The theory of the meridians is the theory
studying physiological functions, pathological changes of the meridian system in
human body, and its interrelation with the zang-organs and fu-organs, being an
important component of the basic theories of Sinomedicine.
1.The Meridional System
The meridional system includes the twelve
channels , the eight extra channels , the internal branches of twelve channels ,
the fifteen largest collaterals , the muscles and tendons of twolve channels and
the skin areas of twelve channels .
[1].The Twelve Channels
The twelve channels are the trunks of the meridians in human body , and they
are called " the twelve main channels " as well. The twelve channels connect
inwardly with the zang-organs and fu-organs , travel outwardly in the surface of
the trunk and extremities . For each kind of channel , there is one in either
side of the body . They can be divided into the hand three yin channels , the
hand three yang channels , the foot three yin channels , and the foot three yang
channels .
The hand three yang channels travel on the lateralis of the upper extremity ,
and the hand three yin channels travel on the medialis of the upper extremity ;
the foot three yang channels travel on the lateralis of the lower extremity ,
and the foot three yin channels travel on the medialis of the lower extremity .
[2].The Eight Extra Channels
The eight extra channels are the general name for the du channel,ren
channel,chong channel,dai channel,yangqiao channel,yinqiao channel,yangwei
channel and yinwei channel.
[3].The Internal Branches of Twelve Channels
The internal branches of twelve channels branch from the twelve channels ,
distribute on the thorax , abdomen and head , link the superficial channels with
the internal channels together , and strongthen the connection of the channels
with the zang-organs and fu-organs .
[4].The Fifteen Largest Collaterals
Each of the twelve channels branches one largest collateral on the
extremities.These twelve largest collaterals plus the collateral of ren channel
on the ventralis of the trunk,the collateral of du channel on the dorsalis of
that,and the spleen large collateral on the lateralis of that,amount to fifteen
largest collaterals.
[5].The Muscles and Tendons of Twelve Channels
The muscle is the power of motion ; the tendon is the part by which the
muscle attaches to the skeleton.The muscles and tendons of whole body,according
to their regions,can be divided into the muscles and tendons of hand three yin
channels,those of hand three yang channels,those of foot three yin channels,and
those of foot three yang channels,that is,the muscles and tendons of twelve
channels.
[6].The Skin Areas of Twelve Channels
Corresponding to the channels , the skin of body surface is divided into
twelve skin areas .
The skin areas are the regions the functional activities of the twelve
channels reflect on and the areas vital energy of the channels disperses on .
Therefore , in pathology , evils can penetrate into the collaterals , channels
and blood vessels of internal organs through the skin areas ; while pathological
changes of internal organs can reflect on the skin areas through the channels
and collaterals .
In recent years , in the study of phenomena of feeling conduction , it is
discovered that the passages of feeling conduction caused by stimulating some
certain points assume mostly belt form , and some of those assume wider
hypersensitive belt or numbed belt on the skin as well ; in the dermatoses ,
appearance of skin rash also assumes belt form . These phenomena relate to the
skin areas of channels .
2.Functions of the Meridians
The theory of the meridians is an important
theoretic basis to explain physiology and pathology of human body , direct
diagnosis and treatment in Sinomedicine . The functions of the meridians also
show in these aspects .
[1].In Physiology
The meridians perform the functions of linking up superficies with interior ,
or upper part with lower part , connecting the zang-organs with the fu-organs ,
promoting circulation of vital energy and blood , resisting exogenous evils ,
and protecting the organism .
[2].In Pathology
Transmission and changes of diseases relate to the channels , because the
evils often transmit from the outside to the inside , or from the superficies to
the interior along the channels . The channels also are the important passages
by which the pathological changes influence each other between the zang-organs
and the fu-organs , or between the internal organs and the tissues in body
surface . The pathological changes in the zang-organs or the fu-organs can
influence each other through the connection of the channels .
[3].In Diagnosis
The channels are the passages which link up the zang-organs,fu-organs and
various tissues in human body,and they are attributed to certain zang-organs or
fu-organs.The travelling pathway of each channel has certain range,starting
point and terminal point.Therefore,in clinic,the symptoms showing in the range
of travelling pathway of a channel can be regarded as the basis of diagnosis.
[4].In Therapy
The theory of the meridians is extensively used in the treatment of various
clinic departments,and it has directing significance for
acupuncture,moxibustion,massage,qigong and therapy of drug.
In the therapy of acupuncture,the method of selecting points along the
pathway of channel is often used in treatment for the syndromes of certain
zang-organs,fu-organs and tissues.
In the therapy of drug,the theory of
attributive channels concluded by that the effects of a drug show selectivity to
specific zang-organs,fu-organs or channels directs the using of the drugs
according to their channel attribution in clinical treatment,and the using of
the drugs guiding to given channels.