ACUPUNCTURE ~ YING - YANG and about Meridians

The principle of this concept in Oriental medicine is based upon, very simply put, a balanced flow of energy (Ch'i) through the meridians. When this energy is out of balance and not flowing properly is when we get ill.

ACUPUNCTURE - MERIDIANS (Psychological Pathways)

In a sense there is only one single meridian. MERIDIANS are the pathways along which energy is transmitted around the body by oscillation and vibration.

Group Meridians (in Acupuncture) ~ According to position and function.

1 - Main Meridians (12 pairs) 

Directly connected to an organ from which they get names. Have pathways near surface and sensitive points (acupares)

2 - Eight Extra Meridians

Act as reservoirs for the main  meridians.
Only two have their own points.

3 - 'Lo' or Connecting Meridians

Join each main meridian to its paired meridian.

4 - Muscle Meridians 

Closer to the service than the main meridians ~ and carry energy that will help the organ to
fight off harmful influences.

THE SIX YANG ORGANS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

ORGAN

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

GALL BLADDER

  Stores bile, assists liver 
 (OFFICIAL: Decision maker)

SMALL INTESTINE

  Receives and transforms material from stomach 
 (OFFICIAL: Executes change)

THREE HEATER

  Protector of organs
 (OFFICIAL: Commander in Chief)

STOMACH

  Extracts ch'i (energy) from liquids and solids .
 (OFFICIAL: In charge of the granary)

COLON

  Absorbs water and nutrients
 (OFFICIAL: In charge of drains and  waterways)

BLADDER

  Stores urine. Accessory to kidney
 (OFFICIAL: Provincial governor)

The Three Heaters is another Chinese concept, which embraces the three general processes of respiration and circulation (focused in the chest) , digestion and assimilation (mainly in the upper abdomen), and elimination and sexual activity (centered in the lower abdomen). The Three Heater relates to all the organs and is regarded as their 'commander in chief'. It is also thought to have a special relationship with what we now know to be the endocrine system.

 

THE SIX YING ORGANS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

ORGANS

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

LIVER

Seat of the soul: Stores and transforms blood 
(OFFICIAL: General who initiates strategy)

HEART

Seat of all power of mind and soul
(OFFICIAL: Ruler from whom all  wisdom and insight emanate)

PERICARDIUM

Rules the brain. Assists the heart
(OFFICIAL: Ambassador of happiness and joy)

 SPLEEN

Transforms and transports fluids
(OFFICIAL: Guards government stores)
 LUNGS

Seat of the nervous system. Distribute  energy (Ch'i) throughout the body
(OFFICIAL: Administrators responsible for orderly conduct)
 KIDNEYS

Stores Ch'i (energy). Govern reproduction
(OFFICIAL: Secretaries of labor)

The pericardium referred to in acupuncture is not an organ in the sense that we in the West  would understand it. To the Chinese it was the protector of the heart, and had a strong influence on circulation and sex.