What are Meridians and Acupuncture Points?

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Meridians Human

In Chinese language the term for body meridian is "jing" which is translated as "channel". It is not uncommon to relate to the body meridians in traditional Chinese medicine as channels which carve the body just like rivers carve waterways in a mountain. Thus meridians can be viewed as pathways through which Qi flows the same way water flows through riverbeds. They run through the entire body, the different body organs and body structures, and are essential for their vital saturation.

Each meridian has acupuncture points which are like tunnels that connect the body's exterior to the meridian. When doing acupuncture - the practice of inserting fine metal needles in these "tunnels" in order to stimulate the body's own natural healing processes - the point that is stimulated starts affecting the Qi of the meridian it is located on. Based on the properties and indications of the point it may invigorate/move Qi, or "cool" Qi, direct Qi downwards, direct it upwards, etc. This furthermore affects the different organs and body structures in various ways as they are penetrated by the stimulated meridians. It adjusts or changes their energetic field in a way that balance is restored.

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