by More Coming Soon!
“What exactly are meridians and points?”
In Japan in 1976, scientific research had confirmed the existence of acu-points and meridians (lines of interconnected points) and helped to explain their nature.
Meridians (jing-luo): are a network of channels or pathways that transport Qi (energy) on a continual 24-hr basis. French missionaries, who brought acupuncture back from China, translated jing-luo as meridien, and English acupuncturists used the word meridian. One meaning of jing is “to go through,” and luo means “something that connects or attaches.”
Meridians are named according to the organ they are directly/mostly associated with. Note, that when one looks at the diagram of a meridian the pathway often appears not to travel near the organ. However, meridians have a deeper inner flow which will connect near the organ.
You can see in this example of the Lung meridian, the external flow runs down the arm, while the dotted line (the inner flow) goes directly into the Lungs and descends to the Large Intestine (its partner meridian!)
Points (xue): are places along the (outer) meridians where the Qi is accessible (close to the surface). Interesting to note that “the original character for xue contains the image of something precious that is buried in a small hole in the earth,” says B.C. acupuncturist and author Arnie Lade. How appropriate!
Each meridian has a yin or yang partner meridian. E.g. the Yin Spleen meridian is partnered with the Yang Stomach meridian. Meridians will start of end in the toes of the fingers.
Each meridian has a direct effect on the organ it is named for AND is responsible/plays a role in other functions of the body – physical, psychological and emotional. E.g., the Bladder meridian is associated with bladder issues, cystitis, urinary issues AND back of head headaches, back of leg sciatica, general back pain, calves and ankles issues, gives flexibility of mind and body, having the ability to put things behind one, overthinking, too cautious/worry.
** See individual posts about each meridian for more details. There are also numerous internet resources.
