Meridian study guide

Pathway

Begins in the middle jiao (around the Stomach), descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns up through the diaphragm to enter the Lung, ascends to the throat, then emerges at LU-1 in the first intercostal space. From there it runs down the anterior-medial aspect of the arm, through the cubital crease (LU-5), along the radial forearm to the wrist (LU-9), across the thenar eminence (LU-10) and ends at the radial side of the thumbnail (LU-11). A branch from LU-7 runs to the tip of the index finger to join the Large Intestine channel.

Functions

• Governs Qi and respiration — takes in clear Qi from the air and combines it with Gu Qi from food to form Zong (gathering) Qi.
• Controls the dispersion and descent of Qi and fluids throughout the body — the Lung is the 'upper source of water'.
• Regulates the water passages, sending fluids down to the Kidney and Bladder.
• Governs the skin and body hair; controls the opening and closing of the pores and the spread of Wei (defensive) Qi.
• Opens into the nose; houses the Po (corporeal soul).

Key points

• LU-1Zhōngfǔ 中府— Front-Mu point; Lung Qi excess and fullness of the chest.
• LU-5Chǐzé 尺泽— He-sea point; clears Lung Heat, cough with phlegm.
• LU-7Lièquē 列缺— Luo-connecting point and confluent point of the Ren Mai; releases the exterior, head and neck disorders.
• LU-9Tàiyuān 太渊— Shu-stream, Yuan-source and influential point of the vessels; tonifies Lung Qi, used in pulse diagnosis.
• LU-11Shàoshāng 少商— Jing-well point; sore throat, revives consciousness.

Clinical patterns

Lung Qi deficiency (weak voice, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath), Lung Yin deficiency (dry cough, night sweating), invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat (aversion to cold, sneezing, floating pulse), and Phlegm obstructing the Lung. The channel treats the chest, throat and the lateral arm.

Pathway

Starts at the radial side of the index finger (LI-1), runs up the lateral-posterior forearm over the elbow (LI-11) and upper arm to the shoulder (LI-15), crosses to the midline at DU-14 below C7, then descends to ST-12 in the supraclavicular fossa where it connects internally with the Lung and descends through the diaphragm to the Large Intestine. A branch from ST-12 ascends the neck, crosses the cheek, enters the lower gum, curves around the upper lip and ends beside the opposite nostril (LI-20).

Functions

• Receives waste from the Small Intestine, absorbs residual fluids and forms the stool — the 'transformation and excretion of waste'.
• Its Yangming channel is rich in Qi and Blood, making it a primary channel for clearing Heat anywhere in the body.
• Treats disorders along its pathway: face, teeth, nose, throat and the lateral arm.

Key points

• LI-1Shāngyáng 商阳— Jing-well; revives consciousness, clears Heat from the channel.
• LI-4Hégǔ 合谷— Yuan-source; the great command point of the face and mouth, releases the exterior, promotes labour. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
• LI-11Qūchí 曲池— He-sea; clears Heat, cools Blood, treats skin disease and hypertension.
• LI-15Jiānyú 肩髃— Shoulder disorders, Bi syndrome of the arm.
• LI-20Yíngxiāng 迎香— Local point for the nose — rhinitis, sinusitis, loss of smell.

Clinical patterns

Heat in the Yangming channel (high fever, sweating, great thirst — the 'four bigs' of the Bai Hu Tang pattern), toothache, facial pain, rhinitis, constipation or diarrhoea from Large Intestine dysfunction, and Bi syndrome of the shoulder and arm.

Pathway

Begins beside the nose (LI-20), ascends to the inner canthus where it meets the Bladder channel, then descends along the nose to enter the upper gum. Curving around the lips it meets the Ren channel at CV-24, runs along the jaw to ST-5 and up in front of the ear. From ST-12 in the supraclavicular fossa an internal branch descends through the diaphragm to the Stomach and Spleen. The superficial branch descends from ST-12 along the mammillary line, passes the umbilicus (2 cun lateral), reaches ST-30 in the groin, then runs down the anterior thigh, passes the knee (ST-35), continues down the lateral tibia to the dorsum of the foot and ends at the lateral side of the second toe (ST-45).

Functions

• Controls the 'receiving and ripening' of food — the Stomach rots and ripens ingested food and sends the essence to the Spleen.
• The Stomach is the origin of Gu Qi and, with the Spleen, the source of post-natal Qi and Blood.
• Stomach Qi descends; rebellious Stomach Qi rising causes nausea, vomiting and hiccup.
• The Yangming channel of the foot supplies the face, breasts, abdomen and anterior leg.

Key points

• ST-25Tiānshū 天枢— Front-Mu of the Large Intestine; regulates the intestines — constipation and diarrhoea.
• ST-36Zúsānlǐ 足三里— He-sea and command point of the abdomen; the great tonification point for Qi and Blood, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
• ST-40Fēnglóng 丰隆— Luo-connecting; the primary point for resolving Phlegm anywhere in the body.
• ST-41Jiěxī 解溪— Jing-river; clears Stomach Heat, treats the ankle.
• ST-44Nèitíng 内庭— Ying-spring; clears Stomach Fire — toothache, gum bleeding, hunger with poor appetite.

Clinical patterns

Stomach Qi deficiency, Stomach Heat or Fire (burning epigastric pain, bleeding gums, constant hunger), Stomach Yin deficiency (dry mouth, no coating on the tongue), rebellious Stomach Qi (nausea, hiccup, vomiting), and retention of food. Channel disorders include facial paralysis, breast abscess, knee pain and the anterior leg.

Pathway

Starts at the medial side of the big toe (SP-1), runs along the medial foot, passes the medial malleolus (SP-5), ascends the medial leg in front of the Liver channel below SP-6 then crosses behind it above 8 cun, continues up the medial thigh into the abdomen where it connects with the Spleen and Stomach, emerges at SP-12 in the groin, ascends the abdomen 4 cun lateral to the midline and the chest 6 cun lateral, and ends at SP-21 on the mid-axillary line. An internal branch ascends through the diaphragm to the Heart; another spreads over the lower chest and reaches the root of the tongue.

Functions

• Governs transformation and transportation — extracts Gu Qi from food and drink and sends it up to the Lung and Heart to form Qi and Blood.
• Controls the Blood, holding it in the vessels; Spleen deficiency underlies many bleeding disorders.
• Controls the muscles and the four limbs; Spleen weakness shows as tired, heavy limbs.
• Raises the clear; sinking Spleen Qi causes prolapse (stomach, uterus, rectum, bladder).
• Opens into the mouth; houses the Yi (intellect); hates Dampness.

Key points

• SP-3Tàibái 太白— Shu-stream and Yuan-source; tonifies Spleen Qi, resolves Dampness.
• SP-4Gōngsūn 公孙— Luo-connecting and confluent point of the Chong Mai; harmonises the middle jiao, regulates menstruation.
• SP-6Sānyīnjiāo 三阴交— Meeting of the three leg Yin channels; nourishes Yin and Blood, regulates the uterus. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
• SP-9Yīnlíngquán 阴陵泉— He-sea; the key point for resolving Dampness and promoting urination.
• SP-10Xuèhǎi 血海— Cools and moves the Blood; skin disorders and irregular menstruation.

Clinical patterns

Spleen Qi deficiency (poor appetite, loose stool, fatigue, prolapse), Spleen Yang deficiency (cold limbs, watery stool), Spleen not holding the Blood (chronic bleeding, bruising), and Dampness or Phlegm arising from failed transformation. The channel treats the lower abdomen, the medial leg and the root of the tongue.

Pathway

Arises from the Heart, descends through the diaphragm to connect with the Small Intestine. A branch ascends beside the oesophagus to the face and connects with the tissues around the eye. The main channel emerges at HT-1 in the axilla, runs down the medial-posterior arm, passes the medial elbow (HT-3), follows the ulnar forearm to the wrist (HT-7), crosses the palm and ends at the radial side of the little finger (HT-9), where it joins the Small Intestine channel.

Functions

• Governs the Blood and the blood vessels; the pulse reflects the state of the Heart.
• Houses the Shén (mind and spirit) — consciousness, thinking, memory and sleep all depend on the Heart.
• Opens into the tongue; manifests in the complexion.
• The Heart is the 'monarch' of the organs — the channel itself is used sparingly for acute organ pathology, with the Pericardium often treated in its place.

Key points

• HT-3Shàohǎi 少海— He-sea; calms the Shén, treats Heart pain and the elbow.
• HT-5Tōnglǐ 通里— Luo-connecting; tongue disorders — stiffness, sudden loss of voice.
• HT-6Yīnxī 阴郄— Xi-cleft; night sweating, Heart Yin deficiency, acute Heart Blood stasis.
• HT-7Shénmén 神门— Shu-stream and Yuan-source; the primary point for calming the Shén — insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, poor memory.
• HT-9Shàochōng 少冲— Jing-well; revives consciousness, clears Heart Heat.

Clinical patterns

Heart Qi and Yang deficiency (palpitations, shortness of breath, cold limbs), Heart Blood deficiency (insomnia, poor memory, dull complexion), Heart Yin deficiency (night sweating, restlessness), Heart Fire blazing (mouth ulcers, insomnia, agitation), and Phlegm-Fire or Blood stasis harassing the Heart (manic behaviour, stabbing chest pain).

Pathway

Begins at the ulnar side of the little finger (SI-1), runs up the ulnar hand and forearm past the olecranon (SI-8), ascends the posterior arm to the shoulder where it zigzags across the scapula (SI-9 to SI-14), meets the Du channel at DU-14, then descends to ST-12, connects with the Heart and descends to the Small Intestine. A branch ascends the neck to the cheek, reaches the outer canthus and enters the ear at SI-19; another branch crosses to the inner canthus to join the Bladder channel.

Functions

• Receives partially digested food from the Stomach and 'separates the pure from the impure' — the pure goes to the Spleen, the impure to the Large Intestine and Bladder.
• Clinically the channel is used more than the organ: it covers the scapula, neck, cheek and ear.
• Its Taiyang pairing with the Bladder makes it part of the body's exterior defence.

Key points

• SI-1Shàozé 少泽— Jing-well; promotes lactation, revives consciousness.
• SI-3Hòuxī 后溪— Shu-stream and confluent point of the Du Mai; the key distal point for the spine, neck and occiput, and for epilepsy.
• SI-6Yǎnglǎo 养老— Xi-cleft; acute lumbar sprain, benefits the eyes.
• SI-8Xiǎohǎi 小海— He-sea; clears Heat from the channel, treats the elbow.
• SI-19Tīnggōng 听宫— Local point for the ear — tinnitus, deafness.

Clinical patterns

Organ patterns include Small Intestine Qi pain (lower abdominal pain radiating to the testicles) and Small Intestine deficient-cold (dull abdominal pain eased by pressure). Channel disorders dominate in practice: scapular and posterior shoulder pain, stiff neck, pain along the posterior arm, and ear disorders.

Pathway

The longest channel. Starts at the inner canthus (BL-1), ascends the forehead to the vertex where it meets the Du channel, with a branch to the temple. From the vertex an internal branch enters the brain. The main channel descends beside the cervical spine, runs down the back in two parallel lines (1.5 and 3 cun lateral to the midline), enters the lumbar region to connect with the Kidney and Bladder, continues over the sacrum and buttock (BL-30), descends the posterior thigh to the popliteal crease (BL-40), down the calf, behind the lateral malleolus (BL-60), along the lateral foot and ends at the lateral side of the little toe (BL-67).

Functions

• Stores and excretes urine under the control of Kidney Qi.
• Carries the Back-Shu points — every organ has a diagnostic and treatment point on the inner Bladder line of the back, making this the most clinically used channel in the body.
• The outer Bladder line carries the 'spirit points' associated with the five Zang spirits (Po, Shén, Hun, Yi, Zhì).
• Taiyang is the most exterior of the six divisions — the first line of defence against Wind-Cold.

Key points

• BL-2Zǎnzhú 攒竹— Eye disorders, frontal headache, hiccup.
• BL-13Fèishū 肺俞— Back-Shu of the Lung; all Lung disorders, chronic cough.
• BL-23Shènshū 肾俞— Back-Shu of the Kidney; tonifies the Kidneys, lumbar pain, tinnitus.
• BL-40Wěizhōng 委中— He-sea and command point of the back; lumbar pain, clears Summer Heat.
• BL-60Kūnlún 昆仑— Jing-river; occipital headache, stiff neck, promotes labour. Caution in pregnancy.
• BL-67Zhìyīn 至阴— Jing-well; moxibustion here is the classical treatment for breech presentation.

Clinical patterns

Taiyang stage of the six divisions (aversion to cold, stiff occiput, floating pulse), Bladder Damp-Heat (painful, cloudy urination), Bladder deficient-cold (frequent clear urination). Channel disorders cover the entire posterior body: occipital headache, back pain, sciatica, calf spasm.

Pathway

Begins on the sole at KI-1, circles the medial malleolus (KI-3, KI-6), ascends the medial leg to the popliteal crease (KI-10), enters the spine and connects with the Kidney and Bladder. The superficial branch emerges in the lower abdomen, runs 0.5 cun lateral to the midline up the abdomen and 2 cun lateral across the chest, ending at KI-27 below the clavicle. Internal branches ascend through the Liver and diaphragm to the Lung, reach the root of the tongue, and join the Heart.

Functions

• Stores the Jīng (Essence) — governs birth, growth, reproduction and development.
• Produces marrow, fills the brain and spinal cord, and governs the bones; opens into the ears.
• Governs water metabolism — the Kidney is the 'gate of the stomach' for fluids.
• Grasps the Qi sent down by the Lung; Kidney failure to grasp Qi causes chronic asthma.
• Root of all Yin and Yang in the body; houses the Zhì (will-power) and the Mìngmén fire.

Key points

• KI-1Yǒngquán 涌泉— Jing-well; the lowest point of the body — descends excess from the head, revives consciousness, calms the Shén.
• KI-3Tàixī 太溪— Shu-stream and Yuan-source; the primary point for tonifying Kidney Yin and Yang.
• KI-6Zhàohǎi 照海— Confluent point of the Yin Qiao Mai; nourishes Yin, benefits the throat, treats insomnia.
• KI-7Fùliū 复溜— Jing-river; regulates sweating, treats oedema.
• KI-10Yīngǔ 阴谷— He-sea; Kidney Yin deficiency, genital disorders.

Clinical patterns

Kidney Yang deficiency (cold limbs, sore lower back, clear frequent urine, low libido), Kidney Yin deficiency (night sweating, tinnitus, malar flush), Kidney Jing deficiency (poor development, infertility, premature ageing), Kidney not grasping Qi (chronic breathlessness), and failure to transform water (oedema).

Pathway

Arises from the chest, enters the Pericardium, and descends through the diaphragm linking the three jiao. The channel emerges at PC-1 one cun lateral to the nipple, ascends to the axilla (PC-2), runs down the medial arm between the two tendons, passes the cubital crease (PC-3) and the wrist (PC-7), crosses the palm (PC-8) and ends at the tip of the middle finger (PC-9). A branch from PC-8 runs to the ring finger to join the Triple Burner channel.

Functions

• Protects the Heart — the 'Heart Protector' takes the brunt of pathogenic invasion, which is why febrile disease affecting the mind is described as Heat entering the Pericardium.
• Clinically the channel is used in place of the Heart for most mental-emotional and cardiac disorders.
• Strongly influences the chest, the epigastrium and the Stomach via its paired vessel, the Yin Wei Mai.

Key points

• PC-3Qūzé 曲泽— He-sea; clears Heat from the Heart and Stomach, treats palpitations and vomiting.
• PC-5Jiānshǐ 间使— Jing-river; Phlegm obstructing the Heart, malaria, mental disorders.
• PC-6Nèiguān 内关— Luo-connecting and confluent point of the Yin Wei Mai; one of the most used points in the body — nausea, motion sickness, chest pain, anxiety, insomnia.
• PC-7Dàlíng 大陵— Shu-stream and Yuan-source; clears Heart Fire, calms the Shén — insomnia, agitation, mouth ulcers.
• PC-8Láogōng 劳宫— Ying-spring; drains Heart Fire, revives consciousness.

Clinical patterns

Heat in the Pericardium in febrile disease (high fever, delirium, coma — the Wen Bing pattern), Phlegm-Fire harassing the mind, and the everyday clinical uses of the channel: nausea and vomiting, chest oppression, palpitations, anxiety and insomnia.

Pathway

Starts at the ulnar side of the ring finger (TB-1), runs up between the fourth and fifth metacarpals, along the posterior midline of the forearm between the radius and ulna (TB-5, TB-6), over the olecranon (TB-10) and up the posterior-lateral arm to the shoulder (TB-14). It crosses to DU-14, descends to ST-12, and internally spreads through the chest to the Pericardium and down through the three jiao. A branch ascends the neck, circles behind the ear (TB-17), reaches the temple and the outer canthus, ending at the lateral eyebrow (TB-23).

Functions

• The Sānjiāo has 'a name but no form' — it is the system of waterways and the passage of Yuan Qi through the three body cavities.
• Upper jiao: the chest, Heart and Lung — likened to a mist. Middle jiao: Stomach and Spleen — a fermentation vat. Lower jiao: Kidney, Bladder and intestines — a drainage ditch.
• Governs the transformation and movement of fluids at every level; dysfunction produces oedema, urinary disorders and digestive disturbance.
• The Shaoyang channel treats the sides of the body — temples, ears, hypochondrium and lateral leg.

Key points

• TB-3Zhōngzhǔ 中渚— Shu-stream; temporal headache, tinnitus, stiff neck.
• TB-5Wàiguān 外关— Luo-connecting and confluent point of the Yang Wei Mai; releases the exterior, treats temporal headache and the Shaoyang stage.
• TB-6Zhīgōu 支沟— Jing-river; constipation, hypochondriac pain.
• TB-10Tiānjǐng 天井— He-sea; clears Heat, transforms Phlegm nodules.
• TB-17Yìfēng 翳风— Behind the earlobe; ear disorders, facial paralysis.

Clinical patterns

Shaoyang stage patterns (alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, hypochondriac fullness — Xiao Chai Hu Tang), fluid metabolism disorders across the three jiao, and channel disorders: temporal headache, tinnitus and deafness, pain behind the ear, and the lateral arm.

Pathway

Begins at the outer canthus (GB-1), zigzags across the temporal region and around the ear (GB-2 to GB-12), crosses the forehead and returns to the occiput (GB-20). It descends the neck to the shoulder, passes ST-12, and runs down the lateral chest in a zigzag (GB-22 to GB-29), crosses the buttock (GB-30), and descends the lateral thigh and leg, passing in front of the lateral malleolus (GB-40), along the fourth metatarsal to end at the lateral side of the fourth toe (GB-44). A branch runs to the big toe to join the Liver channel. Internally it connects with the Liver and Gallbladder.

Functions

• Stores and excretes bile, aiding the Spleen and Stomach in digestion.
• Governs decision-making and courage — the Gallbladder gives the Liver's planning its capacity to act.
• The only Yang organ that does not deal with food or waste directly — it is counted among the 'curious organs' as well as the six Fu.
• Its Shaoyang channel covers the entire side of the body: temple, ear, hypochondrium, hip and lateral leg.

Key points

• GB-20Fēngchí 风池— The major point for Wind — exterior Wind invasion and interior Wind; headaches, dizziness, eye disorders, stiff neck.
• GB-21Jiānjǐng 肩井— Shoulder pain, promotes labour and lactation. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
• GB-30Huántiào 环跳— Hip and sciatic pain, Bi syndrome of the lower limb.
• GB-34Yánglíngquán 阳陵泉— He-sea and influential point of the sinews; all tendon and sinew disorders, hypochondriac pain, Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder.
• GB-41Zúlínqì 足临泣— Shu-stream and confluent point of the Dai Mai; lateral headache, breast disorders, irregular menstruation.

Clinical patterns

Gallbladder Damp-Heat (hypochondriac pain, bitter taste, jaundice), Gallbladder Qi deficiency (timidity, indecision, easily startled), and the Shaoyang channel disorders: migraine, tinnitus, pain of the hypochondrium, hip and lateral leg.

Pathway

Starts at the lateral side of the big toe (LR-1), runs up the dorsum of the foot (LR-3), passes the medial malleolus, ascends the medial leg (crossing in front of the Spleen channel above SP-6), up the medial thigh to the genitals, circles the external genitalia and enters the lower abdomen (LR-12, LR-13). Internally it connects with the Liver and Gallbladder, ascends through the diaphragm, spreads through the hypochondrium, rises behind the throat to the nasopharynx, connects with the tissues surrounding the eyes, and emerges at the forehead to meet the Du channel at the vertex. A branch descends through the cheek and circles the lips; another rises from the Liver to the Lung, completing the Qi circulation cycle.

Functions

• Ensures the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body — emotional balance, digestion and menstruation all depend on it.
• Stores the Blood and regulates blood volume with activity and rest.
• Governs the sinews and manifests in the nails; opens into the eyes.
• Houses the Hún (ethereal soul); the organ most damaged by anger and frustration.
• The only Yin channel that reaches the vertex and the only channel that circles the genitals.

Key points

• LR-1Dàdūn 大敦— Jing-well; genital disorders, hernia, revives consciousness.
• LR-2Xíngjiān 行间— Ying-spring; drains Liver Fire — headache, red eyes, irritability.
• LR-3Tàichōng 太冲— Shu-stream and Yuan-source; the great point for spreading Liver Qi — stress, anger, headache, hypertension. With LI-4 forms the Four Gates.
• LR-8Qūquán 曲泉— He-sea; nourishes Liver Blood and Yin, genital disorders.
• LR-14Qīmén 期门— Front-Mu of the Liver; hypochondriac pain, Liver Qi stagnation invading the Stomach.

Clinical patterns

Liver Qi stagnation (distension, moodiness, plum-pit throat, wiry pulse), Liver Fire blazing (red face and eyes, outbursts of anger), Liver Yang rising (dizziness, temporal headache), interior Liver Wind (tremor, convulsion), Liver Blood deficiency (scanty menses, blurred vision, brittle nails), and Cold stagnating in the Liver channel (hernia-like pain of the genitals).