HERBALCONSULTS

The Channels or Meridians

Both Chinese and Western medicine agree upon the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems and their functions of carrying blood, fluids, and messages through the body. An additional connecting system of meridians (jing luoor vital connections), however, is only distinguished by the Chinese. It is considered to circulate the body's most vital substance - qi, the essential energy of life - and is therefore the most important of all.

The meridians - just like qi - don't manifest themselves physically but functionally. There are fifteen main meridians which branch out a total of fifty-nine meridians. Twelve of the main meridians are centered around one of the twelve vital organs and represent a biological energy system. The remaining two are located in the front and in the back of the body (spinal cord). Qi – the vital energy - flows from one meridian to the other thus covering the whole body. The main meridians meet in the fingers, toes, and head. To influence certain vital organs and through them the entire system the corresponding meridians are stimulated with acupuncture, acupressure, and herbs.