Meridian (Chinese medicine)
Meridian therapy is a foundational concept in traditional Chinese medicine, representing a network of invisible pathways that circulate vital energy, known as qi, throughout the body. These meridians connect to specific internal organs, with twelve main pathways corresponding to both yin (solid) and yang (hollow) organs. The health and balance of these meridians are believed to influence overall well-being, making the meridian system essential for diagnosing and addressing health issues. Common practices that utilize meridian theories include acupuncture, acupressure, and various forms of massage, which aim to restore energy flow and eliminate blockages.
While these concepts have been part of Chinese healing traditions for centuries, scientific validation of meridians remains controversial, with much of the evidence being anecdotal. Researchers have explored links between meridians and neurovascular structures, but definitive anatomical correlates have yet to be established. Despite this, there is growing interest in energy-based therapies, albeit with mixed scientific findings. As a result, those seeking meridian-based treatments are advised to consult qualified practitioners to ensure they receive informed and skilled care.
Meridian (Chinese medicine)
DEFINITION: Invisible pathways that circulate energy and maintain balance and harmony throughout the body.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Acupressure, acupuncture, massage, used as a diagnostic tool and not to treat a specific condition
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Jin Shin Jyutsu, meridian tapping techniques, moxibustion, plum blossom therapy, qigong, reflexology, Reiki, shiatsu, therapeutic touch, tuina
Overview
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the meridian system is the body's energy system and is essential for maintaining good health and harmony. Each of the twelve main meridians, or pathways, relates to a yin, or solid organ (heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, pericardium), or to a yang, or hollow organ (small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder, triple heater). Meridian pathways transport vital energy (qi) throughout the body. These high-energy areas act as guides in pressure-point therapies such as acupuncture to help diagnose and treat illnesses. Meridians are seen as a link between the internal organs and the external environment. The state of an individual’s meridians is believed to be an indication of that person’s overall health. Meridians are the basis for many traditional Chinese medicine therapies, and one is believed to prevent disease by keeping meridians balanced.
Mechanism of Action
Meridians are said to distribute vital life energy and to unify, link, and regulate all areas and activities of the body. Each meridian is associated with a unique set of disease symptoms. Pain occurs when the flow of energy along the meridian pathway is disrupted. Energy access points, or acupoints or acupuncture points, are functional sites located on the skin's surface along the meridian pathways. Stimulation at the appropriate site helps restore energy flow, eliminate blockages, and promote healing in the affected area.
Uses and Applications
Meridians are used in many pressure-point therapies to help heal, maintain harmony, and prevent imbalances. Meridians are most often used in acupuncture, acupressure, and massage techniques.
Scientific Evidence
Although the use of meridians in ancient Chinese healing has existed for centuries, the concept remains controversial. The scientific basis for meridians is unknown. Most evidence supporting meridians is anecdotal because of a lack of scientific validation by Western standards. Regardless, energy-based techniques have gained widespread interest and acceptance.
Researchers have been unable to find an anatomical structure corresponding to the meridian. Some studies have linked meridians to neurovascular bundles, trigger points, and connective tissue spaces. Other studies suggest that meridians run along a fluid pathway and are associated with areas of lower electrical resistance and greater conductivity in the body. Inadequate research design, unstandardized acupoint locations, small sample sizes, and a lack of rigorous statistical analysis limited the results of these multiple studies. Although these studies provide possible insight into the meridian system, the results remain inconclusive.
Because meridians and acupoints are elusive, it is difficult to design an appropriate placebo control group and proper double-blind procedures. More rigorous research is needed to quantify the importance of the meridian healing network as a beneficial form of medical intervention. Numerous scientific studies continue on meridians, although their results continue to be mixed. Some studies confirm that the electrical activity observed along meridian lines is greater than that of the surrounding tissue. Further, imaging studies have shown key changes in blood flow, temperature, and metabolic activity along meridian lines while patients undergo acupuncture or acupressure. Still, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are difficult to conduct for meridians, and the treatment is often highly subjective and variable.
Choosing a Practitioner
Persons interested in meridian-based therapies should choose a qualified, trained practitioner.
Bibliography
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Mingming, Li. et al. "Chaihu-Guizhi-Ganjiang Decoction Is More Efficacious in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome than Dicetel According to Metabolomics Analysis." Chinese Medicine, vol. 17, no. 139, 14 Dec. 2022, doi.org/10.1186/s13020-022-00695-4. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.
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