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The
twelve meridians follow specific time schedules and pathways. The Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow
Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) says, "
The three yins of the arm go from the organs to the hands. The
three yangs of the arm go from the hands to the head. The three
yangs of the legs go from the head to the feet. The three yins of
the legs go from the feet to the abdomen." Qi is continuously
circulating through the meridians in a daily cycle. At certain
times, both qi and blood have maximum flow in particular meridians
which are outlined below.
Meridian
Flow Chart (The Daily
Qi Current of the 12-hour Division)
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As shown in the above chart, qi is more prevalent in different
meridians at different times. For example, from 3am to 5am,
meridian qi mainly flows through the Lung Meridian and enters the
Large Intestine Meridian at 5am-7am, and then the Stomach
Meridian from 7am-9am. In this way, the meridian cycle is
continuous as the qi flows through the body.
Exterior-Interior
relationship in the meridian
As mentioned before, meridians are classified into yin meridians
and yang meridians according to the yin or yang organs with which
they are connected. TCM believes the interior belongs to yin and
the exterior belongs to yang. Hence, yin organs are thought to
have more internal functions and are called interior organs. The
yang organs, on the other hand, are believed to have more
external functions and are considered exterior organs. TCM
analyzes the physiological function of the body based on the
harmonious relationships between yin and yang organs. From these
relationships, the interior and exterior relationship theory was developed.
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Characteristics
of Meridian flow
Looking closely at the
meridian chart, one can see a beautiful pattern with laws
governing the meridian flow of Qi in the body. The pattern
includes exterior towards interior, interior towards exterior,
arm towards leg, and leg towards arm, etc.
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Exterior towards
Interior, Interior towards Exterior.
For example, the Lung Meridian (Tai Yin) flows towards the Large
Intestine Meridian (Yang Ming). The Lung and Large Intestine Meridians
are yin and yang organs and have an interior-exterior relationship.
Both of them belong to metal of the five
elements. TCM believes the interior belongs to
yin and the exterior to yang, because this meridian flow can be
considered as: "the internal metal yin running towards the
external metal yang." In this way, the flow obeys the yin
yang theory and has shown its mobile
development and harmonious balance.
Arm towards Leg, Leg towards Arm.
Another example is the Arm Large Intestine Meridian (Yang Ming)
flowing towards the Leg Stomach Meridian (Yang Ming). This
illustrates the arm and leg relationship.
Pattern of
the Meridian flow
 The
meridian flow chart illustrates an interesting flow pattern which
is organized to follow both vertical and horizontal orders.
Horizontally, the six meridians on the left side of the chart are
all arm meridians, while those on the right side are all leg
meridians. Therefore, the meridian flow intrinsically has
arm-to-leg and leg-to-arm patterns, which means there is a balance
between the upper and lower parts of the body. All meridians
communicate with the body in a balanced manner.
 Among the six arm meridians, the
three on the left-hand are interior meridians while those on the
right are exterior meridians. Of the six leg meridians, the three
on the left are exterior meridians, while the three on the right
are interior. This beautiful symmetry shows meridians go from the
interior of the arm towards the exterior of the arm. Then, they
proceed from the exterior of the arm towards the exterior of the
leg to the interior of the leg and so on.
 Meridians in the chart also have a
vertical order. All yang meridians follow a downward order: a) Yang
Ming; b) Tai Yang; c) Shao Yang. For yin meridians, the order is :
a)Tai Yin; b)Shao Yin; c)Jue Yin. For example, Leg Tai Yin Spleen
Meridian flows towards Arm Shao Yin Heart Meridian. The Leg Shao
Yin Kidney Meridian flows towards the Arm Jue Yin Pericardium
Meridian. Generally speaking, the meridian flow follows the order
of Tai Yin, Shao Yin and Jue Yin. The yin yang theory governs the
flow of meridians and their symmetrical and organized connections
throughout the whole body.
1. Arm Tai Yin Lung Meridian
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Pathway:
The Lung Meridian originates in the middle portion of the body,
and runs downwards connecting with the large intestine. It then turns
and passes through the diaphragm to connect with the lungs.
This meridian branches out from the axilla (armpit) and runs down
the medial aspect of the upper arm where it crosses the elbow
crease. It continues until it passes above the major artery of
the wrist, and emerges at the tip of the thumb. Another branch
emerges from the back of the wrist and ends at the radial side of
the tip of the index finger to connect with the Large Intestine
Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Disorders of the Lung Meridian lead to diseases related to TCM lung
dysfunction. According to TCM, the lung rules and regulates qi
throughout the body and administers respiration (breathing). In addition,
the lung moves and adjusts the water channels, so disorders of this
meridian may be related to disharmony of lung fluid or
"water" and respiratory disorders. Symptoms like chest
discomfort with a fullness sensation, dyspnea (shortness of
breath), cough, and wheezing indicate Lung Meridian disharmony.
This disharmony can also lead to pain along the meridian position.
For example, a person may feel pain in the shoulder and back or
along the anterior border of the medial aspect of the arm.
Main indications:
Acupuncture points in the Lung Meridian are indicated for throat,
chest and lung ailments and for other symptoms that are presented
along the meridian's pathway.
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Pathway:
The Large Intestine Meridian starts from the tip of the index
finger and runs between the thumb and the index finger. It then
proceeds along the lateral side of the forearm and the anterior
side of the upper arm, until it reaches the highest point of the
shoulder. From there, it has two branches. One goes internally
towards the lungs, diaphragm and large
intestine. The other travels externally
upwards where it passes the neck and cheek, and enters the lower
teeth and gums. It then curves around the upper lip and crosses
to the opposite side of the nose.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Large Intestine Meridian can lead to symptoms of
abdominal pain, intestinal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and dysentery.
Since it passes through the oral cavity and the nose, symptoms like
toothache, a runny nose, nosebleeds, and pain or heat along the
meridian pathway can also indicate a disorder in this meridian.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for diseases
affecting the head, face, pharynx (throat), febrile conditions and
other symptoms along the meridian pathway
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3. Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian
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Pathway:
The Stomach Meridian starts from the end of the Large Intestine
Meridian at the side of the nose, and passes through the inner
corner of the eye to emerge from the lower part of the eye. Going
downwards, it enters the upper gum and curves around the lips and
lower jaw. It then turns upwards, passing in front of the ear,
until it reaches the corner of the forehead where it splits into
an internal and external branch. The internal branch emerges from
the lower jaw, running downwards until it reaches its pertaining
organ, the stomach.
The external branch crosses the neck, chest, abdomen and groin
where it goes further downward along the front of the thigh and
the lower leg, until it reaches the top of the foot. Finally, it
terminates at the lateral side of the tip of second toe. Another
branch emerges from the top of the foot and ends at the big toe
to connect with the Spleen Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Stomach Meridian disorders have symptoms of stomachache, rapid
digestion, hunger, nausea and vomiting, or thirst. Other symptoms
that relate to disorders along the meridian pathway include
abdominal distension, ascites (a fluid build up in the abdomen),
sore throat, nosebleeds, or pain in the chest or knee.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for certain
gastro enteric diseases, toothaches and mental illnesses.
Conditions that affect areas through which the meridian passes such
as the head, face, eyes, nose and mouth can also benefit from
stimulation of the acupuncture points along this meridian.
4. Leg Tai Yin Spleen Meridian
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Pathway:
The Spleen Meridian begins at the big toe and runs along the
inside of the foot crossing the inner ankle. It then travels
along the inner side of the lower leg and thigh. Once it enters
the abdominal cavity, it internally connects with the spleen
and continues upward to reach the Heart Meridian. Externally, the
Spleen Meridian continues moving toward the chest and branches
out to reach the throat and the root of the tongue.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Spleen Meridian is related to spleen dysfunction.
According to TCM, the spleen is responsible for the transformation
and transportation of different substances, and is the foundation
of our after-birth existence. Spleen function is essential in
maintaining the digestive power of the body and transforming food
into qi and blood. If the Spleen Meridian does not function
properly, qi cannot be efficiently transported to the spleen. As a
result, symptoms like abdominal distention, loose stools, diarrhea,
epigastric pain, flatulence and a heavy sensation in the body
occur. In addition, symptoms such as pain at the root of the
tongue, swelling of the inner side of the lower limb may also
indicate disharmony of the Spleen Meridian.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for peptic,
gynecological and genital diseases. They are also indicated for
symptoms along the meridian.
5. Arm Shao Yin Heart Meridian
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Pathway:
The Heart Meridian starts from the heart,
and divides into three branches. One goes towards the small intestine.
The second runs upwards along the throat towards the eyes, and
the third branch emerges under the arm and runs along the inner
side of the forearm, elbow and upper arm. It then crosses the
inner side of the wrist and palm and ends at the inside tip of
the little finger, where it connects with the Small Intestine
Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Heart Meridian leads to pain at the heart
position (precordial pain or pain at the sternum). In TCM, the
heart rules the blood and the pulse. Without sufficient
nourishment, an individual may feel thirsty and have a dry throat.
Pain in the inner side of the forearm and heat in the palm may also
indicate problems in this meridian.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for heart, chest
and mental problems. They are also indicated for symptoms along the
meridian.
6. Arm Tai Yang Small Intestine Meridian
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Pathway:
The Small Intestine Meridian starts from the tip of the little
finger and crosses the palm and wrist. It runs upwards along the
posterior side of the forearm until it reaches the back of shoulder
where it ends at the uppermost part of the back (the bottom of
the neck). At this position, it first branches off and moves
internally through the heart and stomach to reach the small
intestine. The second branch travels
externally across the neck and cheek until it reaches the outer
corner of the eye and then enters the ear. A short branch in the
cheek moves upward to the inner corner of the eye where it connects
with the Bladder Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Small Intestine Meridian presents mainly as
symptoms along its pathway such as a swollen chin, stiff neck, sore
throat, hearing problems, yellow eyes, and pain along the shoulder,
upper arm, elbow and forearm.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for diseases of
the head, neck, ear, eyes and pharynx (throat), as well as certain
febrile conditions and mental illnesses. These acupuncture points
are also recommended for symptoms associated with the meridian's
pathway.
7. Leg Tai Yang Bladder Meridian
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Pathway:
The Bladder Meridian starts at the inner side of the eye and goes
across the forehead to reach the top of the head where it branches
into the brain. The main channel then goes across the back of the
head and divides into two branches. One branch crosses the center
of the base of the neck and extends downwards parallel to the
spine. Once in the lumbar region (bottom of the spine), it
branches out to reach the bladder.
The other branch crosses the back of the shoulder and runs
downward on the outside, which is adjacent and parallel to the
inner branch. It continues down until it reaches the buttocks
where two branches run across the back of thigh along different
pathways that join at the back of the knee. The joint meridian
then continues along the back of the lower leg, circles behind
the outer ankle, runs along the outside of the foot and
terminates on the lateral side of the tip of the small toe, where
it connects with the Kidney Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Bladder Meridian can lead to problems of TCM
bladder dysfunction. It is often related to symptoms caused by external
pernicious influences (outside influences that cause disease such
as cold, wind, fire, dampness, dryness and summer heat). Because
the Tai Yang Meridian is considered the most exterior, it is the
first meridian to be invaded if there is any external attack.
Therefore, its disharmony can cause symptoms such as difficult
urination, incontinence, painful eyes, runny nose, nose bleeding
and nasal congestion. Pain in the head, neck, back, groin and
buttock areas indicate disharmony in the Bladder Meridian pathway.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for diseases in
the head, neck, eyes, back, groin and lower limbs as well as
certain and mental illnesses. They are also recommended for
symptoms along the meridian pathway.
8. Leg Shao Yin Kidney Meridian
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Pathway:
The Kidney Meridian starts from the inferior side of the small
toe. Crossing the middle of the sole and the arch of the foot, it
circles behind the inner ankle and travels along the innermost side
of the lower leg and thigh, until it enters the body near the
base of the backbone. After connecting with the kidney,
it comes out at the pubic bone. Over the abdomen, it runs
externally upwards until it reaches the upper part of the chest
(the inner side of clavicle). A second branch emerges from the
kidney and moves internally upwards and passes through the liver,
diaphragm, lungs and throat, finally terminating at the root of
the tongue. Another small branch divides from the lung to connect
with the heart and the pericardium.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of Kidney Meridian can manifest as wheezing or coughing
because the kidneys "grasp the qi". They also are the
"mansion of fire and water," and the "residence of
yin and yang". If there is insufficient nourishment and
warming of the kidney, symptoms like edema (swelling), constipation,
and diarrhea can indicate an imbalance in this meridian. Pain in
the groin and pharynx (throat), which are located along the
meridian's pathway, also can indicate a problem with the Kidney
Meridian.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are used for gynecological,
genital, kidney, lung, and pharynx (throat) diseases. They are also
indicated for symptoms associated with the pathway of the meridian.
9.
Arm Jue Yin Pericardium Meridian
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Pathway:
The Pericardium Meridian starts from the chest, leaves the pericardium
organ and runs downwards through the diaphragm to connect with
the triple burner. A branch rising from the chest emerges from
the lower chest region and travels upwards to the axilla
(armpit). From the medial aspect of the upper arm, it makes its way
down between the lung and heart channels, until it reaches the
elbow crease. It then runs down the forearm and enters the palm
ending at the tip of the middle finger. Another short branch
splits off from the palm to connect with the Triple Burner Meridian
at the end of the ring finger.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Pericardium Meridian is related to the imbalance
of the TCM heart and blood functions. The manifestation includes
heart pain (precordial pain), chest discomfort, palpitations and an
oppressed feeling in the chest. Since the Heart stores the
"shen" or mental activities, Pericardium Meridian
disorders are related to mania. In addition, swelling of the axilla
and spasms of the elbow and arm can indicate a problem in this
meridian, since it passes through these areas.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are used for heart, chest, and
peptic diseases as well as mental illness. They are also indicated
for symptoms manifested along the meridian's pathway.
10. Arm Shao Yang Triple Burner Meridian
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Pathway:
The Triple Burner Meridian begins at the outer tip of the ring
finger and goes along the back of the hand, wrist, forearm and
upper arm, until it reaches the shoulder region where it branches
off. One branch travels internally into the chest and passes
through the pericardium and diaphragm uniting the upper, middle
and lower burner (triple
burner). The other branch runs externally up
the side of the neck, circles the ear and face, and finally ends
at the outer end of the eyebrow where it connects with the Gall
Bladder Meridian.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Triple Burner Meridian leads to symptoms like
abdominal distention, edema (swelling), urinary incontinence,
difficulty urinating, loss of hearing, and ringing in the ears
(tinnitus). Pain in the pharynx (throat), eyes, cheek, back of the
ear, shoulder and the upper arm can occur as these structures are
located along this meridian's pathway.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are recommended for ailments of
the ears, eyes, chest, pharynx (throat), and the side of the head
as well as certain febrile conditions. They are also indicated for symptoms
along this meridian's pathway.
11.
Leg Shao Yang Gall Bladder Meridian
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Pathway:
The Gall Bladder Meridian starts from the outer corner of the eye
and divides into two branches. One branch runs externally and weaves
back and forth at the lateral side of the head. After curving
behind the ear, it reaches the top of the shoulder and crosses
the lateral side of rib cage and abdomen, until it ends up at the
side of the hip. The other branch enters the cheek and runs
internally downward, through the neck and chest to connect with
the gall
bladder. It continues moving downwards and
comes out in the lower abdomen, where it connects with the other
branch at the hip. The hip branch then runs toward the lateral
side of the thigh and lower leg. After crossing the ankle, it
goes over the foot to reach to the tip of the fourth toe. Another
small branch leaves the meridian and terminates at the big toe to
connect with the Liver Meridian.
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Symptoms:
In TCM, the gall bladder is closely related to the liver. Hence,
the disharmony of the Gall Bladder Meridian causes symptoms such as
a bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, headache, and pain at the
outer angle of the eyelids. Pain along the meridian pathway such as
in the axilla (armpit), chest, lower chest, buttocks and the
lateral side of the lower limbs can also indicate a disorder of the
Gall Bladder Meridian.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for ailments of
the eyes, ears, pharynx (throat), and lateral side of the head in
addition to mental illness and fever. They are also recommended for
symptoms along the meridian's pathway.
12. Leg Jue Yin Liver Meridian
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Pathway:
The Liver Meridian starts from the top of the big toe and goes
across the top of the foot. After crossing the inner ankle, it
continues to go upwards along the inner side of the lower leg and
the thigh, until it reaches the pubic region. It then circulates
around the external genitalia and enters the lower abdomen.
Afterwards, it goes up the abdomen and reaches the lower chest to
connect with the liver
and gall bladder. The meridian further travels upwards along the
throat and connects with the eyes. Finally it emerges from the
forehead to reach the vertex of the head. One of its internal
branches originates internally from the eye and moves downwards
to the cheek where it curves around the inner surface of the
lips. Another branch starts from the liver and passes through the
diaphragm to reach the lung where it connects with the Lung
Meridian and completes the cycle of the twelve meridians.
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Symptoms:
Disharmony of the Liver Meridian leads to groin pain, chest
fullness, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, swelling of
the lower abdomen and hernias.
Main
indications:
Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for liver,
gynecological and genital diseases. They are also recommended for
symptoms along the meridian's pathway.
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