Acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi and break through energy blocks associated with disease. By treating its source rather than just its symptoms, acupuncture provides holistic healthcare that addresses health problems head-on.
Meridians are pathways through which energy or qi flows in your body and form the basis of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
1. Stomach Meridian
The stomach meridian begins at the center of each lower eyelid and travels upward and outward along cheekbone to jaw, before making a U-turn and ascending up side of face until hairline. From there it continues on to neck over nipple down front of torso then to ear where it regulates absorption of nutrients and immune function – any obstruction to this route could result in digestive issues, fatigue or compromised immunity.
Meridians act as energy highways and distribute qi (energy) throughout the body. To keep meridians functioning optimally and prevent imbalances from arising, it’s essential that they receive proper nourishment through diet and emotional stress relief techniques. The stomach meridian is associated with earth elements and late summer. Here’s a yin yoga sequence to strengthen this energy highway!
2. Kidney Meridian
The Kidney Meridian or Triple Energizer Meridian (San Jiao) is considered the most crucial of all meridians. This energy pathway regulates Qi and fluid flow throughout the upper body including shoulders, neck, and ears.
Its function includes regulating hormone production that affects reproductive, aging and bone health; it serves as the storehouse of Jing (Essence), the source of growth and development; stimulating it is believed to increase energy levels, alleviate fatigue and promote emotional wellbeing.
The Meridian runs from the back of ankles up through inner legs and through groin before progressing up the knees, hips, and lower back. It treats headaches, side-body pain, musculoskeletal conditions in lower body as well as water metabolism as well as stores innate essence essential for vitality and life force.
3. Spleen Meridian
Chinese Medicine considers meridians to be channels that allow Qi (pronounced “chee”), the vital energy which forms the basis for all human systems, to move freely throughout your body and ensure optimal health. An imbalance in one or more meridians may negatively impact overall wellbeing.
The spleen meridien absorbs and converts food into nutrients that are transported to other organs for digestion, as well as regulating blood quality and being an emotional center.
The spleen is associated with Earth element, late summer season and yellow color. You can support your spleen through yin yoga and acupuncture to treat symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and fatigue; digestion; food retention as well as partnering with Large Intestine Channel which acts as communication meridian that tonifies digestion while supporting detoxification processes (4)
4. Lung Meridian
Luo Mai Meridian (Lung Meridian) is associated with autumn when we begin to slow down and prepare for the quiet of winter. This meridian delivers oxygen into the body while also helping regulate breathing. Furthermore, its distribution regulates lung fluid distribution protecting against pathogens entering our system from outside sources.
The Luo Mai also regulates Qi distribution, perspiration and lubrication regulation and emotional well-being; any imbalance here could manifest as feelings of depression or anxiety.
Acupuncture points for lung meridian are located where your pecs meet shoulders. If this area feels tight, this could indicate that your lungs are working harder than they should. Breathing deeply into this spot may help release energy and improve lung function; also it’s best to avoid cold or windy weather as too much exposure could have an adverse impact.
5. Heart Meridian
The Heart Meridian is an important organ meridian, connecting our internal and external energetic systems. It regulates circulation, supports emotional balance and mental clarity, influences Shen (our “mental”) essence and influences Shen energy flow within the body.
The Pericardium Meridian begins in the chest and connects with the pericardium, moving down through the ribs, armpit, bicep, along the front of elbow, up hand. Any symptoms such as apathy, shoulder or arm numbness, heartache, anxiety and sleeplessness could indicate disharmony within this meridian.
The Heart meridian, commonly referred to as Shaoyin, plays an essential role in mental stability, Shen regulation and restful internal harmony. Acupuncture points such as HT 6 can help reduce tension in the mind, ease chest tightness or numbness and promote blood and Yin circulation while supporting healthy blood and Yin circulation. Supplementary herbal medicine as well as stress-relief practices may further promote its function.
6. Liver Meridian
The liver meridian links the spleen and stomach to facilitate digestion. It also transports blood and clears away phlegm. When unbalanced, symptoms include fatigue, aversion to cold temperatures and short temper.
It also regulates water metabolism and can protect the body against toxicity. Furthermore, the spleen serves as the key organ in managing balance between Yin and Yang energies in our bodies.
The Spleen Meridian shares its Shaoyang classification with that of the Small Intestine Meridian to promote digestive health and urinary function, while also sharing Taiyang classification with Gallbladder Meridian which regulates Qi flow and clears away heat.
7. Splenic Channel
Acupuncturists use meridians to assess imbalances in the body and develop treatment plans that restore health and harmony. Meridians serve as invisible channels which transport vital energy (called Qi ) throughout our bodies – when blocked they lead to illness and pain.
The Gallbladder Channel, or San Jiao, falls under Lesser Yang energy and serves as a link between internal and external energies. It controls Qi flow, mediates temperature balance and plays an essential role in fluid metabolism.
Splenic Intuition is instant, instinctual guidance rooted in your natural survival mechanisms and wisdom that provides direct guidance about what food or situations to consume for health or avoid. It reveals exactly when it’s needed and where in order to best benefit you in every moment of life.
8. Pericardium Channel
The Pericardium Channel connects directly to the Pericardium in the chest and to Stomach and Spleen in Middle Jiao, making it a critical point for treating heart palpitations, cardiac pain and its related conditions. Furthermore, it has a powerful calming effect on our spirits while invigorating Blood Flow and dispelling stasis while simultaneously regulating Stomach and Spleen functions in Middle Jiao.
Acupuncturists need an in-depth knowledge of meridians and their connections in order to effectively treat patients. This understanding allows them to address energy imbalances that are contributing to disease. Meridians, known as the “energy highways” of the body, span across every part of the human frame – including organs like Du and Ren that connects all these meridians together as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s holistic approach to healthcare.
9. Small Intestine Channel
The Small Intestine Channel (San Jiao) is the yang counterpart of the Heart Channel and begins from the corner of each little finger and runs up behind the arm until near to ulna bone, then curves to cross shoulder joint in an undulating path before passing under diaphragm CV-10 and connecting with heart.
This meridian is associated with discernment and is commonly referred to as the “Separator of the Pure from the Impure.” It processes food and liquids to identify what nutrients may be beneficial and distribute them throughout the system, while also handling emotions as necessary.
Acupuncture points along this meridian can help address digestive and mental clarity issues, as well as expel pathogens and manage heat syndromes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may also be used to clear Heat, treat upper body musculoskeletal pain and improve digestion.
10. Large Intestine Channel
The Large Intestine Channel (LI) is an integral pathway for energy balance. This channel plays an essential part in digestion issues as well as emotional balance.
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This channel serves as the Yin-Yang pair channel of both Lung and Large Intestine channels, meaning any imbalances of this meridien have an inverse relationship on them both. This is important because Lung and Large Intestine organs are internal yin organs while Heart and Spleen organs are external yang organs; such Yin-Yang relationships help maintain balanced energy, digestion, and elimination processes.
