The meridians are also called channels (jing luo).
There are 12 main meridians but there are actually 20 meridians in all.
When the meridian is blocked, the qi and blood cannot circulate and the person may experience physical pain.
The meridians run through the limbic system of the brain. Since the limbic system is where our emotional memories are stored, moods are regulated, and comparisons and associations are made, it is believed that the meridians hold our emotions and unresolved feelings.
LUNG
Metal Element / Yin
Starts on chest in front of shoulder, finishes in thumb.
Regulates the entire energy system of the body.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Anterior Serratus, Coracobrachialis, Deltoids and the Diaphragm.
LARGE INTESTINE
Metal Element / Yang
Starts in index finger, finishes at side of nostril.
Supports the body's ability to remove waste and absorb water.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Tensor Fascia Latae, Hamstrings and the Quad Lumborum.
SPLEEN
Earth Element / Yin
Starts in big toe, finishes at side of chest.
Transforming food into energy and regulating the maintenance of the body's blood.
Controls the raising of Qi.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Latissimus Dorsi, Trapezius, Triceps and the Opponens Pollicus Longus.
STOMACH
Earth Element / Yang
Starts under eye, finishes in second toe.
Regulates the body's ability to take in food and fluid.
Controls the descending of Qi.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Pect Major Clav, Neck Muscles, Levator Scapulae and the Brachioradialis.
HEART
Fire Element / Yin
Starts under armpit, finishes in little finger.
Regulates the body's blood and blood vessels.
Controls the tongue.
Muscle associated with this meridian is the Subscapularis.
SMALL INTESTINE
Fire Element / Yang
Starts in little finger, finishes in front of ear.
Drawing out the energy contained in food, leaving the remaining matter to be eliminated as waste.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Quadriceps and the Abdominals.
TRIPLE HEATER or TRIPLE WARMER
Fire Element / Yang
Starts in fourth finger, finishes by outside corner of eyebrow.
Responsible for the relationship between various organs that regulate water.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Teres Minor, Sartorius, Gracilis, Soleus and the Gastrocnemius.
PERICARDIUM
Fire Element / Yin
Starts beside nipple, finishes in middle finger.
Protects and oversees the heart.
BLADDER
Water Element / Yang
Starts at inside corner of eye, finishes in little toe.
Receives and excretes urine.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Peroneus, Tibialis and the Sacrospinalis.
KIDNEY
Water Element / Yin
Starts on sole of foot, finishes at top of chest.
Oversees the maintenance of the body's bones.
Manifests on the hair of the head.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Psoas, Upper Traps and the Iliacus.
GALLBLADDER
Wood Element / Yang
Starts at outside corner of eye, finishes in fourth toe.
Stores and secretes bile, a fluid that aids in transforming food into energy.
Controls judgment.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Anterior Deltoid and the Popliteus.
LIVER
Wood Element / Yin
Starts in big toe, finishes on front of chest or below nipple.
Regulates the flow of energy throughout the body and oversees the maintenance of the body's blood supply.
Ensures the smooth flow of Qi and manifests in the nails.
Muscles associated with this meridian are Pect Major Sternal and the Rhomboids.
EXTRA ASIAN MERIDIANS
The two extra meridians that are more widely used are: Conception vessel and Governing vessel.
They are not exteriorly - interiorly related.
The extra meridians (Except DU and REN) share their points with other regular meridians.
DU or GOVERNING VESSEL
Extra meridian / Yang
Starts at the Tip of tailbone, up midline of back and over the heart to the upper lip.
Works to circulate energy through all of the other 12 channels.
Not associated with any element.
REN or CONCEPTION VESSEL
Extra meridian / Yin
Starts at the Perineum and up front of midline to bottom of lip and chin.
Works to circulate energy through all of the other 12 channels.
Not associated with any element.
CHONG
Extra meridian / Yang
Runs parallel to the Kidney Meridian of Foot - Shaoyin up to the infra - orbital region.
Meeting all the twelve regular meridians, it is termed " the sea of the twelve regular meridians " or " the sea of blood. "
Its function is to reservoir the qi and blood of the twelve regular meridians.
Not associated with any element.
DAI
Extra meridian / Yin
Originates in the hypochondrium and goes around the waist as a girdle, performs a function of binding up all the meridians.
Not associated with any element.
YINQIAO
Extra meridian / Yin
Starts in the medial aspect of the heel and merges into the meridian of Foot - Shaoyin to go upwards.
Following their own courses, the two meridians meet each other at the inner canthus.
Motion regulation of the lower limbs is their joint function.
Not associated with any element.
YANGQIAO
Extra meridian / Yang
Starts in the lateral aspect of the heel and merges into the meridian of Foot - Taiyang to ascend.
Not associated with any element.
YINWEI
Extra meridian / Yin
Connected with all the yin meridians and dominates the interior of the whole body.
The two meridians regulate the low of qi in the yin and yang meridians, and help maintain coordination and equilibrium between the yin and yang meridians.
Not associated with any element.
YANGWEI
Extra meridian / Yang
Connected with all the yang meridians and dominates the exterior of the whole body.
Not associated with any element.
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