"The meridian system is a traditional Chinese medicine concept that alleges meridians are paths through which the life-energy known as 'qi' flows."
The concept of qi, or life force energy, is central to Chinese Medicine. According to this theory, there are twelve meridians that run throughout the body, which the flow of qi is regulated.
Qi (Chi): The concept of Qi is central to Chinese Medicine. It is generally translated as energy or life force, and it flows through the body via channels or meridians.
Meridians: Meridians are the pathways through which Qi flows. There are 12 primary meridians and 8 extra meridians, each associated with a particular organ or system in the body.
Yin and Yang: The concept of Yin and Yang is one of the foundational principles of Chinese Medicine. It represents the complementary and polar opposites that exist in all things, including the body.
Five Elements: The Five Elements (also known as the Five Phases) are another fundamental concept in Chinese Medicine. They represent the five basic elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, and are associated with particular organs, emotions, and energies.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a treatment modality that involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.
Acupressure: Acupressure is a non-invasive form of treatment that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.
Cupping: Cupping is a therapy in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This helps to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Moxibustion: Moxibustion is a therapy that uses heat from burning herbs (usually mugwort) to stimulate acupuncture points and promote healing.
Tui Na: Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage that involves the manipulation of the body's soft tissue to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.
Qi Gong: Qi Gong is a practice that combines movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to cultivate Qi and promote health and well-being.
Herbal Medicine: Chinese Herbal Medicine is a system of treatment that uses a combination of herbs to address specific health concerns and promote overall health.
Dietary Therapy: Chinese Dietary Therapy is a system of treatment that uses food as medicine to address specific health concerns and promote overall health.
Tongue Diagnosis: Tongue Diagnosis is a method of diagnosis in Chinese Medicine that involves examining the tongue for clues to an individual's overall health and specific health concerns.
Pulse Diagnosis: Pulse Diagnosis is a method of diagnosis in Chinese Medicine that involves assessing the quality, rhythm, and strength of the pulse to gain insight into an individual's overall health and specific health concerns.
Meditation: Meditation is a practice that is commonly used in Chinese Medicine to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and cultivate Qi.
Yuan Qi: The "original" Qi that is inherited from parents at conception and is responsible for overall strength and vitality.
Gu Qi: Qi derived from food and drink that is transformed into energy for the body.
Wei Qi: Protective Qi that circulates just under the skin's surface and protects the body from external pathogenic factors.
Zong Qi: Respiratory or chest Qi, responsible for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems' functions.
Ying Qi: Nourishing Qi that circulates throughout the body, providing nutrients and oxygen to the organs and tissues.
Xie Qi: Pathogenic Qi that causes illness and disease.
Zheng Qi: Upright Qi, responsible for maintaining overall health and resisting external pathogenic factors.
Lung Meridian: Regulates breathing, helps with the immune system, and helps distribute Qi and blood.
Large intestine meridian: Responsible for elimination and detoxification, regulates digestion.
Stomach Meridian: Digestion, helps with distributing nutrients throughout the body.
Spleen Meridian: Regulates digestion, responsible for the production of blood.
Heart Meridian: Regulates the circulatory system, helps with sleep, and some emotional states.
Small intestine meridian: Responsible for the absorption of nutrients and fluids.
Bladder Meridian: Responsible for elimination and water balance in the body.
Kidney Meridian: Regulates the urinary system and reproductive system.
Pericardium Meridian: Helps regulate the heart and blood circulation and aids emotional well-being.
Triple Warmer Meridian: Responsible for regulating body temperature and maintaining homeostasis.
Gallbladder Meridian: Helps with digestion and is also associated with decision-making and planning.
Liver Meridian: Responsible for detoxification and metabolism, regulates emotions.
"Meridians are not real anatomical structures: scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence."
"The life-energy known as 'qi' (ch'i) flows through the meridians."
"Major proponents of their existence have not come to any consensus as to how they might work or be tested in a scientific context."
"Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence."
"The term is 'completely unsuitable and misguided', but nonetheless it has become a standard translation."
"Meridians are a concept in traditional Chinese medicine."
"The meridian system is also called the channel network."
"The meridian system alleges the flow of 'qi' (ch'i), the life-energy."
"One historian of medicine in China says that the term is 'completely unsuitable and misguided'."
"Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence."
"Major proponents of their existence have not come to any consensus as to how they might work."
"Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence."
"Meridians are paths through which the life-energy known as 'qi' flows."
"The term has become a standard translation."
"Meridians are part of the traditional Chinese medicine concept."
"Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence."
"Proponents of their existence have not come to any consensus as to how they might work."
"Proponents of their existence have not come to any consensus as to how they might be tested in a scientific context."
"The life-energy known as 'qi' (ch'i) flows through the meridians."