Meridian means pathway. These pathways neither correspond anatomically
to nerves or blood vessels. They may function
through an electrophysiological or electromagnetic basis, but research is
still attempting to discover their true nature. Meridians interconnect to
form a network which links all parts of the body. They act as a conduit
of energy flow. It took 1600 years (200-1800 AD) to discover and name all
the major acupuncture points. We now have a map of their locations on the
body and the required depth to which the needle is inserted to interact
with the energy flow (Qi). Meridian routes are standardized into 12 main
meridians, fifteen collaterals, and 8 extraordinary channels, as well as
other pathways. The meridians connect and coordinate various organ (Zanfg-Fu)
functions. The main meridians are divided into yin (Heart, Pericardium,
Lung, Kidney, Liver, Spleen) and yang (Large Intestine, Triple Warmer, Small
Intestine, Stomach, Gall Bladder, Urinary Bladder). Extra meridians include
the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel Channels. Stagnation, excess
or deficiency of Blood and Energy in these channels result in pain or disease.
Treatment involves puncturing the corresponding acupuncture points in order
to open the meridian and help rebalance and move Energy and Blood.
The Lung meridian runs down the arm and has direct and indirect effects on lung function. It also influences general energy level, cough, nasal passages, perspiration and elimination. In conjunction with the Kidney, it can be used to treat asthma. With the Large Intestine meridian, it can be used to treat skin ailments.
Spleen 6 is a major point located at a precise point above the inside edge of the ankle bone. Its Chinese name, San Yin Chiao specifies that it is at the junction of the three yin meridians on the leg (Spleen, Liver and Kidney). It travels from the great toe along the inside of the foot, up the inner side of the leg and thigh, through the groin area and abdomen, until it reaches the spIeen. It has branches inside the body which connect it to the stomach, heart, upper chest, neck, larynx, the back of the tongue and the salivary glands. It is crucial in womens' diseases, for example menstrual disorders. It can also be used to correct an abnormal fetal position and to induce labour. It also plays a part in certain male disorders, such as premature ejaculation. This point is also needled to alleviate hypertension, migraine headaches, kidney problems, paralysis of the leg, bleeding, hemorrhoids, painful urination, leg oedema and other conditions. Modern medical research shows that stimulating Spleen 6 activates the autonomic reflex circuit so that nerves may conduct impulses toward the central nervous system which may respond with nerve impulses directed back toward the periphery, as well as internal organs. It has been shown to stimulate the pancreatic cells that secrete insulin. and thereby decrease sugar in the blood. Imbalance in the Spleen meridian can cause weakness, abdominal distention, belching, poor appetite and diarrhoea.
The Kidney energy is responsible for the integrity and daily workings of the central nervous system, brain, musculo-skeletal, reproductive and urinary systems. It controls all the developmental stages of life (partly through the inherited energy termed jing), ultimately influencing all cellular life. In collaboration with other systems, it regulates the body's metabolic processes. For example, with the heart energy, it can regulate blood pressure. Traditional Chinese Medicine views childhood asthma as a manifestation of early Kidney malfunction, spilling over into the Lung's domain. The Kidney relates closely to the Liver. The Kidney generates energy, whereas the Liver circulates it.
One of the main functions of the Liver energy system is storage of Blood. It controls nourishment through the Blood and regulates, building, breakdown, cleaning and recycling of tissue. It is the foremost line of defense against stress. Because of its close relationship to Blood, it has the capacity to restore itself and, therefore, the body as a whole. If an emotion triggers the nervous system, it alerts the Kidney system through the thyroid gland and adrenals (the endocrine system being a function of kidney and spleen energy), which sends signals to the Liver system. This circulates a flow of energy that activates the spleen system, moving energy to the mind (the Spleen's domain), as well as activating the Blood to move muscles and nerves into physical action.
The Heart channel and its energies embody the soul or spirit (shen). This energy allows increased awareness, drive and mental ability. It therefore influences creativity, love and inspiration. Inhibition of heart energy by an emotional disturbance will effect the Spirit and the circulation. The Heart maintains the nervous system, circulation, sleep, mental health and creativity.
The Spleen system influences digestion, absorption and metabolic breakdown of ingested food, transforming it into necessary energy, and thereby feeding all the other organs. Deficiency of the Spleen not only causes digestive disorders, but also can cause difficulty in assimilating information, resulting in incoherence, illogical thinking, fixed ideas, poor concentration, and poor communication.
The channels function as an integrated functioning whole. Traditional Chinese Medicine takes into account the Mind-Body and Spiritual function of the whole person. Many pieces of information about the person can be pieced together to formulate a Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis. Correction of the disorder may be achieved by accessing the Organ systems and redirecting energy and Blood flow through the specific acupuncture points which lie along the Meridians.