Theoretical Elucidation
1.3. 1.1 Elucidation of the pathological changes
The occurrence and changes of disease are closely related to the meridians. When the body is attacked by pathogenic factors, the pathogenic factors can be transmitted to the viscera through meridians. Due to the association of the viscera by meridians, the pathogenic factors are transmitted from one viscus to another.
"Transmission through the six meridians" in febrile disease in the Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Seasonal Febrile Disease) is summarized according to the interrelation between the three yang meridians and three yin meridians as well as the meridians and the viscera. "Defensive qi, qi, nutrient qi and blood" in seasonal febrile disease school used to analyze the conditions of febrile diseases were also developed on the basis of the physiological functions of the meridians in transporting nutrient qi, defensive qi, qi and blood. Syndrome differentiation is used to explain viscera, interaction between two zang (or fu)organs or more organs and their pathological changes(such as attack by pathogenic cold followed by sudden abdominal pain and diarrhea due to "direct invasion into taiyin", liver disease involving the spleen and stomach as well as simultaneous onset of lung and kidney diseases) are exclusively caused by "the association of the meridians with the viscera in the interior and the limbs and joints in the exterior".
1.3. 1.2 Elucidation of the treatment
The treatment of diseases with acupuncture and moxibustion is accomplished by the transmitting activities of the meridians in regulating meridian qi to restore the normal functions of the viscera and meridians. Such a function of the meridians lies in their physiological activities in transporting qi and blood as well as in harmonizing yin and yang. The meridians are closely related to the viscera, tissues and organs. Under pathological conditions the harmony between qi and blood is broken and the states of yin and yang may turn hyperactive or hypoactive, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may stimulate the functions of the meridians to treat meridian and visceral disorders by enabling viscera and meridian qi and blood to infuse into the acupoints "to regulate qi" and "to harmonize vital activities". In acupuncture therapy, it is emphasized that "arrival of qi ensures curative effect". The arrival of qi actually means the transmission of meridian qi. The examples are clinical "obtaining qi" (appearance of needling sensation) and "transmission of qi".
