The Source Acupuncture

What Are Meridians And Are They Real?
By ActiveHerb
What are meridians and are they real from ActiveHerb.com

“What are meridians of the body? And are meridian lines real?” are questions newcomers to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) often ask. From the western perspective, if something can’t be proven, it’s disregarded. Here’s how both TCM and modern science validate energy channels….



Can it really be that we have a network of pathways that transport energy throughout our body? Is this microscopic pipeline really responsible for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being? And can we really correct imbalances in our bodies using herbs as well as stimulating points with needles that coincide with these pathways?

Ancient cultures believed in these pathways and did indeed fix imbalances by adjusting the amount of energy that flows through these energy pipelines within the body.

The ancient Siamese (Thai) culture called them ‘sen’ lines. The ancient yogis who established Ayurvedic medicine referred to these energy pathways as ‘nadis.’ And traditional Japanese, Tibetan, and Chinese physicians called them ‘channels’ or ‘vessels.’ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners also referred to them as what can be translated as the now-popular term ‘meridians.’ It’s likely every ancient society that developed their unique healing philosophy had a term synonymous with ‘meridian.’

What are meridians?
A basic TCM definition of the meridians of the body is that they are a network of ‘energy channels’. You’ve probably seen an anatomical chart of meridian points in an acupuncturist’s treatment room, or other type of healer. When you take a look at this chart, it appears that these meridian lines are superficial, appearing just below the skin. Meridians can go much deeper than skin surface, as we’ll come back to in a bit.

Meridian lines are thought to connect the surface of the body with the internal organs. As long as Qi (energy) can flow through these energy channels in the Goldilocks zone (not too little and not too much), disease can be averted.

Every organ and major region in the body needs energy in order to function. Energy comes from the nutrients we eat from food, and from free-flowing blood. There are six pairs of meridians (12 total major meridians), each affecting a corresponding Yin/Yang organ.

Can Science Prove Meridians of the Body?
Long before Benjamin Franklin experimented with electricity (his kite flying experiment is probably more myth than reality; he would have likely died from electrocution), ancient Chinese physicians knew that the human body contains charged particles. Even 2,000 years ago, Chinese medicine doctors likely knew that the body’s vessels could store and produce electrical charges to provide electricity. They may have not been familiar with ‘ATP’ or Adenosine Triphosphate, which is what glucose (blood sugar) breaks down into to provide us with energy. However, it seems they were well aware of the full physiological workings of nerves, capillaries, blood vessels, arteries and veins.

As doctor of veterinary medicine, Narda Robinson, points out in Veterinary Practice News, acupuncturists in ancient China were using meridians to activate what modern-day researchers would use to generate nerve or neuronal function.

Robinson states, “These neural centers process the incoming signals and adjust endogenous regulation that results in improved circulation and organ function, analgesia, muscle relaxation, and normalized immune function, among other effects.”

Just like the acupuncturists of many centuries ago, a modern medical acupuncturist studies the nerve connections and “selects sites according to the desired neuromodulatory outcomes,” says Robinson, adding, “Medical researchers and physiologists are now in agreement that the peripheral and central nervous systems constitute the most rational basis for defining meridians.”

How are Meridian Lines of the Body Researched?
Research from China published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, concluded acupuncture points have a higher density of microvessels. In addition, they also contain a large amount of involuted microvascular structures. The non-acupuncture points did not exhibit these properties.*

In the study the researchers observe specific acupuncture points. These points reveal microvascular densities with two branches existing around thick blood vessels. These points contain fine structures with more large blood vessels that are significantly larger in size. The researchers also determined that meridian (acupuncture) points possess a higher density of vascularization of vessels.

Modern research has provided significant proof that acupuncture meridians are visceral. In fact, this research employs several techniques, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), infrared imaging, LCD thermal photography, ultrasound and other CT imaging methods. Other studies, such as this one published in Bioelectromagnetics, define meridian lines as “special conduits for electrical signals.“

Could it be that modern science has recently confirmed what the ancients knew all along?

*Chenglin, Liu, Wang Xiaohu, Xu Hua, Liu Fang, Dang Ruishan, Zhang Dongming, Zhang Xinyi, Xie Honglan, and Xiao Tiqiao. “X-ray phase-contrast CT imaging of the acupoints based on synchrotron radiation.” Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena (2013).

Source: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1230-new-ct-scans-reveal-acupuncture-points

CT Scans Reveal Acupuncture Points In a remarkable discovery, CT scans reveal the anatomical structures of acupuncture points.

What Are The 8 Extraordinary Meridians of TCM?
By ActiveHerb
September 28th, 2021 | Featured Posts, TCM Concepts

Throughout the years, we’ve stated numerous times that the energetic superhighway of TCM known as meridians contains a dozen invisible channels that connect to all the organ systems and everything else in your body, supplying life-building- and homeostasis-promoting blood and Qi.

But what we didn’t tell you, until now, is that the actual number of meridians in the body is 20.

What are these extra meridians we haven’t revealed until now? They are called the 8 extraordinary meridians (奇经八脉).

But before we explore the 8 meridians that are not considered part of the main meridian network, let’s quickly review the basic concept of meridians.

What Are Meridians In TCM?
At the microscopic level, things may seem in constant flux, with no symphonic orchestration. There’s random chaos as particles violently collide into one another. But in TCM theory, there is indeed an organizing life-force that brings a semblance of energetic order within our bodies….

Meridians control the circulating flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body. There are 12 pairs of meridians, 6 Yin and 6 Yang channels of invisible energy. Running on each side of the body, the paired meridians mirror each other and flow through a TCM organ system. Each meridian line contains several energy points. The Yin/Yang pairing of meridians is as follows, with the Yin organ listed first: Lung/Large Intestine; Heart/Small Intestine; Kidney/Bladder; Liver/Gallbladder; Spleen/Stomach and Pericardium/Triple Warmer.

When it comes to these organ systems, in TCM theory, the physical anatomical structure of Western medicine is not really so important. What matters more in TCM theory is the synergistic relationship with other organs and each systems’ Yin/Yang properties.

Yin organs reside deeper in the body and serve as manufacturing centers, storage sites and regulatory agencies of the body’s fundamental substances: Qi, Blood and other precious bodily fluids. As for Yang organs, their chief role is digestion and transforming digested food into nutrients to provide the body with Qi.

Feeling fabulous with ample vim and vigor depends on the Yin/Yang balance of the meridians system. But all that circulating Blood and Qi has to be stored somewhere…

The 8 Extraordinary Meridians of TCM
Humans have been creating reservoirs for thousands of years. Just as preserving precious drinking water is critical to maintaining life, your body has eight additional meridians that function as reservoirs for Blood and Qi.

These extraordinary meridians direct these substances to where they are needed in the body. They also function as superhighway connectors for the 12 main meridians. In addition, these auxiliary channels circulate Wei Qi to support the immune system.

Why else should you care about the extraordinary meridians? Well, if you want to live your life with not only abundant energy but also one filled with gratitude, spirit and purpose of life, you need your extraordinary meridians to have your back … or lower back to be more accurate.

If you want to live your life with not only abundant energy but also one filled with gratitude, spirit and purpose of life, you need your extraordinary meridians to have your back
An imbalance of Yin/Yang in the Kidney organ system can manifest as low back discomfort, premature aging and a lack of willpower. The 8 extraordinary meridians disperse and circulate Jing, or your life essence, and Shen, or spirit, throughout the body.

Can you now see why these ancillary energy pathways matter?

Skilled traditional Chinese medicine practitioners focus on these extraordinary meridians to help their patients overcome emotional imbalances, limiting thought patterns and poor lifestyle habits (smoking, addiction, overeating).

When the 8 extraordinary meridians are able to better circulate the body’s life force, spirit, energy and blood, a person is better able to live life with spiritual harmony.

What Are the 8 Extraordinary Meridians?
It’s in these life-essence-flowing meridians that the body’s deepest energetic functioning occurs. Interestingly, when you were in the womb, your body’s 8 extraordinary meridians were developing before your 12 main meridians were taking shape.

The names of these channels and their corresponding relative function are:

Ren Mai: Responsible for conception, be it a new life form or the energy that gives rise to a new brilliant business idea!
Du Mai: This governing vessel controls the Qi of all the Yang organ systems. When well-balanced, you’ll feel grounded and in control of your life.
Chong Mai: Not to be confused with Chiang Mai, the gorgeous mountainous area of Northern Thailand, this vessel may help people break free from genetic patterns of trauma.
Yang Chiao: Chiao, or Qiao vessels control dexterity of the lower limbs. On an emotional level, this vessel, which is paired with Du Mai, may help control over-thinking.
Yin Chiao: Paired with Ren Mai, when fine-tuned, may help one overcome feelings of abandonment or low self-worth.
Yin Wei: Paired with Chong Mai, this is the vessel of compassion.
Yang Wei Mai: Critical in the last state of immune defense and helps release old habits and patterns when operating in balance.
Dai Mai: Known as the “belt channel”, if you’re feeling frequently frustrated or indecisive, tell your acupuncturist that your Dai Mai needs a tune-up!
Conclusion
The 8 extraordinary meridians form before you are born. As such, they play a critical role in your genetic expression, especially your personality and immune function. Even if you don’t get acupuncture on a regular basis, it’s fascinating to know that lurking behind the scenes of your body’s main energetic superhighway system is an ancillary yet equally critically important 8 truly extraordinary meridians.

Recommended Reading:
What Are Meridians And Are They Real?

These 5 TCM Anti Aging Tips May Help You Look Years Younger - Activeherb Blog You’re not going to live forever. But by discovering these 5 anti-aging tips of TCM and the root causes of premature aging, you can look more youthful.

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https://www.academia.edu/15324814/A_Review_of_Psychosocial_Predictors_of_Treatment_Outcomes_What_Factors_Might_Determine_the_Clinical_Success_of_Acupuncture_for_Pain?email_work_card=title

A Review of Psychosocial Predictors of Treatment Outcomes: What Factors Might Determine the Clinical Success of Acupuncture for Pain? A Review of Psychosocial Predictors of Treatment Outcomes: What Factors Might Determine the Clinical Success of Acupuncture for Pain?

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https://www.academia.edu/21607582/Meta_analysis_Acupuncture_for_Osteoarthritis_of_the_Knee?email_work_card=view-paper

Meta-analysis: Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Meta-analysis: Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee