Understanding Meridians - Part I

Meridians are pathways of positive and negative energy that flow throughout the body. In order to maintain health, it is essential that the body´s energy flows in a continuous and unobstructed manner.

Specific acupuncture points exist along the meridians, which are electro-magnetic and consist of small palpable spots that can be located by hand. These points are responsible for the connection between the positive and negative meridians and functions of the body, which include the internal organs and muscles.

Around 500 acupuncture points have been mapped and used for centuries to improve health and bring balance to one´s life.

Energy or Life Force is called "Chi" in Chinese, "Ki" in Japanese, "Prana" in India, and in the Christian tradition, the energy of life force is synonymous with the "Word of God" by which all things were made.

The Meridian System

The meridian system is formed of ten Organ Meridians, two Function Meridians and two Midline Meridians. They are named for the life function with which they are associated and in most cases, the meridian name is the same as that of the name of an organ with which we are familiar.

Function Meridians

• Triple Warmer - Yang - related to the thyroid, adrenals, temperature control, immune response, survival responses. When it is balanced, the person expresses strong vitality, is centred, focused, has high principles, has a regulated metabolism. The opposite expresses poor reasoning faculties, lack of commonsense, is lazy, unfocused, hopeless, panics, has burnouts and hysteria. 

•  Pericardium - Yin - related to circulation and hormones. When it is balanced, the person expresses emotional security, is able to defend himself, enthusiastic, harmonious, warm, protected, relaxed, calm, generous. The opposite expresses insecurity, feels defenceless, is defensive, despairing, gloomy, jealous, stubborn, surrenders to illness easily.

Midline Meridians

• Central Meridian or Conception Vessel - related to the brain. It is a storehouse for the Yin meridians and it houses the feminine energy of being. When it is balanced, the person expresses balanced pursuit of objectives, conception of new ideas, is focused, connected to the life path, serene, thinks clearly, speaks with authority, is comfortable with success, has high spirits. The opposite expresses obsession, depression, mania, unable to meet challenges, wounded inner child, perfectionist, agitated, relentless, workaholic.

•  Governing Meridian or Governing Vessel - related to Nervous System. It is a storehouse for the Yang meridians and it houses the masculine energy of doing.  When it is balanced, the person expresses strong will power, has regulated energy, intuitive hearing, inner authority, clear perception, has high trust in life´s processes. The opposite expresses lack of willpower, stubborness, vacillating energy, fatigue, indifference, recurrent negative habits, addictions, feels unsupported.

Organ Meridians

• Stomach Meridian - Yang. When it is balanced, the person is socially graceful, well-organized, coordinated, sticks at things, stable, productive, has faith, is relaxed, is satisfied, calm, self-reliant. The opposite expresses disorganization, incompletions, poor judgement, insecurity, dissatisfied, dependent, self-doubt. Physical signs of imbalance: eczema, arthritis, rashes, asthma, food reflux, gas, burping, acid digestion, stomach ulcers, hayfever.

• Spleen Meridian - Yin. When it is balanced, the person is responsible, has good humour, is fully presented, is grounded, receptive, caring, creative, supportive, stable, centred, has even distribution of energy. The opposite expresses depression, no sense of humour, needy, ungrounded, obsessive, selfish, tired, confused, over-protective, worrier, cynical, feels rejected, obsessive fixations. Physical signs of imbalance: middle ear infections, food allergies, fatigue, fluid retention, obesity, diabetes, poor fat digestion, craves sweet food.

• Heart Meridian - Yin. When it is balanced, the person feels prosperous, has good memory, is joyful, feels at one with all, passionate, confident, loving, secure, warm-hearted. The opposite expresses lack of joy, lack of vision, depression, anxiety, feels poor, low self-esteem, shy, lack of self-love, forgetful, insecure, forgiveness issues. Physical signs of imbalance: palpitations, dizziness, bleeding gums, high or low blood pressure, poor circulation, poor memory, heart attacks, insomnia.

• Small Intestine Meridian - Yang. When it is balanced, the person is calm, courageous, confident, good listener, decisive, wise, able to nurture oneself. The opposite expresses mental confusion, nervousness, unable to face fears, irritable, always agitated, sadness, restless, over committed, exhausted. Physical signs of imbalance: mouth ulcers, cold sores, constipation, diarrhoea, pre-menstrual tension, abdominal bloating, dark circles under eyes, indigestion.

• Bladder Meridian - Yang. When it is balanced, the person is able to release harmful emotions, sure of oneself, resourceful, definite, adaptable, peaceful, reflective, courageous, confident. The opposite expresses: deep depression, storage of toxic emotions, explosive emotional outbursts, crying spells, fearful, exhausted, impatient, frustated. Physical signs of imbalance: bladder infections, cystitis, urine retention, sciatica, bedwetting, prostate symptoms.

The next 5 Organ Meridians will be showed to you on the next posting.

I have to say thanks specially to Robbi Zeck for her beautiful work in the book The Blossoming Heart - Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation, from which I took the above information!

References:

1. Zeck, Robbi, The Blossoming Heart -Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation, 2008 Australia: Superprint
2. Thie, John, Thie, Matthew, Touch for Health, 2007 California: DeVorss Publications