Acupuncture Theory and Meridian System

Jul 11, 2024

Acupuncture Theory and Meridian System

Introduction

  • Speaker: Clara from AIP Pro Academy
  • Focus: Acupuncture Theory, Meridian System in clinical practice, and Western science perspective

Meridian Layers

Deepest Layer

  • 12 regular meridians + 8 extra vessels

Subsequent Layers

  • 12 Divergences
  • 15/16 Collaterals
  • 12 Muscular Regions
  • 12 Dermatomes

Functions of the Meridian System

  • Main meridian function: Carry chi and blood
  • Vessels: Carry essence, connecting with TCM kidneys
  • Divergences: Extend main meridians into larger areas (e.g., arm)
  • Collaterals: Connect the internal and external parts of the body, link yin and yang organs
  • Muscular Regions: Surface part of the main meridians
  • Dermatomes: Associated with external signs such as eczema along a meridian

Clinical Application

Point Selection

  • Examples:
    • Stomach and Spleen Issues: Use stomach 40 and spleen 4 (Connecting points)
    • Diagnoses: Determine affected meridian based on symptoms along meridian pathways

12 Main Meridians

Overview

  • Function: Carry chi and blood
  • Connection: Internal organs to the external points on the body
  • Divisions: Hand meridians (start/finish at hand) and foot meridians (start/finish at foot); paired in yin and yang (e.g., Lung and Large Intestine)

Specific Hand and Foot Meridians

  • Hand: Lung (yin), Large Intestine (yang), Heart (yin), Small Intestine (yang), Pericardium (yin), San Jiao (yang)
  • Foot: Spleen (yin), Stomach (yang), Kidney (yin), Bladder (yang), Liver (yin), Gallbladder (yang)

Main Functions

  • Carry chi and blood
  • Connect internal organs to external points
  • Balance Body, Mind, and Spirit

Characteristics

  • All travel vertically
  • Exist bilaterally
  • Connect interior and exterior
  • Form a whole cyclical flow of chi

Cyclical Flow of Chi

  • Flow connects all meridians in a continuous loop
  • Example flow: Lung → Large Intestine → Stomach → Spleen → Heart → Small Intestine → Bladder → Kidney → Pericardium → San Jiao → Gallbladder → Liver → Lung
  • Alternates between hand and foot meridians throughout the flow
  • Only yang meridians go to the head
  • Flow example:
    • Lung: Chest to hand
    • Large Intestine: Hand to head
    • Stomach: Head to foot
    • Spleen: Foot to chest
    • Repeats for Heart, Small Intestine, etc.

Subtypes of Meridians

Yang Meridians

  • Tai Yang (Greater Yang): Small Intestine, Bladder
  • Yang Ming (Brightest Yang): Large Intestine, Stomach
  • Shao Yang (Lesser Yang): San Jiao, Gallbladder

Yin Meridians

  • Tai Yin (Greater Yin): Lung, Spleen
  • Shao Yin (Lesser Yin): Heart, Kidney
  • Jue Yin (End of Yin): Pericardium, Liver

Western Medicine Perspective

Understanding Meridians

  • High concentration of minute nerves, blood vessels, and neuromuscular attachments
  • Needling these areas sends signals to the brain to self-regulate and heal

Explanation to Patients

  • Simple Terms: Acupuncture nudges the body to self-regulate and heal
  • Mechanisms: Release of endorphins, reduction of inflammation, stimulation of immune response, improved blood flow, signal blocking for pain, release of hormones

System Correspondence

  • Neurology: Electromagnetic signals, pain management
  • Immune System: Stimulates antihistamine release, increases WBCs and balances hormones
  • Circulatory System: Promotes blood vessel dilation, reduces blood pressure, enhances oxygen/nutrient delivery
  • Fascia: Connects and supports muscles and tissues

Practical Application

  • Pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, stress and anxiety reduction, fertility and hormonal balance
  • Communicate in terms patients can understand for better trust and compliance

Resources

  • Related Videos:
    • Meridian layers
    • Eight vessel video
    • Lu Collateral video
  • Books: