MERIDIAN SYSTEM

1. WHAT IS MERIDIAN SYSTEM

The meridians (jing) and submeridianss (luo) are the pathways in which qi (vital energy) and blood circulate. They form a specific network which communicates with the internal organs and limbs and connects the upper to the lower and the exterior portions of the body.

The meridian system is typically divided into two categories, the meridian channels and the submeridian vessels (sometimes called "collaterals"). The meridian network contain the 12 tendinomuscular meridians, the 12 divergent meridians, the 12 primary meridians, the eight extraordinary vessels. The collaterals contain 15 major arteries that connect the 12 primary meridians in various ways, in addition to the interaction with their associated internal organs and other related internal structures.

2. STRUCTURE OF THE MERIDIAN SYSTEM

12 primary meridians

The 12 primary meridians, also called Principal Meridians, are divided into Yin and Yang groups. The Yin meridians of the arm are the Lung, Heart, and Pericardium. The Yang meridians of the arm are the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner. The Yin Meridians of the leg are the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. The Yang meridians of the leg are Stomach, Bladder, and Gall Bladder

Circulations/rotations (Yin and Yang joined meridians of the hand and foot): a circulation consists of four meridians which belong together energetically and anatomically and run in each case in the rhythm Yin → Yang → Yang → Yin

Eight Extraordinary Meridians