy from the heart by dispersing energy through the body to prevent heart from becoming over-energized.

  • Triple Warmer/Heater - controls the body by controlling metabolism, regulates heat and body temperature, as well as moisture in the body

  • Gallbladder - stores the bile produced by the liver

  • Liver - circulates energy, maintains flexibility of the tendons and ligaments, regulates the female reproductive system and menstruation

There are also 2 single mid- meridians: the Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel which we discuss in a later blog.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the meridians are used to diagnose and/or treat a condition in the body. Meridian massage, meridian tapping, herb therapy, acupressure, Qigong, and acupuncture are several methods that can be used to promote and restore balance and health to the body.

TCM philosophy is a bit different than Western medicine. However, Western medicine is increasingly recognizing the many health benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As well, Eastern practitioners often use elements of Western medicine in their practice. It gives real meaning to “complementary medicine”.

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