The meridians are the natural pharmacy of the human body, and to control this divine treasure, it is sufficient to understand the operational principles of the twelve meridians. This is the essence of the entire meridian theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
There are over three hundred acupuncture points on the twelve meridians, and it is unnecessary to memorize them all. Now, you just need to follow me step by step, and it will be much easier.
The Twelve Meridians
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing), Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Zu Shaoyin Shen Jing), Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xin Bao 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).
Why are they named this way?
These twelve meridians are connected to twelve organs in the human body, hence 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 twelve organs is crucial; if you feel discomfort in any part of your body, check which meridian passes through that area, and you will find the corresponding issue. The arrangement of the twelve meridians is divided into two groups: one group is categorized by hands and feet, while the other is categorized by Yin and Yang.
The division by hands and feet indicates that there are six meridians on the arms and six on the legs.
The division by Yin and Yang shows that there are three Yin meridians on the inner side of the arms and legs, and three Yang meridians on the outer side of the arms and legs.
What do Shaoyin, Jueyin, Taiyin, Taiyang, Shaoyang, and Yangming represent? They represent the intensity of Yin and Yang Qi.
Shaoyin has the heaviest Yin Qi, so it is positioned deepest on the inner side of the arms and legs.
Jueyin has lighter Yin Qi than Shaoyin but heavier than Taiyin, so it is positioned in the middle.
Taiyin has the lightest Yin Qi, thus it is positioned on the outermost side.
Taiyang has the most abundant Yang Qi, akin to the midday sun, so it is positioned on the outermost side of the arms and legs.
Shaoyang has slightly weaker Yang Qi than Taiyang, similar to the sun at eight or nine in the morning, so it is positioned in the middle of the outer side.
Yangming has weaker Yang Qi than Shaoyang, akin to the dawn light, thus it is positioned on the innermost side of the outer meridians.
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, between the body and meridians, and 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 restored. If the body is healthy, 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 massage techniques; for Yin meridian massage, it is best to use tonifying methods, while for Yang meridian massage, draining methods can be used.
What are tonifying and draining methods 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.
Do you need to memorize over three hundred acupuncture points?
In TCM, there is a saying during meridian massage called “Pain is the point”, meaning that the painful area is the acupuncture point to massage.
For example, if you know you have a heart condition, you can slowly press along the Heart Meridian (Xin Jing) and Pericardium Meridian (Xin Bao Jing) to feel the sensations along the entire meridian. If some areas feel sore, some feel sharp pain, some are 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 stimulate that area, and your health condition will improve quickly.
Some people may know they have heart issues, but when pressing these two meridians, they do not feel significant pain. In this case, you should check both arms because the meridians in the human 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 which side the illness is leaning towards, suggesting 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 checking the meridian for any hard lumps or protrusions, and then focus on massaging that area. If you merely 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”), as this meridian has the most abundant Yang Qi and the widest treatment range, making it the most frequently 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, 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 acupuncture points, making it the longest and most acupuncture points of all meridians 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, ascending from the Yongquan point on the sole 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 sole of the foot, ascends along the inner edge of the foot and lower limb, passes through the abdomen, and reaches the chest, connecting with the next meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.
From the flow 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, 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 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 “mutual 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 most Yang abundant meridian among the Yang meridians, while the Kidney Meridian is the heaviest Yin meridian among the Yin meridians, which perfectly aligns with the characteristics of Yin and Yang balance in TCM.
4. The Bladder Meridian leads, while the Kidney Meridian follows; the Bladder Meridian is the source of the Kidney Meridian. Therefore, methods such as tui na (Chinese therapeutic 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 tui na, acupuncture, or other techniques on the Kidney Meridian, if the Kidney Meridian runs faster but the Bladder Meridian cannot keep up, it will create 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 Jingming point, 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 meridian, 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, there may also be issues with cervical spondylosis, lower back pain, or leg pain. In addition to massaging the Bladder Meridian, massaging the Small Intestine Meridian is also effective and often yields better results.
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, another ascends along the esophagus to the eyes, and another ascends in the lungs, emerging under the armpit, running along the back edge of the upper arm to the inner wrist, reaching the Shaochong point on the inner side of the little finger, and then continues to the outer side of the little finger to connect with the Small Intestine Meridian at the Shaoze point.
This is a meridian that transitions from Yin to Yang, forming a long, interconnected meridian that is mutually exterior and interior. 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 back, you can check the Small Intestine Meridian on the outer side of the arm for significant pain points. You will also find blockages or pain in the Heart Meridian that is mutually exterior and interior. Therefore, 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 along the outer side of the little finger back up to the outer side of the arm. Wherever there are pain points, focus on those areas to treat all the organs connected to the Heart Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, Bladder Meridian, and Kidney Meridian.
These four meridians form two long interconnected groups, 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, which seems to disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang. Why is that? We will discuss this shortly. Follow our public account：Acupuncture Points Code.
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 two Yin meridians, but one is called Shaoyin and the other Jueyin, indicating different levels of Yin Qi. As the meridian travels here, it seems to have a different function and relationship than when it was circling around the limbs. Why is that? Because when 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 to circulate through the limbs, so the most potent Qi replenishing point, the Dantian point, is located in the abdomen, and the meridians returning through the abdomen are the already fatigued Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Spleen Meridian.
Another meridian that passes through the abdomen is the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Stomach Meridian”). It 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 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 circulation through the limbs 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 (hereinafter referred to as “Sanjiao Meridian”), and also connects with the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Gallbladder Meridian”) running along the outer side of the legs, which in turn connects with the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (hereinafter referred to as “Liver Meridian”). This forms another completely interconnected group of meridians that ultimately pushes the Liver Meridian towards the lower abdomen and chest to rest and replenish energy before continuing along a different path.
The final round of circulation involves the four meridians: 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 twelve meridians are divided into three major groups. These three major groups form a large circle around the limbs and then return to the abdomen and chest, making it easier to remember. You only need to group them and remember the four meridians in each group, as well as the names of the organs connected to these four meridians. If any one of these four organs becomes ill, you can start from the source of these four meridians, which is the meridian running from the chest to the inner side of the arms, to find the pain points and gradually massage or tap or scrape to gradually smooth it out. This way, the treatment will not only be effective but will also prevent future issues from arising.
The three major meridian circulations in the human body are now clear, but which of these three major meridian groups comes first and which comes last?
TCM categorizes them as follows:
Group 1: Running on the outer side, is Lung Meridian → Large Intestine Meridian → Stomach Meridian → Spleen Meridian
Group 2: Running on the inner side, is Heart Meridian → Small Intestine Meridian → Bladder Meridian → Kidney Meridian
Group 3: Running in the middle, is Pericardium Meridian → Sanjiao Meridian → Gallbladder Meridian → Liver Meridian
Additionally, when using meridians to treat diseases, it is essential to choose the right time. TCM believes that humans are closely related to the universe and that the human body is a microcosm of the universe. 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 twelve meridians, as shown in the table below.
Group 1:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Yin Hour | 3:00–5:00 | Lung Meridian |
| Chen Hour | 5:00–7:00 | Large Intestine Meridian |
| Yin Hour | 7:00–9:00 | Stomach Meridian |
| Si Hour | 9:00–11:00 | Spleen Meridian |
Group 2:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Wu Hour | 11:00–13:00 | Heart Meridian |
| Wei Hour | 13:00–15:00 | Small Intestine Meridian |
| Shen Hour | 15:00–17:00 | Bladder Meridian |
| You Hour | 17:00–19:00 | Kidney Meridian |
Group 3:
| Time Period | Time | Meridian |
| Xiu Hour | 19:00–21:00 | Pericardium Meridian |
| Hai Hour | 21:00–23:00 | Sanjiao Meridian |
| Zi Hour | 23:00–1:00 | Gallbladder Meridian |
| Chou Hour | 1:00–3:00 | Liver Meridian |
The significance of the correspondence between the twelve time periods and the twelve 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 twelve 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 at that time, achieving twice the result with half the effort. This illustrates the relationship between meridians, organs, and time.
We have divided these twelve meridians into three major groups, making it simple 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, gradually massaging them.
For those with neck and shoulder pain or back 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, gradually massaging them, and then proceed to massage the painful areas in the neck and back.
For those with liver issues, it is best to massage the Heart Meridian and Sanjiao Meridian in the middle of the arm in the evening, and then find and massage the painful or blocked areas on the Gallbladder Meridian on the outer side of the legs and the Liver Meridian on the inner side.
For those with good health and sufficient Qi and blood, they can use slightly heavier techniques when unblocking meridians, applying tapping or scraping methods on painful or blocked areas. For those who are weak and deficient in 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 massage the first two meridians in each group (the arm meridians) and to avoid touching the last meridians (Kidney Meridian, Liver Meridian, Spleen Meridian) as much as possible.
Understanding these principles allows you to target the meridians that are blocked while supplementing Qi and blood and dispelling cold and dampness based on 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, I would like to add that the “Dantian” mentioned earlier is like a nuclear reactor within the human body, possessing immense energy. Various martial arts in China have long mentioned the “Dantian.” When cultivated to a certain level, a warm energy flow forms in the Dantian area, which can be tangible when gathered and intangible when dispersed. It circulates along the Ren and Du meridians, which run along the central line of the body, with the Ren Meridian in front and the Du Meridian behind.
When the energy flow completes a cycle 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 traversed by the Ren Meridian is where men store essence and women maintain their womb, also known as the “source of life energy”; while the “Du” in the Du Meridian, which runs along the spinal cord, has a “supervisory” function and is closely related to a person’s spirit, will, and thoughts.
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 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 governing the intake of Qi.
Throughout history, many internal cultivation methods have been developed to generate and nourish Qi, which essentially involves unblocking the Small Circulation and the larger circulation centered around the twelve meridians. Therefore, some high monks meditate in silence, abstaining from food and drink, using the internal energy cultivated to nourish the body and promote the flow of meridians, ensuring longevity. 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 the energy of 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 supplement Qi and blood through dietary therapy to replenish kidney Qi, and over time, we can achieve the same effects.
Palpation of the Meridians
The sensation of the fingertip can detect abnormalities in the meridians and acupuncture points. This method is simple, practical, and accurate (it is one of the essential diagnostic methods in acupuncture clinics).
Method: Touch along the meridian; if the surface is hot, swollen, elastic, has significant tenderness, or has subcutaneous nodules, it indicates that the meridian Qi is abundant; if the surface temperature is low, lacks elasticity, feels sore or numb without pain, or sinks down, it indicates that the meridian Qi is deficient.
During palpation, if there are nodules, tenderness, sensitivity, or quick sensations, this point is a disease point. Strong tenderness often indicates a solid condition; quick sensations often indicate a deficient condition. Disease points help clarify the diagnosis, and needling or moxibustion at these points often yields good results.
Palpation sequence: Back Shu points, Front Mu points, Local points, Yuan points, Luo points, Special examination points, Sensitive points, and Sensitive areas. 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 Qi of the Lung Meridian is obstructed, there is tenderness at the Xuan Zhong point. When the Lung Meridian is deficient and cold: Fengmen and Dazhu have a feeling of heaviness. For hemoptysis or hematochezia: Kongzui has tenderness or a feeling of heaviness when pressed. When the meridian Qi is deficient, Gaohuang appears swollen or elastic, and the skin temperature is low.
Large Intestine Meridian: Large Intestine Shu, Tianzhu, Wenliu, Quchi, Hegu.
When the Qi of the Large Intestine Meridian is abundant or there is an obstruction in excretion, there is tenderness at Quchi, Lung Shu, Tianzhu, and Qizhu. When the Qi is stagnant, there is tenderness at Daju. In cases of enteritis, Shousanli, Shangjuxu, and Tianzhu have significant tenderness, and the skin temperature is higher than adjacent points. In chronic enteritis, the skin temperature is low, and there is a quick sensation.
Stomach Meridian: Stomach Shu, Zhongwan, Liangqiu, Zusanli, Fenglong.
When the Stomach Meridian has excess heat: Zhongwan and Liangqiu have tenderness. When there is excessive gastric acid: Juque and Burong show tenderness.
When the Stomach Meridian is deficient and cold: pressing Zhongwan and Zusanli feels comfortable. For gastric ulcers: Stomach Shu and its lateral side have sensitive points, and when pressing the buttocks, tenderness radiates down to below the knee.
Severe stomach pain: Tianzong has significant tenderness, and pressing it can relieve pain.
Spleen Meridian: Spleen Shu, Zhangmen, Diji, Dabao, Spleen Shu.
When there is indigestion or abnormal transportation, Spleen Shu, Zhangmen, and Dabao all have tenderness. When blood circulation is unbalanced: Spleen Shu shows tightness or tenderness. For Spleen heat or Qi stagnation: Diji has significant tenderness. For Spleen deficiency causing bloating: Spleen Shu shows heaviness or low skin temperature when pressed.
Heart Meridian: Heart Shu, Juque, Yinxi, Shaohai.
When the Heart Meridian has excess heat: 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 Qi is deficient or the function is low: Sanyinjiao, Shuifen, and Kidney Shu all have tenderness.
Small Intestine Meridian: Small Intestine Shu, Guanyuan, Yanglao, Xiaohai, Xiaojuxu.
For Small Intestine Meridian diseases: Guanyuan and Yanglao show reactions. 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 Qi obstruction in the Small Intestine Meridian, Xiaojuxu shows tenderness, and needling is effective. For lower back pain in the Small Intestine Shu area, Yanglao has significant tenderness, and needling is effective.
Bladder Meridian: Bladder Shu, Zhongji, Jinmen, Weizhong, Kunlun, Tianzhu, Bayao.
When the Qi of the Bladder Meridian is abundant: Weizhong has high skin temperature, and the collaterals are full. When damp heat descends and the Qi is obstructed, Zhongji, Jinmen, and Bladder Shu have tenderness. When invaded by wind and cold, Tianzhu, Bayao, and Chengshan show tenderness. When the Qi is deficient, pressing Zhongji and Bladder Shu gives a quick sensation.
Kidney Meridian: Kidney Shu, Jingmen, Shuiquan, Shuifen, Huangshu.
For Kidney Meridian diseases: Shuiquan, Shuifen, and Huangshu all show tenderness. For kidney diseases: Kidney Shu and Jingmen have tenderness. When the kidney’s excretory function is compromised, Zhukui shows a positive reaction (hardness, tenderness). Therefore, moxibustion at Zhukui has a detoxifying effect. When there are urinary system issues, Bayao shows tenderness.
Pericardium Meridian: Jueyin Shu, Shanzhong, Xiemen, Daling.
When emotions are unstable, and there are unpredictable crying or laughing episodes: Shanzhong and Xiemen have significant tenderness. For women with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or lower abdominal blood stasis, pressing Xiemen shows tightness or tenderness, and needling can regulate menstruation and relieve pain. For palpitations, pressing Jueyin Shu and Shanzhong can provide relief, and moxibustion is also effective.
Sanjiao Meridian: Sanjiao Shu, Shimen, Weiyang, Huizong.
When the Qi is obstructed, Huizong, Weiyang, and Shimen all show tenderness. When the Qi is abundant, the Sanjiao Shu area is tight, and Huizong has strong tenderness. For urinary retention, if the Sanjiao Qi is not expressed, Shimen shows fullness.
Gallbladder Meridian: Gallbladder Shu, Riyue, Tianzong, Jing, Yanglingquan, Waiqiu.
When there is cholecystitis, Riyue, Jingmen, and Tianzong have tenderness. When the Gallbladder Meridian has excess heat: Waiqiu has high skin temperature. When the Qi is deficient: pressing Gallbladder Shu and Riyue feels comfortable.
Liver Meridian: Liver Shu, Qimen, Zhongdu, Ququan.
When the Qi is stagnant (insomnia, irritability, hypertension): Liver Shu often shows swelling and tenderness, and Zhongdu has strong tenderness. For hepatitis (excess heat in the Qi), there may be a sensitive area two inches above the inner ankle to Zhongdu, and Yanglingquan and Waiqiu may also show tenderness. For sexual dysfunction: pressing Ququan may cause pain or heaviness.
By using the above methods to identify the affected meridians and points, combined with the four diagnostic methods and eight principles, you can determine the cause, location, and nature of the disease, and propose effective treatment plans.
You can remember the distribution of the meridians without rote memorization:
Order of the meridian flow:
Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian → Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian Taiyin (most abundant Yin Qi) → Yangming (most abundant Yang Qi)
Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian → Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian Yangming (most abundant Yang Qi) → Taiyin (most abundant Yin Qi)
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian → Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian Shaoyin (second most abundant Yin Qi) → Taiyang (second most abundant Yang Qi)
Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian → Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian Taiyang (second most abundant Yang Qi) → Shaoyin (second most abundant Yin Qi)
Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian → Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian Jueyin (least abundant Yin Qi) → Shaoyang (least abundant Yang Qi)
Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian → Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian Shaoyang (least abundant Yang Qi) → Jueyin (least abundant Yin Qi)
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 deficient, they are:
Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin → Yangming, Taiyang, Shaoyang
Taiyin → Yangming
Shaoyin → Taiyang
Jueyin → Shaoyang
Yang meridians connect with Yang meridians of the same name (in the head and face), Yangming → Yangming, Taiyang → Taiyang, Shaoyang → Shaoyang
Yin meridians connect with the next Yin meridian (in the chest and abdomen), Taiyin → Shaoyin, Shaoyin → Jueyin, Jueyin → Taiyin
Yin meridians connect with the same abundant Yang meridian (exterior meridian), Taiyin → Yangming, Shaoyin → Taiyang, Jueyin → Shaoyang
Yang meridians connect with the same abundant Yin meridian (exterior meridian), Yangming → Taiyin, Taiyang → Shaoyin, Shaoyang → Jueyin
Hand Yin meridians flow from the chest (abdomen) to the hand → Hand Yang meridians flow from the hand to the head → Foot Yang meridians flow from the head to the foot → Foot Yin meridians flow from the foot 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) — like sunlight reaching and not reaching.
Yang meridians run along the back of the body, while Yin meridians run along the abdomen (back is Yang, abdomen is Yin) — facing the earth with the back to the sky.
Taiyin and Yangming (most abundant) are in front; Shaoyin and Taiyang (second most abundant) are in the back; Jueyin and Shaoyang (least abundant) are in the middle.
Note:At 8 inches above the inner ankle, the Foot Jueyin Meridian and Foot Taiyin Meridian intersect, with the Jueyin Meridian running before the Taiyin Meridian, the Taiyin Meridian in the middle, and the Taiyang Meridian still at the back.
Continuing this logic leads to:
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)
Corresponding:
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 Mnemonics
1. Fainting — Water Ditch, Zhongchong, Yongquan, Zusanli.
Mnemonic: To revive from fainting, wake up by the water ditch beside the spring in the mountains.
2. Collapse — Sujiao, Water Ditch, Neiguan.
Mnemonic: For collapse, quickly close the water ditch.
3. Convulsions — Baihui, Yintang, Renzhong, Hegu, Taichong.
Mnemonic: In the hall (Renzhong), Baihui’s fragrance causes convulsions.
4. Stroke Closed Syndrome — Twelve Well Points, Water Ditch, Taichong, Fenglong.
Mnemonic: Stroke is caused by the twelve water ditches’ foul air, causing a loud boom (Fenglong) and falling.
5. Stroke Collapse Syndrome — Guanyuan, Shenque (Ginger Moxibustion). Sweating with Yinxi, Fuliu, and urination 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 eating low-grade (Ciliao) food. Deficiency pain is due to the three Yin days in the mountains without the Qihai closing (Guanyuan).Follow our public account：Acupuncture Points Code.
7. Visceral Cramping Pain
(1) Cardiac Angina — Heart Shu, Jueyin Shu, Neiguan, Shanzhong.
Mnemonic: For cardiac 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 itself, relying on Yangming.
(3) Ascaris in the Bile Duct — Yingxiang through Sibai, Jiumei through Riyue, Gallbladder Point, Zhongwan, Yanglingquan.
Mnemonic: The nine tails steal the sun and moon; do you want to steal four hundred? Yanglingquan is the way to go, gallbladder fear early and late.
(4) Renal Colic — Kidney Shu, Sanjiao Shu, Guanyuan, Yinlingquan, Sanyinjiao.
Mnemonic: Renal colic can be resolved by the Yanglingquan of the Grand View Garden; three calls and three responses will heal the kidney.
8. Toothache — Hegu, Xiaguan, Jiachao.
Mnemonic: Why (Hegu) go down? Toothache!
9. High Fever — Dazhui, Twelve Well Points, Ten Declares, Quchi, Hegu.
Mnemonic: Why does a high fever take twelve pounds of big nails to the pool? 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)? It makes my head hurt!
(2) Internal Injury Headache
A. Liver Yang Headache — Baihui, Fengchi, Taichong, Taixi.
Mnemonic: The kindness (Chi) and joy (Xi) visit the Tai family (Taichong), and great anger causes the 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 kidney and spleen deficiency, causing headache.
C. Blood Deficiency Headache — Baihui, Heart Shu, Spleen Shu, Zusanli.
Mnemonic: Walking three miles to visit a friend, the friend says: I have heart and spleen deficiency, causing headache.
D. Phlegm Turbidity Headache — Touwei, Taiyang, Fenglong, Yinlingquan.
Phlegm turbidity headache can cause fullness in the head and temples, possibly due to excessive turbidity at Yinlingquan.
E. Blood Stasis Headache — Ah Shi point, Hegu, Xuehai, Sanyinjiao.
Why does blood stasis cause headache? It is due to the intersection of three Yin Qi at the Blood Sea!
11. Acute Lumbar Strain — Kidney Shu, Yaoyan, Weizhong.
For lumbar strain, massage the kidney area and listen to soothing music.
12. Vomiting — Zhongwan, Neiguan, Zusanli.
In the Guanyuan area, walking three miles makes Zhongwan uncomfortable, leading to vomiting.
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