The Huangdi Neijing: Meridians, Determining Life and Death, Addressing Hundreds of Diseases

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In the Huangdi Neijing, it is stated: “The principle of acupuncture begins with the meridians, nourishing their pathways, regulating their measurements, internally connecting to the five organs, and externally differentiating the six bowels, wishing to fully understand their principles.” The Yellow Emperor said that a person is born, first forming essence, from which the brain marrow is produced, bones become the framework, vessels become the nourishment, tendons become the strength, flesh becomes the wall, skin becomes firm and hair grows long, grains enter the stomach, and the vessels communicate, allowing blood and qi to circulate. Lei Gong expressed a desire to understand the origin of the meridians. The Yellow Emperor stated that the meridians are what can determine life and death, address hundreds of diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess; they must not be obstructed.

From the Huangdi Neijing, we can see that when the meridians are open, hundreds of diseases dissipate; when the meridians are blocked, hundreds of diseases arise. Traditional Chinese Medicine has long emphasized: pain indicates obstruction, and obstruction leads to pain. So what diseases can arise from blocked meridians? When we experience discomfort, which meridian should we unblock? We will answer these one by one:

For colds and coughs, tap the Lung Meridian

The Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian treats diseases such as: cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, nosebleeds, joint disorders in the areas where the meridian passes, muscle pain, etc. When these symptoms occur, tapping the Lung Meridian on both hands can help regulate.

For facial ailments, focus on the Large Intestine Meridian

The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian treats diseases such as: facial ailments, throat diseases, febrile diseases, skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues (bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea), mental disorders, and other conditions along the meridian’s pathway. Regularly tapping the Large Intestine Meridian can help develop a good habit of regular bowel movements.

For indigestion, tap the Stomach Meridian

The Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian corresponds to symptoms such as: sore throat, stomach pain, indigestion, heat intolerance; dry lips, weight loss, fatigue, constipation, knee joint soreness; therefore, during free time, we can frequently tap the Stomach Meridian on our legs to aid digestion.

For fatigue, nourish the Spleen Meridian

When the Spleen Meridian is obstructed, it typically manifests as disharmony of the spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc. The Spleen Meridian treats stomach diseases, gynecological issues, and other conditions along its pathway. If you find a painful point while massaging the Spleen Meridian on your calf, be sure to rub the Spleen Meridian on your calf, locating the points Yinlingquan (Yin Mound Spring), Diji (Earth’s Foundation), Lougu (Leak Valley), and Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection) to massage.

For anxiety and palpitations, tap the Heart Meridian

The Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian treats symptoms such as: cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, insomnia, forgetfulness, and muscle pain along the meridian. Deficiency symptoms include: chest tightness, facial redness, heaviness in limbs, easy fatigue, poor blood and qi circulation, chest pain, and palpitations; excess symptoms include: shortness of breath, headaches due to poor blood circulation, dry mouth, and bitter taste.

For poor absorption, consult the Small Intestine Meridian

The active time for the Small Intestine Meridian is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: this is when the Small Intestine Meridian performs its function of separating the clear from the turbid and absorbing nutrients into the body, while sending the turbid substances to the Large Intestine for digestion and elimination; after this time, the digestive system begins to rest, and during dinner, it is advisable to consume less high-nutrition foods containing protein, fat, and starch, otherwise, they may accumulate in the body, which is also the reason for eating less at dinner.

For neck, shoulder, and back pain, rely on the Bladder Meridian

The Bladder Meridian treats symptoms such as: external symptoms—head and neck pain, eye pain with excessive tearing, nasal congestion, runny nose, nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, and pain in the back, waist, sacrum, thigh posterior, popliteal fossa, and gastrocnemius; internal symptoms—mania, painful urination, short and red urine, urinary incontinence.

The Bladder is the organ associated with the Kidney, both belonging to the water element, so it is important to drink plenty of water to help the Bladder eliminate waste from the body and promote the metabolism of the urinary system.

For low energy, nourish the Kidney Meridian

The Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is paired with the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It treats urinary and reproductive system disorders, neurological and mental disorders, respiratory, digestive, and circulatory system diseases, as well as conditions along the pathway of this meridian. If a child is unwell, parents can gently press along the sides of their spine from the cervical to lumbar vertebrae at ages three to five, which can help guide excess heat downwards. Insufficient Kidney Yang can exacerbate edema. A strong Kidney is essential for longevity.

For insomnia and vivid dreams, regulate the Pericardium Meridian

The active time for the Pericardium Meridian is from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Pericardium Meridian governs blood and regulates, so if dinner is too rich, it can lead to excessive heat, causing chest discomfort and nausea. Therefore, for those dining at this time, it is advisable not to eat overly greasy foods, and to rest after meals, with walking being the best form of exercise.

For complex and difficult diseases, regulate the Sanjiao Meridian

The Sanjiao Meridian can be frequently tapped. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes appropriate techniques, believing that the Sanjiao Meridian is the overall commander of human health, so maintaining its smooth flow is of great importance. As the saying goes: “Tapping the Sanjiao Meridian, qi flows and hundreds of diseases dissipate.” In daily life, regularly tapping the Sanjiao Meridian can keep the meridians of the five organs unobstructed, making it easier for qi to circulate, so the best method is tapping. The best time to tap the Sanjiao Meridian is just before bedtime, as the qi and blood are most abundant during the Hai hour, which is between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

For nodules and tumors, stimulate the Gallbladder Meridian

Tapping the Gallbladder Meridian primarily stimulates the gallbladder, forcing bile secretion, enhancing the body’s absorption capacity, and providing sufficient materials needed for the hematopoietic system. Additionally, it can accelerate the activity of the Gallbladder Meridian, expelling waste accumulated along the outer thigh, thus directly reducing fat in the buttocks and outer thighs, aiding in weight loss.

For emotional distress and depression, soothe the Liver Meridian

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that “anger harms the liver”; modern individuals often face pressure from various aspects, frequently feeling depressed, which can obstruct liver qi, leading to stagnant blood and qi, generating internal heat over time, exacerbating anxiety. Pressing the four points of the Liver Meridian (Yuan point Taichong, Ying point Xingjian, Luo point Ligou, He point Ququan) has a good effect on clearing liver fire and soothing liver qi. Directly connecting to the original qi of the Liver Meridian, it is best to persist in pressing for about two minutes around 5 PM every day, especially in the spring, when the effect of soothing liver qi is optimal.

For weakness and excessive sweating, moxibustion on the Ren Meridian

The Ren Meridian runs through the body and connects with the five organs, circulating throughout. If the Ren Meridian is obstructed, it can lead to decreased function of the five organs. The character “Ren” implies responsibility and nurturing, meaning it governs the womb. If the qi of the Ren Meridian is disordered, it can affect fertility and lead to various conditions such as leukorrhea, menstrual irregularities, difficulty urinating, and pain in the lower abdomen.

Common issues along the meridian include: perineal pain, pain in the genital area, lower abdominal pain, navel pain, chest pain, pharyngitis, throat pain, and chin pain.

For deficiency sweating and cold intolerance, tap the Du Meridian

The Du Meridian reflects the functions of the brain marrow and kidneys. The Du Meridian runs along the spine, connecting to the brain and kidneys, closely related to their physiological functions and pathological changes. The kidneys are the foundation of congenital essence, governing marrow and connecting to the brain, thus conditions such as spinal stiffness, cold limbs, and infertility are related to the Du Meridian.

Common issues along the pathway include: perineal pain, hemorrhoids, coccyx pain, lower back pain, back pain, neck pain, pain at the back of the head, pain at the top of the head, and pain in the forehead.

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