The meridians are the body’s natural pharmacy, and to control this divine treasure, it is sufficient to understand the operational principles of the 12 meridians. This is the essence of the entire meridian theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
There are over three hundred acupuncture points on the 12 meridians, and it is unnecessary to memorize them all. Now, you just need to follow me step by step, and it will be much easier.
1. First, familiarize yourself with the names of the 12 meridians:
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing), Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Zu Shaoyin Shen Jing), Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xinbao Jing), Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (Zu Jueyin Gan Jing), Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (Shou Taiyin Fei Jing), Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Zu Taiyin Pi Jing), Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Shou Taiyang Xiao Chang Jing), Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Zu Taiyang Pang Guang Jing), Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (Shou Shaoyang San Jiao Jing), Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (Zu Shaoyang Dan Jing), Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (Shou Yangming Da Chang Jing), Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (Zu Yangming Wei Jing)
2. Understand why they are named this way?
These 12 meridians are connected to the 12 organs of the body, so these meridians are named after the connected organs. Among them, the Sanjiao refers to the entire chest and abdomen, and the Pericardium is a protective area for the heart, serving as a barrier for the heart, while the others are relatively easy to understand.
Remembering the names of these 12 organs is very important. If you feel discomfort in any part of your body, check which meridian passes through that area, and you will find the corresponding meridian. From the arrangement of the 12 meridians, they are divided into two groups: one group is based on the hands and feet, and the other group is based on Yin and Yang.
The division by hands and feet indicates that there are 6 meridians on the hands and arms, and 6 meridians on the feet and legs.
The division by Yin and Yang indicates that there are 3 Yin meridians on the inner side of the arms and legs; there are also 3 Yang meridians on the outer side of the arms and legs.
What do Shaoyin, Jueyin, Taiyin, Taiyang, Shaoyang, and Yangming represent? They represent the heaviness and lightness of Yin energy, and the abundance and weakness of Yang energy.
Shaoyin has the heaviest Yin energy, so it is placed innermost on the inner side of the arms and legs.
Jueyin has lighter Yin energy than Shaoyin but heavier than Taiyin, so it is placed in the middle.
Taiyin has the lightest Yin energy, so it is placed on the outermost side.
Taiyang has the most abundant Yang energy, like the midday sun, so it is placed on the outermost side of the arms and legs.
Shaoyang has slightly weaker Yang energy than Taiyang, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning, so it is placed in the middle of the outer side.
Yangming has weaker Yang energy than Shaoyang, like the dawn light, so it is placed on the innermost side of the outer side.
Why did our ancestors subdivide Yin and Yang to such an extent? It is to remind you to pay attention to the balance of Yin and Yang when using the meridians. This balance of Yin and Yang includes the balance between meridians, the balance between the body and meridians, and the balance between meridians and nature.
The balance of Yin and Yang between the body and meridians requires you to choose meridians based on the strength of your body. For example, if the body is weak, it is best to first choose Yang meridians for massage to replenish the Zhengqi (vital energy), and only after the Zhengqi is replenished should you touch the Yin meridians; if the body is healthy, both Yin and Yang meridians can be massaged.
The balance of Yin and Yang between meridians and nature is related to the temperature of the four seasons. In summer, when Yang energy is most vigorous, even those with weak bodies can unblock the Yin meridians at this time. The theory of Yin and Yang balance can also be applied to the techniques used in massage, such as using tonifying techniques for Yin meridian massage and dispersing techniques for Yang meridian massage.
3. What are the tonifying and dispersing techniques in massage?
Generally speaking, massaging along the meridian is tonifying, while massaging against the meridian is dispersing.
Light pressure during massage is tonifying, while heavy pressure is dispersing.
Short duration of massage is tonifying, while long duration is dispersing.
Small area of massage is tonifying, while large area is dispersing.
4. Do we need to memorize all over three hundred acupuncture points?
In TCM, there is a saying during meridian massage called “using pain as a point,” which means that the painful area is the acupuncture point for massage. For example, if you know you have a heart condition, you can slowly press along the Heart Meridian (Xin Jing) and Pericardium Meridian (Xinbao Jing) to feel the sensations along the entire meridian.
If some areas feel sore, some feel sharp pain, some feel numbness, and some feel sour or swollen, then you should focus your massage on the most painful area, kneading and loosening the disease, and even using cupping, moxibustion, or tapping can be effective. The more pronounced the pain, the more you should persist in stimulating that area, and your body’s condition will improve quickly.
Some people may know they have heart disease, but when pressing on these two meridians, they do not feel significant pain. In this case, you should check both arms;
Because the meridians in the body are symmetrical and consistent, but when there is illness, the responses of the left and right meridians may not be the same. The area with significant pain indicates which side the disease is leaning towards, which also indicates that the Qi and blood in that meridian are insufficient and the response is slow. In this case, treatment should focus on dietary therapy first to replenish Qi and blood;
At the same time, slowly feel along this meridian to see if there are any hard lumps, if there is excess flesh, or if it is slightly raised compared to other areas, and then focus on kneading that area. If you only memorize all the acupuncture points but ignore the most painful point, the treatment effect will not be good.
Let’s start with the most commonly used Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Zu Taiyang Pang Guang Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Bladder Meridian”), because this meridian has the most abundant Yang energy and the widest treatment range, making it the most commonly used meridian. The Bladder Meridian starts at the Jingming point at the corner of the eye, ascends over the forehead to the top of the head, runs down the back of the neck, the back, the outer side of the thigh, the back of the calf to the outer side of the little toe, ending at the Zhi Yin point. It has a total of 67 acupuncture points, making it the longest and most acupuncture points of all meridians in the body.
When the Bladder Meridian reaches the Zhi Yin point at the foot, its flow does not stop but continues through the little toe, ascending from the Yong Quan point at the sole of the foot. At this point, the meridian has a new name – Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Zu Shaoyin Shen Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Kidney Meridian”).
Kidney Meridian – starts below the little toe, slants towards the sole of the foot, ascends along the inner edge of the sole and lower limb, passes through the abdomen to the chest, connecting with the next meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xinbao Jing).
From the flow of the Bladder Meridian to the Kidney Meridian, we can see:
1. The meridians are flowing and have a directional flow; the Bladder Meridian flows from top to bottom, while the Kidney Meridian flows from bottom to top.
2. The Bladder Meridian and the Kidney Meridian are actually one connected meridian, only separated at the Zhi Yin point on the outer side of the little toe. The Bladder Meridian runs on the outer side of the body, while the Kidney Meridian runs on the inner side.
Because this Yang and Yin meridian is actually a connected meridian, stimulating the Bladder Meridian will also elicit a response from the Kidney Meridian; stimulating the Kidney Meridian will also elicit a response from the Bladder Meridian, which TCM refers to as “mutually exterior and interior,” and the organs connected by these two meridians – the Kidney and Bladder – also mutually exterior and interior.
3. The Bladder Meridian is the meridian with the most abundant Yang energy among the Yang meridians, while the Kidney Meridian is the meridian with the heaviest Yin energy among the Yin meridians, which perfectly aligns with the characteristics of Yin and Yang balance in TCM.
4. The Bladder Meridian leads, and the Kidney Meridian follows; the Bladder Meridian is the source of the Kidney Meridian. Therefore, methods such as pushing, massaging, and acupuncture performed on the Bladder Meridian can promote the downward flow of the Bladder Meridian, which in turn promotes the Kidney Meridian and nourishes the Kidney.
When performing massage, acupuncture, or other techniques on the Kidney Meridian, if the Kidney Meridian runs faster but the Bladder Meridian cannot keep up, it will create a gap or interruption. This is why patients often experience Qi deficiency when only massaging the Kidney Meridian.
Connected to the Bladder Meridian is the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Shou Taiyang Xiao Chang Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Small Intestine Meridian”).
It starts at the Shao Ze point on the outer side of the little finger, ascends along the outer edge of the upper limb, passes over the shoulder, and divides into two branches: one goes from the neck to the cheek, to the ear, to the eye at the corner of the eye, connecting with the Bladder Meridian, while the other enters the clavicle, into the thoracic cavity, and finally reaches the heart.
This meridian runs on the outer side of the arm, belongs to the Yang meridian, and is connected to the Bladder Meridian, forming a long and complete Taiyang meridian. The Small Intestine Meridian is in front, and the Bladder Meridian is behind. The Small Intestine Meridian is the source of the Bladder Meridian. When the Bladder Meridian is uncomfortable, massaging the Small Intestine Meridian is also effective and often more effective.
The Small Intestine Meridian is also connected to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Heart Meridian”). The Heart Meridian starts at the heart and has several branches: one branch goes down to the Small Intestine, another goes up along the esophagus to the eyes, and another goes up to the lungs, emerging under the armpit, running along the back edge of the upper arm to the inner side of the wrist, reaching the Shao Chong point on the inner side of the little finger, and then continues to the outer side of the little finger to the Small Intestine Meridian’s Shao Ze point, and then ascends.
This is a meridian that transforms from Yin to Yang, a connected and mutually exterior and interior long meridian where the Yin meridian is in front and the Yang meridian is behind. Therefore, massaging the Heart Meridian can not only treat discomfort related to the Heart Meridian, such as the heart, small intestine, lungs, esophagus, and eyes, but also promote and nourish the Small Intestine Meridian. Massaging it can treat diseases of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and legs, as well as kidney diseases.
Whenever there are issues with the neck, shoulders, or waist, you can feel for significant pain points along the outer side of the arm on the Small Intestine Meridian, and you will also feel blockages or pain along the Heart Meridian, so you should start by unblocking the Heart Meridian on the inner side of the arm;
Gently rub from the armpit down to the little finger, and then rub along the outer side of the little finger up to the outer side of the arm, focusing on areas with pain, which can treat all the issues related to the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, and Kidney Meridian.
These four meridians form two long meridian groups that are mutually exterior and interior, starting from the heart, circling around the limbs, and then pushing the Kidney Meridian towards the abdomen and chest.
Which meridian connects with the Heart Meridian in the chest?
This is the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Zu Taiyin Pi Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Spleen Meridian”).
At this point, some may ask, one is Shaoyin, and the other is Taiyin, which seems to disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang. Why is that?
We will discuss this shortly.
After the Kidney Meridian connected to the Bladder Meridian reaches the chest, it connects with the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xinbao Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Pericardium Meridian”). This is a connection between Yin meridians, but one is called Shaoyin and the other Jueyin, with different names and different levels of Yin energy. When the meridian reaches here, it seems that the function and relationship are different from when it was circling around the limbs. Why is that?
Because when the meridian flows to the Kidney Meridian, it is already very weak, so generally, we do not massage the Kidney Meridian too much, as excessive pressure will deplete Qi. At this point, the meridians entering the abdomen and chest need to rest and replenish energy before continuing with another meridian for the next round of circulation.
Therefore, the point with the strongest Qi replenishing effect, the Dan Tian point, is in the abdomen, and the meridians that pass through the abdomen are the already fatigued Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian.
Also passing through the abdomen is the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (Zu Yangming Wei Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Stomach Meridian”), which runs in the opposite direction to the Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian, flowing from the head through the chest and abdomen down to the feet. The Stomach Meridian also needs to replenish energy here to enhance its downward force and strengthen the digestive capacity of the Spleen and Stomach.
The next round of circulation in the limbs starts from the Kidney Meridian passing to the Pericardium Meridian, which runs in the middle of the inner side of the limbs, so connected to it is the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (Shou Shaoyang San Jiao Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Sanjiao Meridian”);
Also connected is the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (Zu Shaoyang Dan Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Gallbladder Meridian”), which connects with the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (Zu Jueyin Gan Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Liver Meridian”). This forms another completely connected and mutually exterior and interior meridian group, ultimately pushing the Liver Meridian towards the lower abdomen and chest to rest and replenish energy before continuing on a different route.
The last round of circulation involves the four meridians, with the Liver Meridian in the chest, passing to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (Shou Taiyin Fei Jing) (hereinafter referred to as “Lung Meridian”). The specific circulation order is as follows:
Lung Meridian → Large Intestine Meridian → Stomach Meridian → Spleen Meridian.
All diseases in the human body can be found along the meridians.
From the above discussion, everyone will understand: in fact, these 12 meridians are divided into 3 major meridian groups. These 3 major meridian groups form a large circle around the limbs and then return to the abdomen and chest, making it easier to remember.
As long as you memorize the meridians in groups, remember the names of the 4 meridians in each group and the names of the organs they connect to. If one of these 4 organs becomes ill, you can start looking for pain points from the source of these 4 meridians, which is the meridian running from the chest to the inner side of the arms, and slowly knead, tap, or scrape to gradually smooth it out. This way, the treatment will not only be effective but will also prevent future complications and recurrences.
The 3 major meridian groups circulating within the body are already clear, but which group comes first and which comes last?
TCM divides them as follows:
Group 1: Running on the outer side, is Lung Meridian → Large Intestine Meridian → Stomach Meridian → Spleen Meridian
Group 2: Running on the inner side, is Heart Meridian → Small Intestine Meridian → Bladder Meridian → Kidney Meridian
Group 3: Running in the middle, is Pericardium Meridian → Sanjiao Meridian → Gallbladder Meridian → Liver Meridian
Additionally, when using meridians to treat diseases, it is important to choose the right time. TCM believes that humans and the universe are closely related as a unified whole, and the human body is actually a microcosm of the universe. All changes in nature (such as the alternation of day and night) are closely related to human life activities.
In ancient China, people divided the 24 hours of a day into 12 time periods, and TCM corresponds each time period to one of the 12 meridians, as shown in the table below.
Group 1:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Yin Time | 3:00–5:00 | Lung Meridian |
| Chen Time | 5:00–7:00 | Large Intestine Meridian |
| Chen Time | 7:00–9:00 | Stomach Meridian |
| Si Time | 9:00–11:00 | Spleen Meridian |
Group 2:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Wu Time | 11:00–13:00 | Heart Meridian |
| Wei Time | 13:00–15:00 | Small Intestine Meridian |
| Shen Time | 15:00–17:00 | Bladder Meridian |
| You Time | 17:00–19:00 | Kidney Meridian |
Group 3:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Xu Time | 19:00–21:00 | Pericardium Meridian |
| Hai Time | 21:00–23:00 | Sanjiao Meridian |
| Zi Time | 23:00–1:00 | Gallbladder Meridian |
| Chou Time | 1:00–3:00 | Liver Meridian |
What is the significance of the 12 time periods corresponding to the 12 meridians?
“Qi and blood arrive at the right time to be abundant; Qi and blood leave when overdue to be deficient. Disperse when abundant, tonify when deficient; rise when timely, close when overdue.” It turns out that these 12 meridians follow a temporal order, just like tides; wherever they flow, that meridian experiences a “high tide,” and at that time, the Qi and blood in that meridian are most vigorous.
Therefore, many practitioners prefer to unblock the meridian with the most vigorous Qi and blood during specific time periods or take herbs to regulate the corresponding organs at that time, achieving twice the result with half the effort. This is the relationship between meridians, organs, and time.
We have divided these 12 meridians into 3 major groups, making it simple to prevent and treat diseases based on time.
If the Lung Meridian, Large Intestine Meridian, Stomach Meridian, or Spleen Meridian experiences discomfort, it is best to massage and treat them in the morning or forenoon.
If the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, or Kidney Meridian experiences discomfort, it is best to massage and treat them at noon or in the afternoon.
If the Pericardium Meridian, Sanjiao Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian, or Liver Meridian experiences discomfort, it is best to massage and treat them in the evening.
For example, for a person with stomach issues, they can find pain points on the Lung Meridian and Large Intestine Meridian on the outer side of the arm in the morning or forenoon, and then find pain points on the Stomach Meridian and Spleen Meridian on the legs, kneading them slowly in order.
For those with neck and shoulder pain or waist issues, they can find pain points on the Heart Meridian and Small Intestine Meridian on the inner side of the arm at noon or in the afternoon, kneading them slowly, and then proceed to massage the painful neck and waist areas.
For those with liver issues, it is best to find pain points on the Pericardium Meridian and Sanjiao Meridian in the middle of the arm in the evening, kneading and unblocking them, and then find painful or blocked areas on the Gallbladder Meridian on the outer side of the legs and the Liver Meridian on the inner side for massage.
For those with good health and sufficient Qi and blood, they can use slightly heavier techniques when unblocking the meridians, applying tapping or scraping methods on painful or blocked areas.
For those who are weak and deficient in Qi and blood, they should not rush when unblocking the meridians; the pressure should be lighter, and the selected acupuncture points and pain points should be fewer. It is best to choose the first two meridians in each group (the arm meridians) for massage, and to avoid touching the last meridians (Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, Spleen Meridian) as much as possible.
Understanding these principles allows you to unblock the meridians based on your physical condition, different seasons, and time, while ensuring the replenishment of Qi and blood and the expulsion of cold and dampness. As long as you apply them properly, everyone can skillfully use the miraculous meridians to safeguard the health of themselves and their loved ones.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the “Dan Tian” mentioned earlier, which is like a nuclear reactor within the body, possessing immense energy.
Various martial arts in our country have always mentioned “Dan Tian.” When cultivated to a certain level, a stream of heat will form in the Dan Tian area, gathering into a tangible form and dispersing into an intangible form. It will circulate along the Ren and Du meridians, which run along the centerline of the body, with the Ren Meridian in front and the Du Meridian behind.
When the Qi flows through the Ren and Du meridians for a complete cycle, it is called “Small Zhou Tian.” This Small Zhou Tian runs along the front of the body through the Ren Meridian, which has a comprehensive effect on all Yin meridians.
The Dan Tian that the Ren Meridian passes through is the place where men store essence and women maintain the womb, also known as the “source of life energy”; while the “Du” in the Du Meridian, which runs along the centerline of the back, has a “supervisory” function, and since the Du Meridian circulates within the spinal cord, it directly connects to the spinal cord and brain;
Thus, it has a significant relationship with a person’s spirit, will, and thoughts. The Ren and Du meridians are also connected to all organs in the body. When the true Qi is sufficient, these five organs and six bowels can be directly nourished.
The functions of the Ren and Du meridians are what TCM refers to as the functions of the “Kidney.” TCM believes that the Kidney is the “foundation of pre-natal essence” and also states that the formation of the fetus begins in the Kidney, hence the saying, “Before this body exists, there are already two Kidneys; therefore, the Kidney is the root of the organs and the foundation of the twelve meridians.”
The functions of the Kidney include: storing essence, governing reproduction, controlling the Mingmen fire, warming and illuminating the whole body, governing bones, governing marrow, governing blood production, governing water, and governing the intake of Qi.
Throughout history, many internal cultivation methods have been able to generate and nourish Qi, which essentially involves unblocking the Small Zhou Tian and the larger Zhou Tian based on the 12 meridians. Therefore, some high monks meditate in silence, abstaining from food and drink, using the internal cultivation they have developed to nourish their bodies and promote the flow of meridians, ensuring the longevity of life.
Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Wuqinxi are also forms of gentle Qigong exercises that unblock the meridians.
If you can cultivate internal energy or persist in meditating every night, allowing the Qi in your Dan Tian to fill and promote the flow of all meridians, it would be ideal, but it is difficult for ordinary people to achieve. However, we can replenish Qi and blood through dietary therapy, which over time can achieve the same effect.
Palpation of the Meridians
Using the fingertips to sense the abnormal responses of the meridians and acupuncture points. This method is simple, easy to perform, and accurate (it is one of the essential diagnostic methods in acupuncture clinical practice).
Method: Touch along the meridian; if there is heat, swelling, strong elasticity, significant tenderness, or subcutaneous hardening, it indicates that the meridian Qi is abundant; if the surface temperature is low, lacks elasticity, feels sore or numb when pressed, or sinks down, it indicates that the meridian Qi is deficient.
When palpating, if there are hard lumps, tenderness, sensitivity, or quick sensations, this point is a disease point. Strong tenderness often indicates a solid condition; quick sensations often indicate a deficient condition. Disease points help clarify the diagnosis, and needling or moxibustion at these points often yields good results.
Palpation order: Back Shu points, Front Mu points, Local points, Yuan points, Luo points, Special examination points, Sensitive points, and Sensitive areas, etc. Detailed palpation of suspected disease meridians is necessary.
The key points for palpation of the twelve meridians
1. Lung Meridian: Lung Shu, Zhongfu, Kongzui, Gaoman, Chize.
When the Lung Meridian has excess heat, there is tenderness 0.5 inches beside the thoracic vertebrae 1-3, and tenderness is also present at the Shanzhong and Daju points. When the Qi of the Lung Meridian is obstructed, there is tenderness at the Dan Zhong point.
When the Lung Meridian is deficient and cold: Fengmen and Dazhu have a feeling of heaviness.
For hemoptysis or hematochezia: Kongzui has tenderness, or there is a feeling of heaviness when pressed. When the Qi is deficient, the Gaohuang point appears swollen or elastic, and the skin temperature is low.
2. Large Intestine Meridian: Large Intestine Shu, Tian Kou, Wen Liu, Qu Chi, He Gu.
When the Qi is abundant or there is an obstruction in excretion, there is tenderness at Qu Chi, Lung Shu, Tian Shu, and Qizhu. When the Qi is stagnant, there is tenderness at Daju. In cases of enteritis, Shou San Li, Shang Ju Xu, and Tian Shu show significant tenderness, and the skin temperature is higher than adjacent points. In chronic enteritis, the skin temperature is lower, and there is a quick sensation.
3. Stomach Meridian: Stomach Shu, Zhong Yuan, Liang Qiu, Zu San Li, Feng Long.
When the Stomach Meridian has excess heat: Zhong Yuan and Liang Qiu have tenderness. When there is excessive gastric acid: Ju Que and Bu Rong show tenderness.
When the Stomach Meridian is deficient and cold: pressing Zhong Wan and Zu San Li feels comfortable. For gastric ulcers: Stomach Shu and its lateral side have sensitive points, and when pressing the buttocks, tenderness radiates below the knee.
Severe stomach pain: Tian Zong has significant tenderness, and pressing it can relieve pain.
4. Spleen Meridian: Spleen Shu, Zhang Men, Di Ji, Da Bao, Spleen Shu.
When there is indigestion or dysfunction of transportation, Spleen Shu, Zhang Men, and Da Bao all have tenderness. When blood circulation is unbalanced, Spleen Shu shows tightness or tenderness. When there is heat in the Spleen or Qi stagnation, Di Ji has significant tenderness. When the Spleen is deficient and causes bloating, pressing Spleen Shu feels heavy or the skin temperature is low.
5. Heart Meridian: Heart Shu, Ju Que, Yin Xi, Shao Hai.
When the Heart Meridian has excess fire: the inner side of Heart Shu has tenderness. For heart valve diseases: Ju Que is swollen, and there are sensitive points from the outer side of Heart Shu to Gaoman. When the Qi is deficient or the function is low: San Yin Jiao, Shui Fen, and Kidney Shu all have tenderness.
6. Small Intestine Meridian: Small Intestine Shu, Guan Yuan, Yang Lao, Xiao Hai, Xia Ju Xu.
For Small Intestine Meridian diseases: Guan Yuan and Yang Lao show responses. When invaded by wind and cold, Tian Zong, Feng Men, and Xiao Hai all have tenderness. When Small Intestine Meridian diseases transfer to the Heart Meridian, pressing Guan Yuan is effective. For moxibustion at Guan Yuan to treat arrhythmia. When Qi of the Small Intestine Meridian is obstructed, shoulder pain occurs, and Xia Ju Xu shows tenderness, which is effective when needled. Pain in the Small Intestine Shu area shows tenderness at Yang Lao, which is effective when needled.
7. Bladder Meridian: Bladder Shu, Zhong Ji, Jin Men, Wei Zhong, Kun Lun, Tian Zhu, Ba Liao.
When the Qi is abundant: Wei Zhong has high skin temperature, and the collaterals are full. When there is damp heat descending and Qi is obstructed, Zhong Ji, Jin Men, and Bladder Shu have tenderness. When invaded by wind and cold, Tian Zhu, Ba Liao, and Cheng Shan show tenderness. When the Qi is deficient, pressing Zhong Ji and Bladder Shu feels quick.
8. Kidney Meridian: Kidney Shu, Jing Men, Shui Quan, Shui Fen, Huang Shu.
When there is a disease in the Kidney Meridian: Shui Quan, Shui Fen, and Huang Shu all show tenderness. When the Kidney is diseased: Kidney Shu and Jing Men have tenderness. When the Kidney’s excretory function is impaired, the Zhi Bin point shows a positive response (hardness, tenderness). Therefore, moxibustion at Zhi Bin has a detoxifying effect. When there are urinary system issues, Ba Liao shows tenderness.
9. Pericardium Meridian: Jueyin Shu, Dan Zhong, Xie Men, Da Ling.
When emotions are unsettled, and laughter and tears are unpredictable: Dan Zhong and Xie Men both show significant tenderness. For women with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or lower abdominal blood stasis, pressing to Xie Men shows tightness or tenderness, which can regulate menstruation and relieve pain. For palpitations, pressing Jueyin Shu and Dan Zhong can relieve symptoms, and moxibustion is also effective.
10. Sanjiao Meridian: Sanjiao Shu, Shi Men, Wei Yang, Hui Zong.
When Qi is obstructed, Hui Zong, Wei Yang, and Shi Men all show tenderness. When Qi is abundant, the area around Sanjiao Shu is tight, and Hui Zong shows strong tenderness. For urinary retention, if the Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian is not expressed, Shi Men shows fullness.
11. Gallbladder Meridian: Gallbladder Shu, Ri Yue, Tian Zong, Jing, Yang Ling Quan, Wai Qiu.
When there is cholecystitis, Ri Yue, Jing Men, and Tian Zong show tenderness. When the Gallbladder Meridian has excess heat: Wai Qiu has high skin temperature. When Qi is deficient: pressing Gallbladder Shu and Ri Yue feels comfortable.
12. Liver Meridian: Liver Shu, Qi Men, Zhong Du, Qu Quan.
When Qi is stagnant (insomnia, irritability, hypertension): Liver Shu often shows swelling and tenderness, and Zhong Du shows strong tenderness. For hepatitis (excess heat in the Qi), there is a sensitive area from two inches above the inner ankle to Zhong Du, and Yang Ling Quan and Wai Qiu may also show tenderness. For sexual dysfunction: pressing Qu Quan causes pain or heaviness.
By using the above methods to identify the disease meridian and points, combined with the four examinations and eight principles, you can determine the cause, location, and nature of the disease, and propose effective treatment plans.
【You can remember the distribution pattern of the meridians without rote memorization】
Order of meridian flow:
Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian → Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian Taiyin (most abundant Yin) → Yangming (most abundant Yang)
Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian → Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian Yangming (most abundant Yang) → Taiyin (most abundant Yin)
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian → Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian Shaoyin (second most abundant Yin) → Taiyang (second most abundant Yang) (second most abundant Yang)
Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian → Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian Taiyang (second most abundant Yang) → Shaoyin (second most abundant Yin) (second most abundant Yin)
Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian → Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian Jueyin (least abundant Yin) → Shaoyang (least abundant Yang) (least abundant Yang)
Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian → Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian Shaoyang (least abundant Yang) → Jueyin (least abundant Yin)
Yin and Yang represent the Yin and Yang attributes of the meridians and the abundance of Yin and Yang Qi. One Yin and one Yang evolve into three Yin and three Yang.
From abundant to deficient, they are:
Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin → Yangming, Taiyang, Shaoyang
Taiyin → Yangming
Shaoyin → Taiyang
Jueyin → Shaoyang
Yang meridians connect with Yang meridians (in the head and face), Yangming → Yangming, Taiyang → Taiyang, Shaoyang → Shaoyang
Yin meridians connect with the next Yin meridian (in the chest and abdomen), Taiyin → Shaoyin, Shaoyin → Jueyin, Jueyin → Taiyin
Yin meridians connect with the same abundant Yang meridian (exterior meridian), Taiyin → Yangming, Shaoyin → Taiyang, Jueyin → Shaoyang
Yang meridians connect with the same abundant Yin meridian (exterior meridian), Yangming → Taiyin, Taiyang → Shaoyin, Shaoyang → Jueyin
Hand Yin meridians flow from the chest (abdomen) to the hand → Hand Yang meridians flow from the hand to the head → Foot Yang meridians flow from the head to the foot → Foot Yin meridians flow from the foot to the chest (abdomen)
Yang meridians run on the outer side of the body, while Yin meridians run on the inner side (outer is Yang, inner is Yin) – like sunlight reaching and not reaching.
Yang meridians run on the back of the body, while Yin meridians run on the abdomen (back is Yang, abdomen is Yin) – facing the yellow earth with the back to the sky.
Taiyin and Yangming (most abundant) are in front; Shaoyin and Taiyang (second most abundant) are behind; Jueyin and Shaoyang (least abundant) are in the middle.
【Note】
Up to 8 inches above the inner ankle, the Foot Jueyin Meridian and Foot Taiyin Meridian intersect, with the Jueyin Meridian running before the Taiyin Meridian, the Taiyin Meridian in the middle, and the Yangming Meridian still at the back.
Continuing this logic leads to:
Hand Taiyin → Hand Yangming → Foot Yangming → Foot Taiyin → (Hand Shaoyin)
Hand Shaoyin → Hand Taiyang → Foot Taiyang → Foot Shaoyin → (Hand Jueyin)
Hand Jueyin → Hand Shaoyang → Foot Shaoyang → Foot Jueyin → (Hand Taiyin)
Finally, remember the mnemonic: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Sanjiao, Gallbladder, Liver. (Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Sanjiao, Gallbladder, Liver)
Corresponding:
Hand Taiyin (Lung) → Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) → Foot Yangming (Stomach) → Foot Taiyin (Spleen) → (Hand Shaoyin)
Hand Shaoyin (Heart) → Hand Taiyang (Small Intestine) → Foot Taiyang (Bladder) → Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) → (Hand Jueyin)
Hand Jueyin (Pericardium) → Hand Shaoyang (Sanjiao) → Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) → Foot Jueyin (Liver) → (Hand Taiyin)
Acupuncture Point Mnemonics
1. Syncope – Water Ditch, Zhong Chong, Yong Quan, Zu San Li.
Mnemonic: To wake up from syncope, you must be in the water ditch by the spring in the mountains.
2. Collapse – Su Jiao, Water Ditch, Nei Guan.
Mnemonic: For collapse, you must quickly (Su) close the water ditch.
3. Convulsions – Bai Hui, Yin Tang, Ren Zhong, He Gu, Tai Chong.
Mnemonic: In the hall (Ren Zhong), the fragrance of Bai He causes convulsions.
4. Wind Stroke – Twelve Jing Points, Water Ditch, Tai Chong, Feng Long.
Mnemonic: Wind stroke is caused by the foul air of the twelve water ditches, and with a bang (Feng), it falls to the ground.
5. Wind Stroke Collapse – Guan Yuan, Shen Que (Gua Jiang Moxibustion). Sweating with Yin Xi, Fu Liu, and urinary incontinence with San Yin Jiao.
Mnemonic: Wind stroke collapse will cause the spirit to leave the body.
6. Dysmenorrhea – (Excess) Zhong Ji, Ci Liao, Di Ji. (Deficiency) Qi Hai, Guan Yuan, Zu San Li, San Yin Jiao.
Mnemonic: Excess pain is due to Zhong Ji eating (Ci Liao) low-grade (Di Ji) food. Deficiency pain is due to the three Yin days in the mountains without Qi Hai closing the circle (Yuan).
7. Internal Organ Cramping
(1) Heart Cramping – Heart Shu, Jueyin Shu, Nei Guan, Dan Zhong.
Mnemonic: Heart cramping requires resting in the inner hall; the calmer the heart, the better the feeling.
(2) Acute Cholecystitis, Gallstones – Gallbladder Shu, Liver Shu, Ri Yue, Qi Men, Yang Ling Quan, Gallbladder Point.
Mnemonic: Gallbladder diseases are treated by the liver and gallbladder; Ri Yue is continuous, and Qi Men opens itself, and Yang Ling is all about this.
(3) Gallbladder Ascaris – Ying Xiang through Si Bai, Jiu Wei through Ri Yue, Gallbladder Point, Zhong Wan, Yang Ling Quan.
Mnemonic: The nine tails steal the sun and moon; do you want (Ying Xiang) to steal Si Bai? Passing by Yang Ling, gallbladder fear early morning and evening.
(4) Kidney Cramping – Kidney Shu, Sanjiao Shu, Guan Yuan, Yin Ling Quan, San Yin Jiao.
Mnemonic: Kidney cramping only requires the Yang Ling Quan of the Grand View Garden; three calls and three responses will heal the kidney.
8. Toothache – He Gu, Xia Guan, Jia Che.
Mnemonic: Why (He Gu) get off the car? Toothache!
9. High Fever – Da Zhui, Twelve Jing, Ten Xuan, Qu Chi, He Gu.
Mnemonic: Why take the twelve jin Da Zhui to the pool? It is to release the heat.
10. Vascular Headache
(1) External Headache – Bai Hui, Tai Yang, Feng Chi, He Gu.
Mnemonic: Why (He Gu) does the sun and wind always visit (Bai Hui) me? It makes my head hurt!
(2) Internal Injury Headache
A. Liver Yang Headache – Bai Hui, Feng Chi, Tai Chong, Tai Xi.
Mnemonic: The mercy (Chi) and joy (Xi) visit Tai Zong (Tai Chong), and great anger causes the liver Yang to rise.
B. Kidney Deficiency Headache – Bai Hui, Kidney Shu, Spleen Shu, Zu San Li.
Mnemonic: Walking three miles to visit a friend, the friend says: I have both spleen and kidney deficiency, causing kidney deficiency headache.
C. Blood Deficiency Headache – Bai Hui, Heart Shu, Spleen Shu, Zu San Li.
Mnemonic: Walking three miles to visit a friend, the friend says: I have both heart and spleen deficiency, causing blood deficiency headache.
D. Phlegm Turbidity Headache – Tou Wei, Tai Yang, Feng Long, Yin Ling Quan.
Phlegm turbidity headache can cause fullness in the head and temples, possibly due to excessive turbidity at Yin Ling Quan.
E. Blood Stasis Headache – A Shi point, He Gu, Xue Hai, San Yin Jiao.
Why does blood stasis cause headache? It is due to the intersection of three Yin Qi at San Yin Jiao!
11. Acute Lumbar Strain – Kidney Shu, Waist Eye, Wei Zhong.
For lumbar strain, rub the kidney area and listen to soothing music.
12. Vomiting – Zhong Wan, Nei Guan, Zu San Li.
In the water ditch, walking three miles, Zhong Wan feels uncomfortable, and vomits.
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