The
Meridian System
In addition
to chi (qi), Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes a subtle
energy system by which chi (qi) is circulated through the
body. This transportation system is referred to as the channels
or meridians. There are twelve main meridians in the body,
six yin and six yang, and each relates to one of the Zangfu
, or organs.
To better
visualize the concept of chi (qi), and the meridians, think
of the meridians as a river-bed, over which water flows
and irrigates the land; feeding, nourishing and sustaining
the substance through which it flows. (In Western medicine,
the concept would be likened to the blood flowing through
the circulatory system.) If a dam were placed at any point
along the river, the nourishing effect that the water had
on the whole river would stop at the point the dam was placed.
The
same is true in relation to chi (qi) and the meridians.
When chi (qi) becomes blocked, the rest of the body that
was being nourished by the continuous flow, now suffers.
Illness and disease can result if the flow is not restored.
Acupuncture
is one tool used to restore the flow of chi (qi), by inserting
needles into the acupuncture points (located on the meridians).
These insertions are said to clear any residing blockages,
or dams, thus freeing the river to better feed the body
in its entirety.
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