Pathways:
The pathways of the twelve meridians follow certain rules.The three Yin meridians of the hand all originate from the chest, traveling from the chest to the hands, where they intersect with their corresponding Yang meridians at the fingertips;The three Yang meridians of the hand all start from the fingertips, traveling from the hands to the head, where they intersect with their corresponding Yang meridians of the feet on the face;The three Yang meridians of the feet all originate from the face, traveling from the head to the feet, where they intersect with their corresponding Yin meridians at the toes;The three Yin meridians of the feet all start from the toes, traveling from the feet to the abdominal cavity, then ascending into the chest, where they intersect with the three Yin meridians of the hands.Both the three Yang meridians of the hands and feet converge at the face, hence the face is referred to as the “Meeting of All Yangs”.
Interconnections:
1. The Yin and Yang meridians that correspond to each other connect at the extremities of the limbs.
The Yin and Yang meridians that correspond to each other form six pairs, all connecting at the extremities of the limbs.Among them, the Taiyin Lung Meridian (Shou Taiyin Fei Jing) connects with the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (Shou Yangming Da Chang Jing) at the tip of the index finger, the Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing) connects with the Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Shou Taiyang Xiao Chang Jing) at the tip of the little finger, and the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xin Bao Jing) connects with the Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (Shou Shaoyang San Jiao Jing) at the tip of the ring finger;The Yangming Stomach Meridian (Zu Yangming Wei Jing) connects with the Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Zu Taiyin Pi Jing) at the big toe, the Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Zu Taiyang Pang Guang Jing) connects with the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Zu Shaoyin Shen Jing) at the little toe, and the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (Zu Shaoyang Dan Jing) connects with the Jueyin Liver Meridian (Zu Jueyin Gan Jing) at the area behind the toenail of the big toe.
2. The same-named hand and foot Yang meridians connect at the face.
There are three pairs of same-named hand and foot Yang meridians, all connecting at the face.Among them, the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and the Yangming Stomach Meridian connect beside the nostrils, the Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and the Taiyang Bladder Meridian connect at the inner canthus of the eyes, and the Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian connect at the outer canthus of the eyes.
3. The hand and foot Yin meridians connect in the chest.
There are three pairs of hand and foot Yin meridians, all connecting in the internal organs of the chest, among which the Taiyin Spleen Meridian connects with the Shaoyin Heart Meridian in the heart, the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects with the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian in the chest, and the Jueyin Liver Meridian connects with the Taiyin Lung Meridian in the lungs.
The connection rules of the twelve meridians
Distribution rules:
The distribution of the twelve meridians throughout the body can be divided into two aspects: internal and superficial.
1. Distribution of the twelve meridians internally
The internal distribution of the twelve meridians is generally longitudinal, but each meridian has varying degrees of twists, turns, and interconnections.Therefore, there are many crossings and intersections between the twelve meridians and between the twelve meridians and the collaterals, extraordinary vessels, and connecting vessels.Except for a few special cases, crossings generally occur after intersections and lead to the opposite side;intersections mostly follow the original pathway after crossing.This creates complex and diverse connections among various parts of the body, reflecting the holistic view of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2. Distribution of the twelve meridians superficially
(1) In the limbs:The general rule for the distribution of the twelve meridians in the limbs is that the Yin meridians are located on the inner side, while the Yang meridians are on the outer side.The inner side consists of the three Yin meridians, while the outer side consists of the three Yang meridians.
On the inner side of the upper limb, the Taiyin is at the front edge, the Jueyin is at the midline, and the Shaoyin is at the back edge;on the outer side, the Yangming is at the front edge, the Shaoyang is at the midline, and the Taiyang is at the back edge.
On the inner side of the lower limb, the Taiyin is at the front edge, the Jueyin is at the midline (at 8 cun above the inner ankle, the Taiyin and Jueyin cross, thus on the dorsum of the foot to 8 cun above the inner ankle, the Jueyin is at the front edge, and the Taiyin is at the midline), and the Shaoyin is at the back edge;on the outer side, the Yangming is at the front edge, the Shaoyang is at the midline, and the Taiyang is at the back edge.
(2) In the head and face:The hand and foot Yangming meridians run along the face and forehead, the hand and foot Shaoyang meridians run along the sides of the head, and the hand and foot Taiyang meridians run along the cheeks, forehead, top of the head, and back of the head.
(3) In the trunk:The three Yang meridians of the hands run along the shoulder blades;the three Yin meridians of the hands all emerge from the armpits;among the three Yang meridians of the feet, the Yangming meridian runs along the front of the chest and abdomen, the Taiyang meridian runs along the back, and the Shaoyang meridian runs along the sides;the three Yin meridians of the feet all run along the abdominal surface, with the order of distribution from the inside out being Shaoyin, Yangming, Taiyin, and Jueyin.
The pathways of the twelve meridians in the chest, abdomen, back, head, face, and limbs are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the body, totaling twenty-four.
Interior-Exterior and Connecting Rules
The two meridians that correspond to each other connect at the extremities of the limbs, each following a relative position on the inner and outer sides of the limbs.Each of the twelve meridians is directly connected to its corresponding organ, referred to as “belonging”;each of the twelve meridians is connected to the corresponding organ of the opposite meridian, referred to as “connecting”.The Yin meridians belong to the organs, while the Yang meridians belong to the viscera.For example, the Taiyin Lung Meridian belongs to the Lung and connects to the Large Intestine, while the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian belongs to the Large Intestine and connects to the Lung.
The two meridians that correspond to each other are also interconnected through the connecting vessels; their collaterals, besides passing through the corresponding organs, also connect with the six Yin meridians after they emerge from the body surface, merging into the six Yang meridians that correspond to each other.This further strengthens the connection between the two corresponding meridians.
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels refer to the Ren Meridian (Ren Mai), Du Meridian (Du Mai), Chong Meridian (Chong Mai), Dai Meridian (Dai Mai), Yin Qiao Meridian (Yin Qiao Mai), Yang Qiao Meridian (Yang Qiao Mai), Yin Wei Meridian (Yin Wei Mai), and Yang Wei Meridian (Yang Wei Mai). Unlike the twelve regular meridians, they do not directly connect to the organs and do not have an interior-exterior relationship, thus their pathways are unique and irregular, hence they are called extraordinary vessels.
Functions:
1. To communicate the connections between the twelve meridians;
2. To regulate the accumulation and distribution of Qi and blood in the twelve meridians.
1. Ren Meridian:Runs along the midline of the abdomen, its pathway frequently intersects with the three Yin meridians and the Yin Wei Meridian, thus it is called the “Sea of Yin Meridians”. The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus and is related to women’s pregnancy, hence it is said to “govern the uterus and fetus”.
2. Du Meridian:Runs along the midline of the back, its pathway frequently intersects with the three Yang meridians and the Yang Wei Meridian, thus it is called the “Sea of Yang Meridians”. The Du Meridian runs along the spine, ascends into the brain, and branches off from the spine to connect with the kidneys, having a close relationship with the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys.
3. Chong Meridian:Ascends to the head and descends to the feet, penetrating the entire body; it serves as a crucial junction for Qi and blood, regulating the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians, hence it is called the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians” and also referred to as the “Sea of Blood”. It is related to women’s menstruation.
4. Dai Meridian:Originates from the lateral costal region, slants downward to the Dai Meridian point, encircling the body like a belt, capable of restraining the meridians that run vertically.
5, 6. Yin Qiao Meridian, Yang Qiao Meridian:Qiao implies agility and quickness. They nourish the eyes, control the opening and closing of the eyelids, and facilitate the movement of the lower limbs.
7, 8. Yin Wei Meridian, Yang Wei Meridian:Wei implies connection. The function of the Yin Wei Meridian is to “connect the Yin meridians”; the function of the Yang Wei Meridian is to “connect the Yang meridians”.
The twelve meridians are the main channels, while the eight vessels are the connecting channels.
1. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Du Meridian
1. Pathway:The Du Meridian originates from the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, travels posteriorly to the Changqiang point at the sacrococcygeal region, ascends along the spine, passes through the nape to the Fengfu point, enters the brain, belongs to the brain, ascends along the midline of the head to the Baihui point at the top of the head, descends through the forehead to the Su Liao point at the tip of the nose, passes through the philtrum, and reaches the Ging Jiao point at the center of the upper gums.
2. Branches:The first branch, originating from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and at the coccyx, it merges with the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and the Taiyang Bladder Meridian, penetrating the spine and belonging to the kidneys. The second branch ascends directly from the lower abdomen through the navel, travels upward to the heart, reaches the throat, and merges with the Chong and Ren meridians, then encircles the lips and reaches the center below the eyes. The third branch, originating from the inner canthus of the foot Taiyang, ascends to the forehead, meets at the top of the head, connects with the brain, then branches down the nape, along the inner side of the scapula, beside the spine, reaching the waist, and enters the muscles on both sides of the spine, connecting with the kidneys.
3. Physiological Functions
（1）Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yang meridians, serving as the “Sea of Yang Meridians”: The Du Meridian runs along the back, which is Yang, indicating that the Du Meridian has a commanding and supervising role over the Qi of all Yang meridians. Additionally, all six Yang meridians intersect with the Du Meridian at the Dazhui point, indicating that the Du Meridian regulates the Yang meridians, hence it is said to “govern all Yang meridians”.
（2）Reflects the functions of the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord: The Du Meridian belongs to the brain and connects with the kidneys. The kidneys produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow. The relationship between the Du Meridian and the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord is very close.
（3）Governs reproductive functions: The Du Meridian connects with the kidneys, and the kidney Qi is related to reproduction, hence the Du Meridian is associated with reproductive functions.
2. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Ren Meridian
1. Pathway:The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, travels through the Yin Palace, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat (Tiantu point), reaches the inner lower lip, divides to encircle the lips, intersects at the Ging Jiao point of the Du Meridian, and then ascends to the lower eyelid (Chengqi point), connecting with the Yangming meridian.
2. Branches:It penetrates the spine, ascending along the back.
3. Physiological Functions
（1）Regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, serving as the “Sea of Yin Meridians”: The Ren Meridian runs along the midline of the abdomen, which is Yin, indicating that the Ren Meridian has a commanding role over the Qi of all Yin meridians. Additionally, the three Yin meridians of the feet intersect with the Ren Meridian in the lower abdomen, and the three Yin meridians of the hands connect with the Ren Meridian through the three Yin meridians of the feet, thus the Ren Meridian regulates the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians, hence it is said to “govern all Yin meridians”.
（2）Regulates menstruation and nourishes the fetus: The Ren Meridian originates from the uterus, having the function of regulating menstruation and promoting women’s reproductive functions, hence it is said to “govern the uterus and fetus”.
3. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Chong Meridian
1. Pathway:It originates from the uterus, exits at the perineum, and divides into two branches. The ascending branch (the main part of the Chong Meridian) travels along the anterior abdominal wall, near the navel (5 fen beside the navel), ascends, merges with the Shaoyin Meridian, spreads in the chest, then ascends through the throat, encircling the lips; the descending branch travels from the perineum down the inner thigh to the big toe.
2. Physiological Functions
（1）Regulates the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians: The Chong Meridian ascends to the head and descends to the feet, penetrating the entire body, serving as a crucial junction for the Qi and blood of the meridians. When the Qi and blood of the meridians and organs are abundant, the Chong Meridian can store and accumulate them; when they are deficient, the Chong Meridian can supply and replenish them to maintain the normal physiological activities of the body’s tissues and organs. Hence it is referred to as the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians”, “Sea of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels”, and “Sea of Blood”.
（2）Governs reproductive functions: The Chong Meridian originates from the uterus, also known as the “Blood Chamber” or “Sea of Blood”. The Chong Meridian has a role in regulating menstruation. It is closely related to reproductive functions; for women, “when the Chong Meridian is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly, leading to conception”. Conversely, if the Chong Meridian is deficient, it can lead to reproductive dysfunction.
（3）Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi: The Chong Meridian connects with the Shaoyin Meridian, belongs to the Yangming, and connects with the Jueyin and Taiyang. The Chong Meridian has the function of regulating the ascending and descending of Qi in certain organs (mainly the liver, kidneys, and stomach).
4. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Dai Meridian
1. Pathway:The Dai Meridian originates from the lateral costal region, slants downward, intersects at the Dai Meridian point of the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, encircles the body like a belt, and then descends along the upper edge of the hip bone to the lower abdomen.
2. Physiological Functions:Restrains the vertical flow of the meridians and governs women’s leukorrhea.
5. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yin Qiao Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yin Qiao Meridian originates from the inner side of the heel at the Zhaohai point of the Shaoyin Meridian, ascends through the inner ankle, along the inner side of the thigh, enters the anterior genital area, ascends along the abdominal surface to the chest, reaches the Xuepen point in the chest, ascends beside the Adam’s apple to the Ren Meridian’s Tian Tu point, and reaches the side of the nose, connecting with the Taiyang and Yang Qiao meridians, ascending.
2. Physiological Functions:Controls the opening and closing of the eyes and the movement of the muscles.
6. The Pathway and Physiological Functions of the Yang Qiao Meridian
1. Pathway:The Yang Qiao Meridian originates from the Jinmen point of the Taiyang Meridian, passes over the outer ankle, ascends alongside the Shaoyang Meridian, along the outer side of the thigh, through the trunk’s posterior lateral side, from the back of the neck, forward to the forehead, distributing to the side of the head and the back of the neck, connecting with the Du Meridian.
2. Physiological Functions:Maintains the Yang meridians.