Meridian

Meridian (also known as acupuncture meridian or energy meridian) is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) about a path through which the life-energy known as "qi" flows.

Overview

In the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a meridian or Jing lou is a path through which the life-energy known as "qi" flows. Despite ongoing research into the existence of meridians, no convincing scientific evidence has been put forward for their existence. Major proponents of their existence have also not come up with a definition that is widely accepted or which is based on a solid scientific understanding of the human body.

Essential concepts

The meridian network is typically divided into 2 categories, the jingmai (经脉) or meridian channels and the luomai (络脉) or associated vessels. The jingmai contain the 12 main meridians, conduits which contain and transport qi and blood. The luomai contain the 15 collaterals, which branch out from the main meridians.

Meridian theory

Meridian theory explains the meridian system of the human body which is the foundation of acupuncture and acupressure therapies. It is believed that meridian theory was developed by the ancient sage doctors through observations of disease and illness.

Criticism and controversy

The existence of qi and meridians are controversial, as they are invisible to the human eye and no scientific evidence has been found to support their existence.

See also

• Acupuncture
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Qi
• Acupressure