The channel or meridian theory serves as the principle of
“anatomy” in the
tradition of Chinese Medicine. The theory describes the specific pathways
of the energy networks within the human body. The channels are an integrated
system of organization that links all parts of the body to one another: upper to
lower and interior to exterior. The channels represent pathways of physiological function and potential pathological changes in relation to the
flow of qi and the zang-fu organs. The specific purposes of the channels
are as follows:
- Communication of the zang-fu organs, within their own systems and the body as a whole
- Regulation of the function of the
zang-fu organs
- Pathways of distribution for the four basic life material
There are twelve principal channels and eight extra-ordinary channels,or
meridians. Of the twelve primary meridians, six of these communicate with the lower half of the body and are thus designated “foot” channels. The
other six serve the upper portion of the body and are thus known as “hand”channels.
All channels located on the medial side of extremities are designated Yin, while
those on the lateral sides are Yang channels.
The Twelve Principal Channels
The twelve principal channels run along the body lengthwise and are associated with a
zang or a fu organ. Those channels associated with zang organs are considered yin channels. Channels associated with fu organs are designated yang
channels. Each yin channel has a secondary relationship with a fu organ,
and similarly, each yang channels is secondarily related to a zang organ. The
yin channels, as paired with zang organs, carry the internal energy of the body while the
yang channels associated with fu organs convey the external
energy. The twelve main channels are listed below. Please click here
to see a table of the channels and their associations.
Lung Channel of Hand (Greater Yin), paired with
Large Intestine Channel of Hand (Yang brightness)
Stomach Channel of Foot (Yang brightness), paired
with Spleen Channel of Foot (Greater Yin)
Small Intestine Channel of Hand (Greater Yang),
paired with Heart Channel of Hand (Lesser Yin)
Urinary bladder of Foot (Greater Yang), paired
with Kidney Channel of Foot (Lesser Yin)
Pericardium Channel of Hand (Absolute Yin),
paired with Triple burner Channel of Hand (Lesser Yang)
Gallbladder Channel of Foot (Lesser Yang), paired
with Liver Channel of Foot (Absolute Yin)
The Eight Extra-ordinary Channels
The eight extra-ordinary channels are midline in location and interlace with the
twelve primary meridians. Their primary function is to regulate the flow
of qi and blood. They act as reservoirs of qi, replenishing deficiencies or
storing excess when necessary. They also quard against evil qi and
regulate the changes of the life cycle. The eight extra-ordinary
channels are responsible for delivery of qi to the five ancestral organs: brain
and spinal cord, liver and gallbladder, bone marrow, uterus, and the blood
system. Please see below for the channels.
Du Mai: The governing vessel. The
confluence of all yang channels in the body.
Ren Mai: The conception vessel.
Monitors and directs all yin channels. Controls life cycles.
Chong Mai: The thrusting vessel.
Connects, communicates and supports the conception vessel.
Dai Mai: The girdle vessel.
Regulates gallbladder qi.
Yangqiao Mai: The yang heel
vessel. Regulates lower body yang channels.
Yinqiao Mai: The yin heel
vessel. Connected to the two cavities of the kidney channel.
Yangwei Mai: The yang linking
vessel. Aids in regulating qi in yang channels.
Yinwei Mai: The yin linking
vessel. Connects to the liver, spleen, and kidney yin channels as well as
the conception channel.
|
