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, just 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 12 organs in the human body, so they are named after the organs they connect. 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, you can see which meridian passes through that area, and it will correspond.
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.Shaoyin, Jueyin, Taiyin, Taiyang, Shaoyang, and Yangming represent the intensity of Yin and Yang Qi.Shaoyin has the heaviest Yin Qi, so it is placed deepest on the inner side of the arms and legs.Jueyin has lighter Yin Qi than Shaoyin but heavier than Taiyin, so it is placed in the middle.Taiyin has the lightest Yin Qi, so it is placed on the outermost side.Taiyang has the most abundant Yang Qi, like the midday sun, so it is placed on the outermost side of the arms and legs.Shaoyang has slightly weaker Yang Qi 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 Qi 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 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 Zheng Qi; Yin meridians should be approached only after Zheng Qi is replenished; if the body is strong, 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, Yang Qi is most vigorous, so even those with weak bodies can unblock Yin meridians at this time. The theory of Yin and Yang balance can also be applied to the techniques used in massage; for example, the massage of Yin meridians is best done with a tonifying method, while the massage of Yang meridians can use a draining method.3. What are the tonifying and draining techniques in massage?
Generally speaking, massaging along the meridian is tonifying, while massaging against the meridian is draining.
Light pressure during massage is tonifying, while heavy pressure is draining.Short duration of massage is tonifying, while long duration is draining.Small area of massage is tonifying, while large area is draining.4. Do I need to memorize all over three hundred acupuncture points?In TCM, there is a saying during meridian massage called “pain indicates the point”; that is, 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 corresponding Heart Meridian and Pericardium Meridian to feel the sensations along the entire meridian. If some areas feel sore, some feel sharp pain, some feel numb, and some feel swollen, then you should focus your massage on the most painful area to relieve the condition, even using cupping, moxibustion, or tapping; 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 issues, 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 where the illness is leaning, which also shows 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, while slowly checking the meridian for any hard lumps or protrusions, and then focus on massaging 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 (hereinafter referred to as “Bladder Meridian”). This meridian has the most abundant Yang Qi and the widest treatment range, so it is also 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, and ends at the Zhiyin point on the outer side of the little toe. It has a total of 67 acupuncture points, making it the longest and most acupuncture points of any meridian in the body.When the Bladder Meridian reaches the Zhiyin point on the little toe, its flow does not stop but continues through the little toe to ascend from the Yongquan point at the center of the foot. At this point, the meridian has a new name – Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Kidney Meridian”).The Kidney Meridian starts below the little toe, slants towards the center of the foot, ascends along the inner edge of the foot and lower limb, passes through the abdomen, reaches the chest, and connects with the next meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.From 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 Kidney Meridian are actually one continuous meridian, only separated at the Zhiyin 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 one Yin and one Yang meridian is actually a connected meridian, stimulating the Bladder Meridian will also affect the Kidney Meridian; stimulating the Kidney Meridian will also affect the Bladder Meridian, which TCM refers to as “mutually exterior and interior”; the organs connected by these two meridians – the kidneys and bladder – also mutually exterior and interior.3. The Bladder Meridian is the meridian with the most abundant Yang Qi among the Yang meridians, while the Kidney Meridian is the meridian with the heaviest Yin Qi 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, so the methods of massage, acupuncture, and other unblocking techniques performed on the Bladder Meridian can promote the downward flow of the Bladder Meridian, which in turn stimulates the Kidney Meridian and nourishes the kidneys.When performing massage, acupuncture, etc., on the Kidney Meridian, if the Kidney Meridian runs faster but the Bladder Meridian cannot keep up, there will be 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 (hereinafter referred to as “Small Intestine Meridian”). It starts at the Shaoze 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, 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 meridians, 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 than massaging the Bladder Meridian alone.The Small Intestine Meridian is also connected to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (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, one goes up along the esophagus to the eyes, and another goes up to the lungs, exits under the armpit, and runs along the back edge of the upper arm to the inner wrist, reaching the Shaochong point on the inner side of the little finger, then continues to the outer side of the little finger to the Shaoze point of the Small Intestine Meridian, and then ascends again.This is a meridian that transforms from Yin to Yang, a connected, 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, if you touch the outer side of the arm at the Small Intestine Meridian, you will find significant pain points; similarly, touching the corresponding Heart Meridian will also reveal blockages and pain. Therefore, it is essential to unblock the Heart Meridian on the inner side of the arm, gently rubbing from the armpit down to the little finger, and then rubbing from the outer side of the little finger up to the outer side of the arm, focusing on areas with pain. This way, you can treat all the issues related to the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, and Kidney Meridian.These four meridians form two long connected groups of exterior and interior meridians, starting from the heart, circling around the limbs, and 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 (hereinafter referred to as “Spleen Meridian”). At this point, some may ask, one is Shaoyin, and the other is Taiyin; it seems that balance in Yin and Yang cannot be achieved. 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 (hereinafter referred to as “Pericardium Meridian”). This is a connection between Yin meridians and Yin meridians, but one is called Shaoyin and the other Jueyin, with different names and different levels of Yin Qi. When the meridians reach this point, their functions and relationships seem different from when they were circling around the limbs. Why is that? Because when the meridians have traveled this far, they are already quite weak, so generally, we do not massage the Kidney Meridian too much; excessive pressure will deplete Qi. At this point, the meridians entering the abdomen and chest need to rest and replenish energy before continuing to the next round of circulation in the limbs. Therefore, the Dantian point in the abdomen, which has the strongest Qi replenishing effect, is where the exhausted Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian return.Also passing through the abdomen is the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Stomach Meridian”). This meridian also passes through the abdomen, but its direction of flow is different from that of the Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian, as it runs 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 along the inner side of the limbs. Therefore, connected to it is the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Sanjiao Meridian”), which is also connected to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Gallbladder Meridian”) running on the outer side of the legs, and the Gallbladder Meridian is connected to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Liver Meridian”) running on the inner side of the legs. This forms another completely connected and mutually exterior and interior group of meridians, ultimately pushing the Liver Meridian towards the lower abdomen and chest to rest and replenish energy before continuing on a different path.The last round of circulation involves the Liver Meridian in the chest, which transmits to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Lung Meridian”). The specific order of circulation 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, you will understand that these 12 meridians are divided into 3 major groups. These 3 major groups of meridians form a large circle around the limbs and then return to the abdomen and chest, making it easier to memorize. You only need to memorize the 4 meridians in each group and remember the names of the organs connected to these 4 meridians. If any 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 massage, 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 circulation of the 3 major groups of meridians in the body is already clear, but which group comes first and which comes later?TCM divides them as follows:Group 1: Running on the outer side: Lung Meridian → Large Intestine Meridian → Stomach Meridian → Spleen MeridianGroup 2: Running on the inner side: Heart Meridian → Small Intestine Meridian → Bladder Meridian → Kidney MeridianGroup 3: Running in the middle: Pericardium Meridian → Sanjiao Meridian → Gallbladder Meridian → Liver MeridianAdditionally, when using meridians to treat diseases, it is essential to choose the right time. TCM believes that humans and the universe are closely related as a unified whole; the human body is actually a microcosm of the universe, and 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 |
| Xiu 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 correspondence between the 12 time periods and the 12 meridians?
“Qi and blood arrive at the right time to be abundant; Qi and blood leave when overdue to be deficient. Drain when it is abundant, tonify when it is deficient; when it is timely, it rises; when overdue, it closes.” The 12 meridians flow in a sequence, like tides; wherever they flow, that meridian experiences a “high tide,” and at that time, the Qi and blood in that meridian are most abundant. Therefore, many practitioners prefer to unblock the meridian with the most abundant Qi and blood at specific times or take herbs to regulate the corresponding organ 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 easier to use time to prevent and treat diseases.If there are discomforts in the Lung Meridian, Large Intestine Meridian, Stomach Meridian, or Spleen Meridian, it is best to massage and treat them in the morning or forenoon.If there are discomforts in the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, or Kidney Meridian, it is best to massage and treat them at noon or in the afternoon.If there are discomforts in the Pericardium Meridian, Sanjiao Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian, or Liver Meridian, it is best to massage and treat them in the evening.For example, for someone 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, massaging them 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, slowly massaging, 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, massage and unblock 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 of the legs for massage.For those with good health and sufficient Qi and blood, they can use slightly heavier techniques when unblocking meridians; for painful or blocked areas, they can use tapping or scraping methods. For those who are weak and have insufficient Qi and blood, they should not rush; the pressure during massage 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 meridians on the arms) for massage, while minimizing contact with the last meridians (Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, Spleen Meridian).Understanding these principles allows you to unblock the meridians with a focus on replenishing Qi and blood and eliminating cold and dampness, tailored to your physical condition and the different seasons and times. If used properly, everyone can skillfully utilize the miraculous meridians to safeguard their health and that of their loved ones.Finally, it is worth mentioning the “Dantian,” which is like a nuclear reactor inside the body, possessing immense energy. Various martial arts in China have mentioned “Dantian.” When cultivated to a certain level, a warm airflow forms in the Dantian area, which can be tangible when gathered and intangible when dispersed. It runs along the Ren and Du meridians, which are aligned along the centerline of the body. The Ren Meridian, which runs along the front of the body, has a comprehensive effect on all Yin meridians. The Dantian that the Ren Meridian passes through is where men store essence and women maintain the uterus, also known as the “source of life energy”; while the “Du” in the Du Meridian, which runs along the back centerline, has a “supervisory” function, and since the Du Meridian runs through the spinal cord, it is directly connected to the spinal cord and brain, thus having 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 can be directly nourished.The functions of the Ren and Du meridians correspond to what TCM refers to as the functions of the “Kidneys.” TCM considers the kidneys to be the “foundation of pre-natal essence” and believes that the formation of the fetus begins in the kidneys, hence the saying, “Before this body exists, there are already two kidneys; therefore, the kidneys are the root of the organs and the foundation of the twelve meridians.” The functions of the kidneys include: controlling essence, governing reproduction, regulating the Mingmen fire, warming the body, governing bones, governing marrow, governing blood production, governing water, and regulating Qi intake.Throughout history, many internal cultivation methods have been able to generate and nourish Qi, which essentially involves unblocking the small circulation and the large circulation centered around the 12 meridians. Therefore, some high monks meditate in seclusion, abstaining from food and drink, using the internal cultivation they have developed to nourish their bodies, promote the flow of meridians, and ensure the longevity of life. Tai Chi, 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 Dantian to fill and promote the flow of all meridians, that would be ideal, but it is difficult for ordinary people to achieve. However, we can replenish Qi and blood through dietary therapy to replenish kidney Qi, and over time, we can achieve the same effect.Meridian palpationRefers to the ability to perceive abnormal responses of the meridians and acupuncture points through the fingertips. 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 nodules, it indicates that the meridian Qi is abundant; if the surface temperature is low, lacks elasticity, feels sore and numb without pain, or sinks down, it indicates that the meridian Qi is deficient.During palpation, if there are nodules, tenderness, sensitivity, or pleasurable sensations, this point is a disease point. Strong tenderness often indicates a condition of excess; pleasurable sensations often indicate a condition of deficiency. Disease points help clarify the diagnosis, and needling or moxibustion at these points often yields good results.The order of palpation: Back Shu points, Front Mu points, Local points, Yuan points, Luo points, Special examination points, Sensitive points, and Sensitive areas, etc. Any suspicious meridian should be palpated in detail.Key points for palpation of the twelve meridians:Lung Meridian: Lung Shu, Zhongfu, Kongzui, Gaohuang, 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 Shanzhong and Daju. When the Lung Meridian Qi is obstructed, there is tenderness at the Xuan Zhong point. When the Lung Meridian is deficient and cold, there is a feeling of soreness at Fengmen and Dazhu. For hemoptysis or hematochezia, there is tenderness at Kongzui, or a feeling of soreness when pressed. When the meridian Qi is deficient, the Gaohuang point appears swollen or elastic, and the skin temperature is low.Large Intestine Meridian: Large Intestine Shu, Tianzhu, Wenliu, Quchi, Hegu.When the meridian Qi is in excess heat or there is an obstruction in excretion, there is tenderness at Quchi, Lung Shu, Tianzhu, and Qizhu. When the meridian Qi is stagnant, there is tenderness at Daju. In cases of enteritis, there is significant tenderness at Shou Sanli, Shangju Xu, and Tianzhu, with skin temperature higher than adjacent points. In chronic enteritis, the skin temperature is low, and there is a pleasurable sensation upon touch.Stomach Meridian: Stomach Shu, Zhongyuan, Liangqiu, Zusanli, Fenglong.When the Stomach Meridian has excess heat, there is tenderness at Zhongyuan and Liangqiu. When there is excessive stomach acid, there is tenderness at Juque and Burong.When the Stomach Meridian is deficient and cold, pressing Zhongwan and Zusanli feels comfortable. For gastric ulcers, there are sensitive points at Stomach Shu and its lateral side; when pressing the buttocks, tenderness radiates down to below the knee.Severe stomach pain: there is significant tenderness at Tianzong, and pressing it can relieve pain.Spleen Meridian: Spleen Shu, Zhangmen, Diji, Dabao, Spleen Shu.When there is indigestion or abnormal transportation, there is tenderness at Spleen Shu, Zhangmen, and Dabao. When blood circulation is unbalanced, Spleen Shu shows tightness or tenderness. For Spleen heat or Qi stagnation, there is significant tenderness at Diji. When the Spleen is deficient and causes bloating, pressing Spleen Shu feels sore or the skin temperature is low.Heart Meridian: Heart Shu, Juque, Yinxi, Shaohai.When the Heart Meridian is fiery, there is tenderness on the inner side of Heart Shu. For heart valve diseases, Juque is swollen, and there are sensitive points from Heart Shu to Gaohuang. When the meridian Qi is deficient and functions poorly, there is tenderness at Sanyinjiao, Shuifen, and Kidney Shu.Small Intestine Meridian: Small Intestine Shu, Guanyuan, Yanglao, Xiaohai, Xiaojuxu.For Small Intestine Meridian diseases, Guanyuan and Yanglao show responses. When invaded by wind and cold, Tianzong, Fengmen, and Xiaohai have tenderness. When Small Intestine Meridian diseases transfer to the Heart Meridian, pressing Guanyuan is effective. For shoulder pain caused by Small Intestine Meridian Qi obstruction, Xiaojuxu shows tenderness, and needling is effective. For lower back pain in the Small Intestine Shu area, Yanglao shows significant tenderness, and needling is effective.Bladder Meridian: Bladder Shu, Zhongji, Jinmen, Weizhong, Kunlun, Tianzhu, Bayao.When the meridian Qi is in excess heat, Weizhong has high skin temperature, and the collaterals are full. When damp heat descends and the meridian Qi is obstructed, Zhongji, Jinmen, and Bladder Shu have tenderness. When invaded by wind and cold, Tianzhu, Bayao, and Chengshan show tenderness. When the meridian Qi is deficient, pressing Zhongji and Bladder Shu feels pleasurable.Kidney Meridian: Kidney Shu, Jingmen, Shuizuan, Shuifen, Huangshu.For Kidney Meridian diseases, Shuizuan, Shuifen, and Huangshu show tenderness. For kidney diseases, Kidney Shu and Jingmen have tenderness. When kidney excretion function is impaired, Zhuyin shows positive responses (hardness, tenderness). Therefore, moxibustion at Zhuyin has detoxifying effects. When there are urinary system issues, Bayao shows tenderness.Pericardium Meridian: Jueyin Shu, Shanzhong, Xiemen, Daling.When emotions are unstable, with unpredictable laughter and tears, Shanzhong and Xiemen show significant tenderness. For women with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or lower abdominal blood stasis, there is tightness or tenderness at Xiemen, which can be needled to regulate menstruation and relieve pain. For palpitations, pressing Jueyin Shu and Shanzhong can relieve symptoms, and moxibustion is also effective.Sanjiao Meridian: Sanjiao Shu, Shimen, Weiyang, Huizong.When the meridian Qi is obstructed, Huizong, Weiyang, and Shimen show tenderness. When the meridian Qi is in excess heat, Sanjiao Shu shows tightness, and Huizong has strong tenderness. For urinary retention, which belongs to Sanjiao Meridian Qi obstruction, Shimen shows fullness.Gallbladder Meridian: Gallbladder Shu, Riyue, Tianzong, Jing, Yanglingquan, Waiqiu.When there is cholecystitis, Riyue, Jingmen, and Tianzong show tenderness. For excess heat in the Gallbladder Meridian, Waiqiu has high skin temperature. When the meridian Qi is deficient, pressing Gallbladder Shu and Riyue feels comfortable.Liver Meridian: Liver Shu, Qimen, Zhongdu, Ququan.When the meridian Qi is stagnant (insomnia, irritability, hypertension), Liver Shu often shows swelling and tenderness, and Zhongdu shows strong tenderness. For hepatitis (excess heat in the meridian Qi), there may be sensitive areas 2 inches above the inner ankle to Zhongdu, and Yanglingquan and Waiqiu may also show tenderness. For sexual dysfunction, pressing Ququan may cause pain or soreness.By using the above methods to identify the affected meridians and points, combined with the four examinations and eight principles, you can determine the cause, location, and nature of the disease, providing effective treatment plans.Memorizing the distribution patterns of meridians without rote memorization:Order of meridian flow:Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian → Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian → Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian → Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Yin Qi is most abundant) → Yangming (Yang Qi is most abundant)Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian → Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Yangming (Yang Qi is most abundant) → Taiyin (Yin Qi is most abundant)Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian → Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Shaoyin (Yin Qi is second) → Taiyang (Yang Qi is second)Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian → Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Taiyang (Yang Qi is second) → Shaoyin (Yin Qi is second)Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian → Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (Jueyin (Yin Qi is weakest) → Shaoyang (Yang Qi is weakest)Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian → Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (Shaoyang (Yang Qi is weakest) → Jueyin (Yin Qi is weakest)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 weak, they are:Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin → Yangming, Taiyang, Shaoyang Taiyin → Yangming Shaoyin → Taiyang Jueyin → ShaoyangYang meridians connect with the same named Yang meridians (in the head and face), Yangming → Yangming, Taiyang → Taiyang, Shaoyang → Shaoyang.Yin meridians connect with the next Yin meridians (in the chest and abdomen), Taiyin → Shaoyin, Shaoyin → Jueyin, Jueyin → Taiyin.Yin meridians connect with the same abundant Yang meridians (exterior meridians), Taiyin → Yangming, Shaoyin → Taiyang, Jueyin → Shaoyang.Yang meridians connect with the same abundant Yin meridians (exterior meridians), Yangming → Taiyin, Taiyang → Shaoyin, Shaoyang → Jueyin.Hand Yin meridians run from the chest (abdomen) to the hands → Hand Yang meridians run from the hands to the head → Foot Yang meridians run from the head to the feet → Foot Yin meridians run from the feet 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) — reflecting the sunlight and the shade.Yang meridians run along the back of the body, while Yin meridians run along 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) are behind; Jueyin and Shaoyang (weakest) are in the middle.Note: At 8 inches above the inner ankle, the Foot Jueyin Meridian and Foot Taiyin Meridian intersect; the Jueyin Meridian runs before the Taiyin Meridian, the Taiyin Meridian runs in the middle, and the Yangming Meridian is still last.Continuing this downwards: 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: 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)Correspondence: 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 memorization methods
1. Fainting — Water Ditch, Zhongchong, Yongquan, Zusanli. Mnemonic: To wake up from fainting, go to the water ditch by the spring in the mountains.2. Collapse — Sujiao, Water Ditch, Neiguan. Mnemonic: For collapse, quickly (Sujiao) close the water ditch.3. Convulsions — Baihui, Yintang, Renzhong, Hegu, Taichong. Mnemonic: In the hall (Renzhong), Baihui’s fragrance (Qi) causes convulsions.4. Stroke closure syndrome — Twelve Well Points, Water Ditch, Taichong, Fenglong. Mnemonic: Stroke is caused by the foul smell of the twelve water ditches, causing a loud (Feng) boom and falling.5. Stroke collapse syndrome — Guanyuan, Shenque (Ginger moxibustion). Sweating with Yinxi, Fuliu, and urinary incontinence with Sanyinjiao. Mnemonic: Stroke collapse syndrome will cause the spirit to leave the body.6. Dysmenorrhea — (Excess syndrome) Zhongji, Ciliao, Diji. (Deficiency syndrome) Qihai, Guanyuan, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao. Mnemonic: Excess pain is due to Zhongji (Zhongji) eating (Ciliao) low-grade (Diji) food. Deficiency pain is due to the three Yin days in the mountains without Qihai (Yuan).7. Internal organ cramping pain (1) Heart angina — Heart Shu, Jueyin Shu, Neiguan, Shanzhong. Mnemonic: For heart angina, rest in the inner hall; the calmer the heart, the better you feel. (2) Acute cholecystitis, gallstones — Gallbladder Shu, Liver Shu, Riyue, Qimen, Yanglingquan, Gallbladder point. Mnemonic: Gallbladder diseases are treated with liver and gallbladder; Riyue is continuous, and (Qimen) opens up. (3) Gallbladder roundworm disease — Yingxiang through Sibai, Jiuwei through Riyue, Gallbladder point, Zhongwan, Yanglingquan. Mnemonic: The nine tails steal the sun and moon; do you want (Yingxiang) to steal four hundred? Passing by Yanglingquan, gallbladder fear early morning and evening. (4) Kidney colic — Kidney Shu, Sanjiao Shu, Guanyuan, Yinlingquan, Sanyinjiao. Mnemonic: Kidney colic only needs to be at the Yanglingquan in the Grand View Garden; three calls and three responses will heal the kidney.8. Toothache — Hegu, Xiaguan, Jiachuan. Mnemonic: Why (Hegu) get off the car? Toothache. 9. High fever — Dazhui, Twelve Well Points, Shixuan, Quchi, Hegu. Mnemonic: Why take a twelve-pound big nail to the pool for high fever? It is to release the heat. 10. Vascular headache (1) External headache — Baihui, Taiyang, Fengchi, Hegu. Mnemonic: Why (Hegu) does the sun and wind always visit (Baihui)? Let me have a headache! (2) Internal injury headache A. Liver Yang headache — Baihui, Fengchi, Taichong, Taixi. Mnemonic: The (Chi) and (Xi) visit (Taichong) to pay respects; great anger causes liver Yang to rise.B. Kidney deficiency headache — Baihui, Kidney Shu, Spleen Shu, Zusanli. Mnemonic: Walking three miles to visit a friend, the friend says: I have both kidney and spleen deficiency, causing kidney deficiency headache.C. Blood deficiency headache — Baihui, Heart Shu, Spleen Shu, Zusanli. 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 — Touwai, Taiyang, Fenglong, Yinlingquan. Phlegm turbidity headache can cause swelling at the head circumference and temples, possibly due to excessive turbidity at Yinlingquan.E. Blood stasis headache — Ashi point, Hegu, Xuehai, Sanyinjiao. Why does blood stasis cause headache? It is because three Yin Qi converge (i.e., Sanyinjiao) at the blood sea! 11. Acute lumbar sprain — Kidney Shu, Yaoyan, Weizhong. For lumbar sprain, rub the kidney area, then play a soothing tune. 12. Vomiting — Zhongwan, Neiguan, Zusanli. In the water ditch, walking three miles, Zhongwan feels uncomfortable and vomits.
The above is for reference only; please adjust under the guidance of a physician.
Reviewed by: Pharmacist Lu
Editor: Sanqi Xiaomei
Return to the main pageReply with any keywords
to view the corresponding article
| Back Diagnosis | Face Diagnosis | Tongue Diagnosis | Sweat Diagnosis | Eye Diagnosis | Differentiation |
| Gua Sha | Cupping | Moxibustion | Acupoint Pressing | Foot Therapy | Meditation |
| Tapping | Stretching | Veins | Nails | Pimples | Stones |
| Liver Cirrhosis | Home Feng Shui | Sanfu Paste | Vinegar Soaked Eggs |
| Wonderful Tricks | Tests | Treating Winter Diseases in Summer | Self-Healing |