The Twelve Meridians

To paint an accurate and naturopathic picture of the body, we acknowledge it as a whole system. Just like “Yin and Yang,” duality suggests that everything in the Universe can be categorized as a unique mix of dual energies. This idea is replicated in Physics, Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Reiki, and Astrology. This method allows identification and understanding of the energy pathways in and around the body. 

There are 12 primary meridian systems in the body: 

1. Lung Meridian
2. Spleen Meridian
3. Large Intestine Meridian
4. Stomach Meridian
5. Heart Meridian
6. Small Intestine Meridian
7. Bladder Meridian
8. Kidney Meridian
9. Pericardium Meridian
10. Triple Burner Meridian
11. Gallbladder Meridian
12. Liver Meridian

What are the Twelve Meridians?

As is all else around you, this system of energy pathways or meridians is broken into twelve perfect parts. The Twelve Meridians transport Qi and all other Essential Substances to every part of the body. While there are more than 12 Channels, the main twelve help paint a generalized picture of the health of the querent. The Qi gets interpreted, which allows blockages to be treated accordingly. 

These Twelve Primary Channels each link to an Organ System, and are categorized as Yin or Yang. Just as each Organ System is ruled by Yin or Yang, so is each Channel. 

How do the Energy Channels Work?

The Channels all start or end at a hand or foot. While the Yin Channels run along the center of the body, the Yang Channels run along the sides. Each Yin Channel and Organ pairs with a corresponding Yang Channel and Organ. Therefore, to find any imbalance, we look to the associated areas.

The Yin Organ Systems include the Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Liver, and Pericardium, while the Yang Organ Systems include the Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Stomach, Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, and Triple Burner. The Liver pairs with the Gallbladder, the Pericardium with the Triple Burner, the Kidney with the Urinary Bladder, the Spleen with the Stomach, and the Lung with the Large Intestine.

Understanding the functionality of each System allows for the understanding of the Primary Channels and the identification of energy blockages.

Yin Organ Systems

The Kidney System stores extra Qi. A strong toot, it links together eight channels. Separately, it also rules the bones, teeth, lower back, and inner ear. Since the Kidney opens through the ear, so hearing and kidney health often match.

The Spleen System rules Xue, the energy of blood and all carried by it. It balances fluid movement, likes dryness, and lubricates the tissues and joints. Also, the Spleen rules muscle mass and tone along with the mouth. The Spleen mirrors the lips. 

The Liver System stores the aforementioned Xue and helps regulate Qi. Not only balancing emotions, bile, and frustrated energy, the Liver also rules the eyes, tendons, and nails. The Liver opens through the eyes, and its health often mirrors that of the eyesight.

The Heart System rules Xue, Qi, and Shen, or Spirit. So, it balances joy, lack, and peace, also ruling the tongue and the face. The Heart opens through pores and its health is mirrored with the skin on the face. 

The Pericardium eliminates excess Qi from the Heart, directing it to the palms. This system protects the heart from excess heat and disharmony. Ruling defensiveness and channeling between realms, the Pericardium and throat often hold the same amount of tension.

Yang Organ Systems

The Yang Organ Systems are as follows:

The Gallbladder System secrets bile, helping the intestines with digestion. Therefore, disharmony in the gallbladder directly affects the Liver System and can eventually affect intestinal health. 

Next, the Stomach System breaks down food so that the Spleen can function healthily. While this system sends Qi downwards, the Spleen moves Qi upwards, releasing physical and energetic waste.

The Small Intestine System works with the stomach to produce Qi and Xue. This System removes impurities, responsible for the transformation of the body and mind.

The Large Intestine System creates and extracts waste by moving impure Qi downwards in the body.

The Urinary Bladder System excretes intestinal liquid waste, produced by the Kidney and Lung Systems.

Finally, the Triple Burner System has no shape but mediates the body’s metabolization of water. This System breaks into three parts. The Upper Burner is a fog that distributes the Qi we consume throughout the body, associating with the head and chest. The Middle Burner is a froth of bubbles that digests and absorbs Essential Substances, helping to decompose energy, associating with the Spleen and Stomach. The Lower Burner is a drainage ditch, which rests below the navel and eliminates impurities, including the Kidney, Intestines, Bladder, and Liver. Together, the three create a healthy metabolism and help process emotion, intuition, and karma.

Conclusion

Use the Meridians to keep track of your well-being. These channels can paint us a picture of our recommended diet, energy blockages, organ health, mental state, and more.

To practice locating energy blockages, use this technique. Next, identify which meridian calls attention.

Having a basic knowledge of the energy channels in the body makes a great difference in life. Now, follow this guide whenever you need a reference!

Thanks for reading and Namaste.