Acupuncture - Acupuncture Meridians Are the Key to Free Flowing Qi

Acupuncture meridians are the general channels that carry the energy, referred to as Qi, throughout the body. Ted Kaptchuk in The Web that Has No Weaver describes the meridians as "an invisible lattice that links together all the fundamental textures and Organs...embodies a kind of informational network - the Qi and Blood move through them." The acupuncture meridians serve as a connection between the interior and exterior of the body as well and this is an important attribute when you consider that acupuncture needles inserted superficially on the surface of the body can have a profound effect on the interior systems.

Acupuncture meridians are given further distinctions in the Organ systems that they are associated with and serve. The meridians are also assigned a Yin or Yang designation. They can be easier understood based on the area of the body they serve. Typically Yin meridians travel on the front and inside of the body. Many Yin meridians are located on the inner forearm and the inside of the legs. Yang meridians are found traveling on the back and on the more exposed areas of the body like the tanned outer forearms or the side of the legs. Just as Yin and Yang balance each other, relationships between acupuncture meridians are present and allow Qi or Blood to flow between meridians. In all, there are 14 major meridians that are present in the human body.
How does this impact the practice of acupuncture? What can a symptom reveal about the functionality of the acupuncture meridians in the body? As an acupuncturist, we are trained to take into account the location of any pain or the specific nature of an internal health complaint that you may have. Many times the pain that you may be experiencing falls along a particular meridian's pathway. The symptom that you are experiencing may have a close relationship with a dysfunction in a particular meridian. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome that presents with pain at the middle of wrist usually indicates some issue with the Pericardium meridian while insomnia with palpitations usually indicates a Heart meridian problem. Some practitioners will also palpate or press on particular points along an acupuncture meridian to determine whether there is an interruption in the free flow of Qi and Blood through the area.

Once the affected meridian has been determined, there are a number of options for treatment. Many times the acupuncturist may insert needles in the area that is hurting or in the meridian that is affected. However, if the area is particularly painful or sensitive, the acupuncture can be performed at areas located farther away from the site. The close relationship between particular acupuncture meridians that has been determined through the close study of Chinese medical texts is the reason why these treatments work. In addition, many of the acupuncture meridians are long and winding and may start on the head or abdomen but end at the fingers or toes. It is possible to treat a meridian by needling the easier accessed areas from the elbows and knees down. This is often the basis of community acupuncture where treatments are done while seated in recliners in a room with other patients.
Acupuncture meridians are an integral part of Chinese medicine theory and a thorough understanding of the relationships between them can give an acupuncturist the clues they need to be able to correctly diagnose a problem. Even a minor understanding of acupuncture meridians can allow a patient to continue their treatment at home through the use of acupressure techniques. The versatility of treatment permitted by the presence of acupuncture meridians allows for a nearly infinite number of needling locations and styles which gives the patient and practitioner a valuable tool in the quest for balanced health.

Chris Lehmann is a nationally board licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist practicing in Boston, MA. His acupuncture practice, Eastern Sun Acupuncture, seeks to provide the safest, most effective and comprehensive acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy to Boston and surrounding communities. More information can be found at the website, http://www.easternsunacupuncture.com/. He also publishes blog posts, maintains an active Facebook fan page and tweets acupuncture related news as @easternsunacu. To learn more about Eastern Sun Acupuncture or to book an appointment, visit http://www.easternsunacupuncture.com/ today.

By Chris Lehmann