Last week we began discussing acupuncture meridians and how science is starting to catch up with what the ancients have known for centuries. This week, we’re going to dive into the properties of the 14 main meridians and how they are utilized in East Asian Medicine (EAM). This is gonna be a long one, so sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy.
The meridians are broken down into two categories: the jing mai and the luo mai. The jing mai represents most of what people often know as the meridians. The luo mai are the various connections between the different jing mai meridians.
The meridian system also follows the five elements theory, in which different qualities, both physical and symbolic, are grouped within five categories. This theory separates the organs into “hollow” and “solid” categories. The hollow organs are the stomach, bladder, gallbladder and the large and small intestines. The solid organs are the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs. Each element has a range of qualities that are used to diagnose disease and dysfunction. They also provide tools to help the body regain balance and health. While there is no scientific basis in the five elements theory, it is important to understand the theory for the practice of acupuncture.
Some organs are also part of the principal meridians, which are the twelve “standard” meridians. These are the meridians people are most familiar with. Some of these meridians correspond with specific major organs. All the principal meridians run through a peripheral limb, either a hand or a foot, and from there, each channel travels either up or down the body.
Additionally, there are also eight extraordinary meridians which are thought to hold energy and do not directly correspond with any organs. Three of these possess commonly used acupuncture points.
As part of a larger system, meridians bridge the gap between the tangible body and the qi, or energy. EAM sees this dynamic as one of the main factors controlling well-being. Through the use of various practices, including acupuncture, massage, exercise, diet, herbal remedies and qigong (a health practice of body postures, breathing and meditation), this vital energy system is controlled to promote health.
This overall meridian system is a different model than the reductive, Western biological model and is holistic in nature. In EAM, dysfunction and disease are not a result of pathology. Instead, imbalances in qi and other energetic systems lead to health problems. And the causes of qi imbalance, are often thought to derive from or to have been influenced by the patient’s own actions.
To help a patient, the acupuncturist examines the patient’s daily routine and compares that to the symptoms. The patient then receives a variety of treatment recommendations, some relating to diet and sleep, for example, and others, including acupuncture. Acupuncture uses very thin needles inserted into the top layer of the skin. The needle then stimulates nerve endings in acupuncture points which trigger the corresponding meridian, sending signals to the brain and back out into the body to initiate healing.
Let’s break down the primary acupuncture meridians to give more insight into how the mind of an acupuncturist really works.
Heart – The “King of the Organs,” the heart is the house of the vital essence. It commands all of the other organs and emotions. The heart is also seen as the seat of the mind. It works with many organs to regulate circulation and maintain a healthy mental state. If the heart is imbalanced, all the other organs and meridians will suffer.
Speech impediments or being mute is considered to have been caused by an imbalance in the heart meridian. As a source of bodily heat and circulation of the blood, a pallid facial complexion can also diagnose heart meridian imbalances. All manner of mental and emotional issues can also occur from an imbalance of the heart meridian.
The heart meridian begins near the armpit and runs down the lower inner arm before ending at the tip of the little finger.
These are the correspondences associated with the heart meridian:
Element – Fire, Direction – South, Season – Summer, Flavor – Bitter, Color – Red, Sound – Laughter, Emotion – Joy, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 9, Tissue / Organ – Face
Small Intestine – Responsible for receiving food during the digestion process, the small intestine are known as the “Minister of Reception.” It separates impurities from the food before passing the waste on and also absorbs water. This meridian works together with the heart meridian. The small intestine meridian also works with the pituitary gland, to regulate growth and the endocrine system. Imbalance in the small intestine meridian can cause emaciation and pain in the abdomen. It can also lead to poor reasoning ability, confusion and restlessness.
Starting at the tip of the little finger, the small intestine meridian runs up the lower back of the arm. It zig-zags at the back of the shoulder before ascending up the side of the neck. At the cheek it moves outward ending at the front of the ear.
These are the correspondences associated with the small intestine meridian:
Element – Fire, Direction – South, Season – Summer, Flavor – Bitter, Color – Pinkish Red, Sound – Laughter, Emotion – Joy, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 19, Tissue / Organ – Vessels
Bladder – The bladder is referred to as the “Minister of the Reservoir.” While the organ only stores and eliminates liquid waste, the energetic function involves balancing the autonomous nervous system. This is in part because the bladder meridian spans the height of the body and runs alongside the spinal column. The bladder plays a role in regulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. An imbalance of the bladder meridian can cause lower back pain or weakness, as well as urinary problems. A bladder meridian imbalance can also cause someone to be fearful or stubborn.
The bladder meridian begins at the inner eye and runs up the skull where is works outwards before running down the back. The meridian then follows the hip and sacral nerves before running down the back of the leg and ends outside of the baby toe.
These are the correspondences associated with the bladder meridian:
Element – Water, Direction – North, Season – Winter, Flavor – Salty, Color – Black, Sound – Groaning, Emotion – Fear, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 67, Tissue / Organ – Bones / Ears
Kidney – In EAM, the kidney is seen as one of the most important organs. This organ includes the adrenal glands and the sex glands of both men and women. It is known as the “Minister of Power” as well as the “Root of Life.” It is tasked with storing the prenatal energy, as well as the essential vital energy for life. The kidney also works at regulating the brain and plays an important role in the formation of memories and rationality.
An imbalance in the kidneys can cause impotency or an immune deficiency. It can also lead to a poor memory, an inability to think clearly and excessive fear. Back pain, kidney stones, hot flashes, night sweats, cold extremities and a short attention span can also indicated a kidney meridian imbalance.
The kidney meridian starts at the sole of the foot and runs along the inner edge before looping around the ankle. It ascends the inner leg and runs up the central torso, before ending at the inner collarbone.
These are the correspondences associated with the kidney meridian:
Element – Water, Direction – North, Season – Winter, Flavor – Salty, Color – Black, Sound – Groaning, Emotion – Fear, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 27, Tissue / Organ – Bones
Pericardium – While not technically an organ, the pericardium corresponds to an actual part of the body. The pericardium is a protective sack encircling the heart. It is one of the two principal meridians not associated with a major organ. Its protection extends beyond the physical to include the mental, emotional and spiritual. It is also responsible for regulating circulation of the blood and links the emotional feelings of love with the physical act of sex. Imbalances can cause problems with the heart, chest, stomach and mind.
This meridian begins in the middle of the chest and descends to the diaphragm. It also branches out from the chest and runs along the interior of the arm, ending at the tip of the middle fingernail.
These are the correspondences associated with the pericardium meridian:
Element – Fire, Direction – South, Season – Summer, Flavor – Bitter. Color – Red, Sound – Laughter, Emotion – Joy, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 9, Tissue / Organ – Vessels
Triple Warmer / San Jiao – The Triple Warmer or San Jiao meridian is the second primary meridian not associated with an organ. It is similar to the thyroid in that it controls the metabolism. It is not strictly limited to the energetic metabolism, though. It is also involved in digestion and waste processing.
As the name suggests, there are three parts to the triple warmer: the upper, middle and lower. The upper warmer runs from the base of the tongue to the stomach. It controls bodily intake of food, water and oxygen. The middle burner starts at the stomach and ends at the pyloric valve. It is responsible for digestion and transformation for use by the body. The lower burner then splits, ending at the anus and urinary tract. It handles the elimination of wastes. When out of balance, disorders with the sense organs can occur, as well as bloating, nausea, heartburn and fluid or food retention.
The triple-warmer’s meridian begins at the tip of the ring finger. It runs up the back of the arm and crosses the trapezius, ending at the collarbone.
These are the correspondences associated with the triple warmer / San Jiao meridian:
Element – Fire, Direction – South, Season – Summer, Flavor – Bitter, Color – Orange Red, Sound – Laughter, Emotion – Joy, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Number of Acupoints – 23, Tissue / Organ – Vessels
Gallbladder – The gallbladder meridian can be seen almost as the body’s janitor. The ancient Chinese called it the “Honorable Minister.” The gallbladder secretes bile to aid in digestion for muscular energy and works with the lymphatic system to clear out lactic acid. It follows that the gallbladder meridian is in part responsible for muscular health. The gallbladder meridian is responsible for daring and decisive mental states. An imbalance in the gallbladder meridian can lead to insomnia, gallstones, blurred vision, dizziness, digestive issues and stiffness of the muscles. It can also cause poor judgment, timidity and indecision.
The gallbladder meridian begins on the outer corner of the eye. It zig-zags up and down above the ear and over the eye before running down the back of the skull. It descends down the side of the body, continuing down the outside of the leg, and ends on the outer edge of the 4th toe.
These are the correspondences associated with the gallbladder meridian:
Element – Wood. Direction – East, Season – Spring, Flavor – Sour, Color – Yellow Green, Sound – Shouting, Emotion – Anger, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 44, Tissue / Organ – Tendons / Eyes
Liver – The liver is considered one of the primary organs in EAM. It is called the “General”. This is in part because the liver transforms nutrients into usable substances that the body uses for energy. The liver is also called this because it detoxifies the blood.
The liver meridian is in charge of the peripheral nervous system, as well as the ligaments and tendons. Hypertension and the inability to relax are caused by an imbalance in the liver meridian. Imbalances of this meridian can also cause anger issues, headaches, tremors, seizures and tinnitus.
The liver meridian originates at the inside of the big toe. It runs along the instep of the foot and up the inner leg. At the hip, it dips toward the genitals, before ascending to the lower abdomen. The liver meridian then zigzags out and up to the ribs, before moving back to the center and ending at the nipple.
These are the correspondences associated with the liver meridian:
Element – Wood, Direction – East, Season – Spring, Flavor – Sour, Color – Green, Sound – Shouting, Emotion – Anger / Frustration, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 14, Tissue / Organ – Tendons / Eyes
Lung – The lung meridian is second only to the heart meridian among the 12 principal meridians. It is called the “Prime Minister” and assists with controlling energy and circulating the blood. The lungs and the heart are seen to work in conjunction with blood and energy, being complementary parts of the living system. This connection has led the lungs to also be called “The Priest” and the “Minister of Heaven.” The lungs also control the skin and perspiration.
This meridian generates what is known as the radiant energy. This control puts the lungs in the front line for fighting external disease. The lungs also connect the mind to the body through breathing. Qigong is designed to strengthen this bond and focuses on the lung meridian. Imbalances in the lung meridian can cause upper respiratory infections, breathing dysfunctions and skin problems. An imbalance can also cause despair and anxiety.
The lung meridian begins at the front of the shoulder. It notches up before running down the top of the inner arm and ending at the corner of the thumbnail.
These are the correspondences associated with the lung meridian:
Element – Metal, Direction – West, Season – Autumn, Flavor – Pungent (Umami), Color – White, Sound – Crying, Emotion – Grief, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 11, Tissue / Organ – Skin
Large Intestine – The large intestine is in charge of making solid waste from liquid. Known as the “Master of Transportation,” it is the final organ before solid waste is eliminated. The large intestine works closer with its paired organ than most. The lungs move the large intestine by breathing. The large intestine balances the body’s fluids and works with the lungs in perspiration. An imbalance in the large intestine meridian can cause constipation, IBS, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Depression, excessive worry and obsessive behavior can also be caused by an imbalance of this meridian.
The large intestine meridian starts at the outside of the index fingernail. It travels up the top of the arm before crossing to the back of the shoulder. It crosses back over the shoulder, runs up the throat, and ends just below the nose.
These are the correspondences associated with the large intestine meridian:
Element – Metal, Direction – West, Season – Autumn, Flavor – Pungent (Umami), Color – White, Sound – Crying, Emotion – Grief, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 20, Tissue / Organ – Skin / Nose
Stomach – The stomach is in charge of elemental balance. Called the “Sea of Nourishment”, it is the start of digestion. Because of the umbilical cord, it is also called the “Root of Postnatal Life.” The stomach is tasked with extracting the energy from food and beverages. Working with the spleen, the stomach transports the energy throughout the meridian system. The stomach also uses the different types of food eaten to balance the five elemental energies. An imbalance with the stomach meridian will cause energetic deficiencies throughout the body. It can also cause bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, mania, confusion or anxiety. The stomach meridian begins under the eye, next to the nose. It descends before following the jawline up to the eye. It then drops and flows down the throat, chest and abdomen. Continuing, it runs down the front of the legs and feet, before ending at the big toe’s outside edge.
These are the correspondences associated with the stomach meridian:
Element – Earth, Direction – Center, Season – Late Summer, Flavor – Sweet, Color -Yellow,
Sound – Singing, Emotion – Anxiety / Worry, Yin/Yang – Yang, Flow Direction – Down, Time – 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 45, Tissue / Organ – Muscles
Spleen – This meridian includes the pancreas and is partly responsible for digestion. The spleen meridian is referred to as the “Minister of the Granary.” Nutrients from food and beverages are extracted by enzymes produced in the spleen and pancreas. The meridian regulates the quantity and the quality of blood in circulation. The spleen meridian is responsible for logical and analytical thinking. It is also the first meridian in memory formation. Imbalances in the spleen meridian can show up as digestive issues, fatigue, pale skin tone, edema and weak muscles.
The spleen meridian begins at the tip of the big toe and travels up the inside of the leg. It moves in and out the stomach until it travels up the side of the body and ends underneath the front of the shoulder.
These are the correspondences associated with the spleen meridian:
Element – Earth, Direction – Center, Season – Late Summer, Flavor – Sweet, Color – Yellow, Sound – Singing, Emotion – Anxiety, Yin/Yang – Yin, Flow Direction – Up, Time – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Number of Acupoints – 21, Tissue / Organ – Muscles
Lastly, there are two other meridians that are frequently utilized by acupuncturists, the Governing or Du meridian and the Conception or Ren meridian.
The Du meridian is often called “The Sea of Yang Meridians,” as it controls all the yang meridians. It is also said to be the “fire” of the body and responsible for body heat. The Du meridian works with the kidneys to regulate the brain, making it one of the most important meridians in EAM. The Du meridian begins at the base of the pelvis and travels up the back, over the top of the head to right above the upper lip and it has 28 acupoints.
The Ren meridian is known as the “Sea of Yin Meridians,” because it controls all the yin meridians. It receives qi from the yin meridians before distributing it to the yang meridians. The Ren meridian is responsible for circulating qi throughout the body and it also controls the reproductive cycle and libido, making it the second most important meridians in EAM. The Ren meridian begins at the base of the pelvis, travels up the front of the body to the lower lip and has 24 acupoints.
This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the meridian system in EAM. The meridians do not work independently of one another and this will frequently lead to somewhat confusing symptomology. But that’s where your acupuncturist comes in to help you decipher what is going on and how best to address everything.