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Many beginners report that the study of meridian theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is quite difficult to understand. 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 TCM meridian theory.
There are over 300 acupuncture points on the 12 meridians, and it is not necessary 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, hence they are named after the corresponding 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 crucial; if you feel discomfort in any part of your body, you can check which meridian passes through that area, and the corresponding organ will be identified. The circulation routes of the 12 meridians are illustrated in the diagram.
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 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, and 3 Yang meridians on the outer side of the arms and legs.
So what do Shaoyin, Jueyin, Taiyin, Taiyang, Shaoyang, and Yangming represent? They represent the heaviness and lightness of Yin energy, and the fullness and weakness of Yang energy.
Shaoyin has the heaviest Yin energy, so it is placed deepest 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 fullest 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 includes the Yin and Yang balance between meridians, the balance between the body and the meridians, and the balance between the meridians and nature.
The balance between the body and the 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); Yin meridians should be approached only after the Zhengqi is replenished; if the body is healthy, both Yin and Yang meridians can be massaged.
The balance between the 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. 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 reinforcing technique, while the massage of Yang meridians can use a reducing technique.
3. What are the reinforcing and reducing techniques in massage?
Generally speaking, massaging along the direction of the meridian is reinforcing, while massaging against the direction of the meridian is reducing.
A light pressure during massage is reinforcing, while heavy pressure is reducing.
A short duration of massage is reinforcing, while a long duration is reducing.
A small area of massage is reinforcing, while a large area is reducing.
4. Do you need to memorize all 300 acupuncture points?
In TCM, there is a saying that “pain indicates the acupoint”; that is, the painful area is the acupoint 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 numb, and some feel swollen, then you should focus your massage on the most painful area to relieve and disperse the disease, and even use cupping, moxibustion, or tapping; the more pronounced the pain, the more you should persist in stimulating that area, and your health 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 noticeable pain indicates where the disease is leaning, which also shows that the Qi and blood in that meridian are insufficient and slow to respond. In this case, treatment should focus on dietary therapy first to replenish Qi and blood, while slowly feeling along that meridian to check for any hard lumps or unusual protrusions, and then focus on massaging that area.
If you only memorize all the acupoints 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 (referred to as “Bladder Meridian” hereafter), as this meridian has the fullest Yang energy and the broadest treatment range, making it the most commonly used meridian.
The Bladder Meridian starts at the Jingming point at the inner corner of the eye, ascends over the forehead to the top of the head, travels 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 acupoints, making it the longest meridian with the most acupoints in the human body. Please open the meridian color chart or animation chart.
When the Bladder Meridian reaches the Zhiyin point at the little toe, its flow does not stop but continues through the little toe and ascends from the Yongquan point at the sole of the foot. At this point, the meridian has a new name – Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (referred to as “Kidney Meridian” hereafter).
The Kidney Meridian starts below the little toe, slants towards the sole of the foot, ascends along the inner edge of the sole and lower leg, passes through the abdomen, and reaches the chest, connecting with the next meridian, the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.
From the flow direction 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 Kidney Meridian are actually one continuous meridian, separated only 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 Yang and Yin 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. In TCM, this is referred to as “mutually exterior and interior,” and the organs connected by these two meridians – the kidneys and bladder – are also mutually exterior and interior.
3. The Bladder Meridian is the meridian with the fullest 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 TCM principle of Yin and Yang balance.
4. The Bladder Meridian leads, while the Kidney Meridian follows; the Bladder Meridian is the source of the Kidney Meridian. Therefore, performing techniques such as tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), acupuncture, etc., 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 techniques on the Kidney Meridian, if the Kidney Meridian runs faster but the Bladder Meridian cannot keep up, there will be gaps and interruptions. This is why massaging only the Kidney Meridian often leads to Qi deficiency in patients.
Connected to the Bladder Meridian is the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (referred to as “Small Intestine Meridian” hereafter). 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 outer 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.
The Small Intestine Meridian is also connected to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (referred to as “Heart Meridian” hereafter). 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 ascends to the lungs, exits at 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 connect with the Shaoze point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
This is a meridian that transforms from Yin to Yang, a connected and mutually exterior-interior meridian with the Yin meridian in front and the Yang meridian behind. Therefore, massaging the Heart Meridian can not only treat discomfort related to 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 where the Small Intestine Meridian runs, you will find noticeable pain points. Similarly, touching the corresponding Heart Meridian will also reveal blockages and pain. In this case, you should start by unblocking 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 organs connected to the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, and Kidney Meridian.
These four meridians form two long connected groups of exterior-interior meridians, starting from the heart, circling around the limbs, and pushing the Kidney Meridian towards the abdomen and chest.
So which meridian connects with the Heart Meridian in the chest?
This is the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (referred to as “Spleen Meridian” hereafter). 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.
Connected to the Bladder Meridian, the Kidney Meridian reaches the chest and connects with the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (referred to as “Pericardium Meridian” hereafter). This is a connection between Yin meridians, but one is called Shaoyin and the other Jueyin, indicating different levels of Yin energy. When the meridians reach this point, their function and relationship seem different from when they were circulating in the limbs. Why is that? Because by the time the meridian reaches the Kidney Meridian, it is already quite weak, so generally, we do not massage the Kidney Meridian too much, as excessive pressure can deplete Qi. At this point, the meridians entering the abdomen and chest need to rest and replenish energy before continuing their next cycle through the limbs. Therefore, the Dantian point, which has the strongest Qi replenishing effect, is located in the abdomen, and the meridians returning 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 (referred to as “Stomach Meridian” hereafter). This meridian also passes through the abdomen, but its direction is different from that of the Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian, as it flows 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 the limb cycle begins with the Kidney Meridian transmitting to the Pericardium Meridian, which runs along the inner side of the limbs. Therefore, it connects with the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (referred to as “Sanjiao Meridian” hereafter), which runs along the outer side of the arms, and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (referred to as “Gallbladder Meridian” hereafter), which runs along the outer side of the legs, and then connects with the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (referred to as “Liver Meridian” hereafter). This forms another completely connected and mutually exterior-interior meridian group, ultimately pushing the Liver Meridian towards the lower abdomen and chest to rest and replenish energy before continuing on a different path.
The final round of the four meridians is the Liver Meridian transmitting from the chest and lungs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (referred to as “Lung Meridian” hereafter). The specific circulation order is as follows: Lung Meridian → Large Intestine Meridian → Stomach Meridian → Spleen Meridian.
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 remember. You just need to memorize the groups, remember the 4 meridians in each group, and know the names of the organs connected to these 4 meridians. If any of these 4 organs become ill, you can start from the source of these 4 meridians, which is the meridian running along the inner side of the arm from the chest to the hand, to find the pain points, and slowly massage, tap, or scrape to gradually smooth it out. This way, not only will the treatment be effective, but it will also prevent future complications and recurrences.
The 3 major meridian groups circulating within the body are now 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 Meridian
Group 2: Running on the inner side: Heart Meridian → Small Intestine Meridian → Bladder Meridian → Kidney Meridian
Group 3: Running in the middle: 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. 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 the 12 meridians, as shown in the table below.
Group 1:
Time Period Time Meridian
Yin 3:00-5:00 Lung Meridian
Yin 5:00-7:00 Large Intestine Meridian
Yin 7:00-9:00 Stomach Meridian
Yin 9:00-11:00 Spleen Meridian
Group 2:
Time Period Time Meridian
Wu 11:00-13:00 Heart Meridian
Wei 13:00-15:00 Small Intestine Meridian
Shen 15:00-17:00 Bladder Meridian
You 17:00-19:00 Kidney Meridian
Group 3:
Time Period Time Meridian
Xu 19:00-21:00 Pericardium Meridian
Hai 21:00-23:00 Sanjiao Meridian
Zi 23:00-1:00 Gallbladder Meridian
Chou 1:00-3:00 Liver Meridian
What is the significance of these 12 time periods corresponding to the 12 meridians? “Qi and blood arrive at their peak during the right time, and they decline when they are past due. When reducing, take advantage of the peak; when reinforcing, follow the decline. When it is timely, it rises; when it is past due, it closes.” The 12 meridians flow in a sequential order, 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 organs during these times, achieving better results with less 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 the time of the day 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 first 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 lumbar 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, and then massage the painful areas of the neck and waist.
For those with liver issues, it is best to find pain points on the Pericardium Meridian and Sanjiao Meridian in the evening, massage and unblock them, and then find painful or blocked areas on the Gallbladder Meridian and Liver Meridian on the outer and inner sides of the legs 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 with weak bodies and deficient Qi and blood, they should not rush; the pressure during massage should be lighter, and the selected acupoints and pain points should be fewer. It is best to massage the first two meridians in each group (the arm meridians) and avoid touching the last meridians (Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, Spleen Meridian) as much as possible.
By understanding these principles, you can unblock the meridians with the premise of replenishing Qi and blood and removing cold and dampness, targeting the blocked meridians according to your physical condition, different seasons, and time periods. If used properly, everyone can skillfully utilize the miraculous meridians to safeguard their health and that of their loved ones.
Finally, I would like to add that the “Dantian” mentioned earlier is like a nuclear reactor within the body, possessing immense energy. Various martial arts in our country have mentioned “Dantian”. When cultivated to a certain level, a heat flow will form in the Dantian area, which can be tangible when concentrated and intangible when dispersed. It will circulate along the Ren and Du meridians, which run along the central line of the body; the Ren Meridian is in front, and the Du Meridian is behind.
When the Qi flow circulates around the Ren and Du meridians, it is called “Small Circulation”. The Small Circulation runs along the Ren Meridian on the front of the body, which has a comprehensive effect on all Yin meridians. The Dantian passed by the Ren Meridian is the place where men store essence and women maintain the womb, also known as the “source of life”; while the “Du” in the Du Meridian 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, all the five organs and six bowels can be directly nourished.
The functions of the Ren and Du meridians correspond to what TCM refers to as the function 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 source 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 larger circulation centered around 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, promote the flow of meridians, and ensure the longevity of life. Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Wuqinxi are also practices that use gentle Qigong movements to unblock the meridians.
If you can cultivate internal energy or persist in meditating every night, allowing 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 restore kidney Qi, and over time, we can achieve similar effects.
Source: Folk Health Preservation
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