1. Meridians and Collaterals

1. Definition of Meridians: Meridians refer to the main pathways (经脉, jīng mài) and collaterals (络脉, luò mài) that connect the internal and external aspects of the body, linking the organs and limbs, and facilitating the flow of Qi and blood.Meridians — the main trunk of the meridian system.Jing (经): signifies a pathway, connecting the upper and lower parts, and linking the internal and external.Collaterals — branches that diverge from the main meridians.Luò (络): implies a network, smaller than the main meridians, crisscrossing and spreading throughout the body.2. What are Meridians?(1) The pathways that connect acupuncture points (穴位, xué wèi) to each other, as well as to the organs, sensory organs, and between the organs themselves, are called meridians.(2) Meridians are the channels of Qi and blood in the human body. They serve to connect the external muscles, vessels, skin, sensory organs, and the internal organs into a unified organic whole. The “Lingshu, Hai Lun” states: “The twelve meridians belong internally to the organs and externally connect to the limbs.”(3) Meridians are the living map of the human body! Meridians are the pathways within the body that facilitate the flow of Qi and blood, linking the organs and limbs, and connecting the upper and lower parts of the body. Only when the meridians are unobstructed can Qi and blood flow freely, preventing health issues!(4) Meridians are the rivers and mountains of the human body, flowing endlessly. Meridians flow continuously like rivers and mountains, unimpeded, circulating Qi and blood, endlessly like a loop!(5) Meridians are the control center for human health! The “Lingshu, Jingmai” states: “Meridians are the means to determine life and death, address various diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess; they must be unobstructed.” The reasons for life, the emergence of diseases, and the treatment of illnesses all lie within the meridians! Meridians play a crucial role in maintaining life activities, regulating various diseases, and balancing the body’s deficiency and excess. Therefore, it is said that meridians are the control center for human health!(6) Meridians are our personal physicians!

• When unobstructed, there is no pain; when there is pain, there is obstruction!
• Meridians are the barometer of our health!
• Meridian health maintenance not only treats existing diseases but also prevents future illnesses!
• Acupuncture points are our personal medicine bags!
• By learning meridian health maintenance, everyone can be a doctor!

3. Composition of the Meridian System

1. Names of the Twelve Meridians(1) Naming Principles1. Upper for hands, lower for feet: Those running in the upper limbs are hand meridians, while those in the lower limbs are foot meridians.2. Internal for Yin, external for Yang: The inner sides of the limbs are classified as Taiyin, Jueyin, and Shaoyin; the outer sides are classified as Yangming, Shaoyang, and Taiyang.3. Zang for Yin, Fu for Yang: Yin meridians belong to the Zang organs, while Yang meridians belong to the Fu organs.

1. Pressing and Rubbing Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points, also known as Shu (腧) points or Qi points, are special areas on the body where the functional activity of the organs and meridians accumulates, such as the Hegu point (合谷穴, Hé Gǔ) and Zusanli point (足三里穴, Zú Sān Lǐ). By massaging specific acupuncture points, one can unblock the meridians, regulate Qi and blood, adjust bodily functions, and achieve health maintenance or treat diseases.

2. Pushing and Stroking the Meridians

3. Tapping the Meridians

Tapping the meridians requires a greater stimulus than pushing and stroking!

4. How to Accurately Locate Acupuncture Points?

Look for reactions — when there are abnormalities in the body, various reactions will appear at the acupuncture points, including:

• Tenderness: Pressing with a finger causes pain or swelling;

• Hard nodules: Hard nodules can be felt by touch;

• Heightened sensitivity: A slight stimulus causes itching on the skin;

• Hyperpigmentation: Appearance of dark spots or patches;

• Temperature changes: A temperature difference compared to surrounding skin, such as feeling cold or hot.