The Meridians or channels are an important element of Chinese medicine.
To an acupuncturist they are a map to the vital life force that flows through the human body. There are two types of meridians: the twelve meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians. Physiologically the meridians represent the main pathways by which Qi, blood, and body fluids flow throughout the body, providing nourishment and warmth. These pathways also serve as vital links between the organs and networks of the body. Sometimes blockages in this network of energy that flows to every cell in the body occur. Acupuncturists can access this network via the acupuncture points in each of the 12 primary channels or extraordinary channels. Each acupuncture point has a specific action, both on a physiological and emotional level.
This access to the body’s energy system allows an acupuncturist to treat a wide range of symptoms such as chronic pain, stress, migraine and digestive issues to name a few.
Recent research has discovered the newfound organ — the interstitium (fascia/connective tissue) — is a series of spaces, supported by a mesh of strong (collagen) and flexible (elastin) connective tissue proteins found below the skin’s surface, lining the digestive tract, lungs and urinary systems, and surrounding arteries, veins, and the fascia between muscles.
Importantly, the finding that this layer is a highway of moving fluid sending electrical messages through the body may explain how acupuncture works. Of course more research in this area is required, but acupuncturists are very excited about this discovery. We are hopeful that this may well be the defining evidence that is needed to show that acupuncture works.