What Are the Meridians?

The Meridians are pathways that orchestrate the flow of Qi throughout the body. A meridian can be thought of as an irrigation ditch—if the ditch becomes full of debris, the water will become blocked and will not reach its destination. Thus, if the meridians become blocked, Qi will not flow evenly through the body.

The western concept of organ can be related to the eastern concept of meridian, but they are not, in fact, the same. An organ is a concrete and discrete physical structure with highly specific physiology, whereas a meridian is an energetic pathway that may include several organs. Unlike organs, meridians have a sphere of influence that is not only physical, but also mental and spiritual. Each meridian is like an Official of the Imperial Court and has specific tasks pertaining to our well-being—these “Officials” are often named for the organs that the meridian passes through.

The body has twelve primary meridians, or Officials, each of which must work in concert to establish and maintain health. Each of the Five Elements has its own meridians through which it travels to carry out its work. Along the meridian are specific acupuncture points, which each have their own unique properties that can be used to influence the whole organism.