The meridians are broken down into two categories: the jingmai and the luomai. The jingmai represents most of what people often know as the meridians. The luomai are the various connections between different jingmai meridians.

The Meridian System also follows the Five Elements theory, in which different qualities, both physical and symbolic, are grouped within five categories. This theory separates the organs into “hollow” and “solid” categories. The hollow organs are the stomach, bladder, gallbladder, and the large and small intestines. The solid organs are the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Each element has a range of qualities that are used to diagnose disease and dysfunction. They also provide prognostic tools to help the body regain balance and health. While there is no scientific basis in the Five Elements theory, it is important to understand the theory for the practice of acupuncture.

Some organs are also part of the Principal Meridians, which are the twelve “standard” meridians. These are the meridians people are most familiar with. Some of these meridians correspond with a specific major organ. All the Principal Meridians run through a peripheral limb–either a hand or a foot. From there, each channel travels either up or down the body.

Additionally, there are also eight Extraordinary Meridians which are thought to hold energy and do not directly correspond with any organs. Three of these are commonly used acupuncture points.

As part of a larger system, meridians bridge the gap between the tangible body and the Qi, or energy. TCM sees this dynamic as one of the main factors controlling well-being. Through the use of various practices, including acupuncture, massage, exercise, diet, herbal remedies, and Qigong (a health practice of body postures, breathing, and meditation), this vital energy system is controlled to promote health.

This overall Meridian System is a different model than the reductive, Western biological model and is holistic in nature. In TCM, dysfunction and disease are not a result of pathology. Instead, imbalances in Qi and other energetic systems lead to health problems. And the causes of Qi imbalance, where there may be too much or too little energy, are often thought to derive from, or to have been influenced by, the patient’s own actions. Health issues are not often thought to be caused by an external source.

To help a patient, the acupuncturist examines the patient’s daily routine and compares that to the symptoms. The patient then receives a variety of treatment recommendations, some relating to diet and sleep, for example, and others, including acupuncture.

Acupuncture works by inserting very, very thin needles into the top layer of the skin. The needle then stimulates nerve endings in acupuncture points which trigger the corresponding meridian. In today’s acupuncture practices, the needles are often connected to electrodes to aid in stimulation. Modern acupuncturists may differ in the degree the ancient symbolism and methods are incorporated.

History

Acupuncture and the Meridian System has a long history that dates back over 2,500 years ago. Acupuncture is one the oldest practices of TCM along with moxibustion, which is a heat therapy that is also thought to influence Qi.

While it is unclear whether acupuncture originated in China, its practice is well-documented. The oldest ancient text that references acupuncture dates back to 100 B.C., and other texts dating back to 600-500 B.C. reference acupuncture points without procedures. Archaeologists found gold and silver needle artifacts for acupuncture in ancient tombs. The needles and the texts mentioned are the first documentation of the already established practice.