Lecture Notes: Introduction to TCM Anatomy

Instructor Introduction

• Presented by Jun Hua from TCM Explained.
• Acknowledgment of feedback from viewers and appreciation for interest in TCM.

Series Introduction

• Focus: TCM Anatomy, specifically acupuncture channels and related body tissues, sense organs, and internal organs.

Key Concepts

Channels and Collaterals

• Jing (Channels):
  • Main branches of the channel system.
  • Run deep within the body, connecting with internal organs.
  • Examples: 12 primary channels, 12 divergent channels, 8 extraordinary channels.
• Luo (Collaterals):
  • Finer branches located more superficially.
  • Interconnect channels, connective tissues, and cutaneous regions.
  • Examples: 15 Luo connecting channels, minor collaterals.

Functions of Channels

• Integration:
  • Connect every body part into an integrated whole.
  • Interconnect forming a network facilitating communication and transport of vital substances like Qi and blood.
• Protection:
  • Layers serve as barriers against external pathogenic factors.
  • Superficial (cutaneous regions) to deep (primary and divergent channels) layers.
• Response to Dysfunction:
  • Channel problems manifest symptoms along the pathway.
  • Interconnected channels allow symptom transmission.

Detailed Exploration of 12 Primary Channels

Yin and Yang Channels

• Yin Channels:
  • Run through interior parts like abdomen, chest, inside of the arms and legs.
  • Examples: Lung, pericardium, heart (hand); Spleen, liver, kidneys (foot).
• Yang Channels:
  • Run through exterior parts like head, back, outside of the arms and legs.
  • Examples: Large intestine, San Jiao, small intestine (hand); Stomach, gallbladder, bladder (foot).

Naming and Pairing

• Naming:
  • Indicates associated organ, limb (hand/foot), and Yin-Yang identity.
• Pairing:
  • Internally-externally related organ pairs (e.g., Lung and Large Intestine).
  • Six channel pairings for balance.

Qi Flow

• Begins at lung channel, circulates through a defined pattern in the body.
• Completes three circuits involving all primary channels.

Divergent Channels

• Each primary channel has a corresponding divergent channel.
• Deeper pathways with no acupuncture points.
• Enhance Yin-Yang and organ relationships.

Luo-Connecting Channels

• Composed of 13 channels from 12 primary channels and 2 extraordinary vessels.
• Strengthen internally-externally paired channels.
• Have acupuncture points.

Sinew Channels and Cutaneous Regions

• Follow the pathways of primary channels but are broader and more superficial.

Conclusion

• Introduction to TCM Anatomy and readiness for detailed exploration of each channel.
• Next session will cover the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin.