CHAPTER FOUR
MERIDIANS
The theory of the meridian is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine.
This theory studies the physiological and pathological relationship between the meridians and viscera.
The meridian theory was formulated through the long-term medical practice of ancient doctors,and is based upon the accumulation of experiences in acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, qi-gong, etc. , in combination with anatomical knowledge. The meridian theory is not only the basic theory behind these arts ,but is of great significance in guiding various clinical subjects of TCM. Only by combining the basic theories such as the visceral manifestation theory, qi-blood-fluid theory, and theory of etiology, the theory of meridian,can a complete explanation of the physiological functions and pathologic changes be attained, thereby guiding the diagnosis and tretatment. A common phrase exemplifies this:"If one does not read the twelve meridians ,one will make mistakes while inquiring and treating" (Elementary Medicine).
Section 1 The Concept and Composition of the Meridians
I. The Concept of the Meridians
Meridians are pathways in which the qi and blood circulate and through which the viscera and limbs are connected ,allowing the upper-lower and interior-exterior portions of the body to communicate.
The book Elementary Medicine states that"The meridian means 'pathway' ,while
the branches separating from the meridians are called collaterals. "This explains that the meridians form the main trunk,while the collaterals represent the branches.Most of the meridians run through the deep portions of the body. Their collaterals go in shallower portion, "some of which are exposed on the body as Chapter 10 in Spirit Pivot states:The twelve regular meridians run deeply in the boundary between muscles ,and interiorly within the body.., the collaterals run closer to the surface of the body,and are more
easily seen. " Meridians run in straight fixed courses,while collaterals crisscross in the body,forming a network and linking-up the viscera,organs,orifices,skins,muscles, tendons and bones into an organic whole.
II. The Compositions of the Meridian System
The Meridian system consists of meridians and collaterals, which connect to the viscera internally,and to the tendons,muscles and skin externally.
Thus ,Chapter 33 in Spirit Pivot states: "Internally ,meridians connect with the viscera,and externally with the limbs and joints. "
Meridians can be divided into two types: regular meridians and extra meridians. The regular meridians have twelve branches, including the three yin meridians of the hands and the feet, and the three yang meridians of the hands and the feet. These are generally termed "the twelve regular meridians. " They are the main pathways in which qi and blood circulate. The twelve regular meridians originate from and terminate at certain areas, and have specific courses and sequences in their circulation. There is a rule in their distribution over and passing through the trunk and limbs, and they pertain to and connect with the viscera directly in the interior of the body.
There are eight extra meridians:Du (Governor Vessel), Ren (Conception Vessel),
Chong, Dai, Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, and Yangwei, collectively termed "the eight
extra meridians. " They have functions of governing, connecting, and regulating the
twelve regular meridians. According to the book General Collection for Holly Relief,
the differentiation between regular and extra meridians is as follows : "Meridians can divided into the extra and the regular, the twelve meridians belong to the regular, and the eight meridians are different from the regular, as they go along additional courses.The qi and blood of the human body run along the twelve regular meridians and flow into the extra meridians while the regular ones are full. "
The twelve divergent meridians spread from the regular meridians, starting fron
four limbs and transversing the deep portion of the viscera, and emerging from the super ficial position of the neck and nape. After splitting from their original meridians and running through the interior of the body, the divergent meridians of the yang meridians return to their yang meridians. The divergent yin meridians meet with the yang meridian of the interior-exterior meridians. The main functions of the twelve divergent meridian are to strengthen interconnection between the two interior-exterior meridians in the twelve regular ones, and to replenish the regular meridians, as the divergent meridian
can reach the organs and body areas where some regular meridians can not traverse.
The collaterals are smaller branches of meridians, classified as the divergence collarerals, superficial collaterals and small collaterals. The divergence collaterals are the large of the collaterals.
The twelve regular meridians and Du, Ren Meridians have large collaterals each an along with the great collateral of the spleen, are together called: "the fifteen divergent collaterals. " Their main function is to strengthen the communication between interior-exterior meridians located on the body's surface. The superficial collaterals run along the surface of the body and are often visible, while the small collaterals are mini and beyon observation. Together, they function in transmitting qi and blood and in readjusting the nutrient and defence-qi.
The meridian tendon regions and the skin areas comprise the twelve regular meridians, along with the tendon fascia, muscles, and body surface. The meridian theory holds that the meridian tendon is the system whereby the meridian-qi knots, gathers, scatters,and connects with the tendons, muscles and joints. This is affiliated with the regular meridians and together is therefore called the twelve meridian tendon regions. It functions in connecting limbs and tissues, as well as controlling joint movements.
The skin of the body provides the position through which the functional activities of the twelve regular meridians reflect themselves and where meridian qi is distributed. All the skin areas can be divided into twelve parts which respectively correspond to the twelve meridians, termed: "the twelve skin areas. "(see table 1)
Appendix : Table 1
Classification of the Meridion and Collateral System

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