The Meridian Theory
Like the Yin Yang theory, the Meridian theory is one of the fundamental theories of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). According to TCM every living being has a network of energetic pathways that transport the flow of vital energy or ‘qi’ throughout the body, these are called the meridians. There are 12 principle meridians in the body, that integrate and connect with each other throughout the body. Each meridian connects to an organ, each organ has its individual emotional quality. As long as the meridians remain clear, vital energy is able to flow to the organs undisturbed. However, should the meridian become blocked, the flow of vital energy is compromised. Because of the way the meridian connect, a disruption on one pathway leads to depletion of vital energy flow to all organs, throwing the system off balance. This depletion of vital energy can cause physical, emotional and mental disease. Stress, injury and past trauma can cause the meridians to disfunction.
According to TCM there are 6 Yin organs, and 6 Yang. They function together in pairs, one Yin organ and one Yang organ. Each have their own; element, season, colour and emotion, the Yin Yang pairs share the same energetic qualities. Below I’ve listed the pairs with a detailed description of their function and properties.
Kidney & Urinary Bladder
Element: water Season: winter Colour: blue Emotion: fear, jealousy.
The kidneys are located at the lower back just behind the lower ribs, physically they are responsible for filtering blood and regulating other fluids. They are the Yin organ of the pair. Energetically they are the root of all life, and contain the ‘Jing’ or ‘vital energy’ that flows to the rest of the organs . They are responsible for birth, growth, reproduction, and development. The bladder is located in the lower abdoemen, it is the Yang organ of the pair and supports the kidneys to eliminate toxic fluid in the body. When these organs are in a state of disharmony, emotions such as fear and jealousy might arise, along with lower back weakness or pain.
Liver & Gallbladder
Element: wood Season: spring Colour: green Emotion: anger/ rage
The liver and gallbladder are on the right side of the abdomen. Physically the liver stores blood, vitamins and minerals and is responsible for detoxification and producing bile which it sends to the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores and secrets bile which aids digestion. Energetically, the Liver regulates and stores the blood. It’s responsible for menstruation, and the smooth flow of vital energy, especially in the blood. If vital energy to the liver is not moving freely, blood and emotions will be stagnant. Resulting in anger to arise in excess, along with dizziness and confusion.
Spleen & Stomach
Element: earth Season: summer Colour: yellow Emotion: contentment
The spleen is located to the upper left side of the stomach. Physically it filters blood, it is the largest lymphatic organ. Old red blood cells are recycled in the Spleen. Platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The white cells – lymphocytes –defend against invading bacteria and viruses by producing antibodies to kill foreign microorganisms and stop infection. When the meridian pathways to these organs are blocked, inflammation of the joints and digestive issues may be experienced. Along with excessive worry and anxiety.
Heart & Small Intestine
Element: fire Season: summer Colour: red Emotion: joy
Physically, the Heart is a little left of center in the chest. The heart supplies the body with oxygenated blood. The Small Intestine is just below the stomach. It receives food from the stomach and continues the process of digestion. The small intestine symbolises clearance, making space, choosing what to keep and what to discard. The heart symbolises our connection to self, our body, feeling grounded, sensual and at home in our body. The heart also symbolises our connection to other people. If vital-energy to these organs is disrupted digestive problems can occur, as well as depression and disconnection from the outside world.
Lungs & Large Intestine
Element: metal Season: autumn Colour: white Emotion: grief/ sadness
The lungs are located in the chest, they filter the air we breathe which oxygenates our blood, and they expel carbon dioxide through the exhale. Receiving and letting go, keeping the movement in and out in a healthy exchange with the outer world. If that exchange is blocked emotionally by grief and sadness, it affects the smooth action of the lungs. The large intestine (the colon) stores and excretes waste. It’s also responsible for the absorption of water. On an energetic level, it reflects our ability to let go. If the meridian is blocked it may be an indication of holding onto what no longer serves our purpose.
Pericardium & Triple Warmer
Element: fire Season: summer Colour: red Emotion: joy
Physically, the pericardium is the outer protective layer around the heart which is a little left of centre in the chest. Energetically, the pericardium acts as a buffer to protect the heart physically and psychologically. It’s very closely connected to the heart, so many indications and functions are similar. The heart is particularly important because it stores the Shen or “spirit” and it helps to regulate the mind. The triple warmer, also called the San Jiao or triple burner, is a concept unique to TCM, demonstrating the fundamental holistic concept of the physiological body. On a physical level, it is associated with the endocrine system, responsible for circulating vital-energy, blood, fluids, and hormones throughout the body. The triple warmer meridian controls our fight, flight or freeze response. When these meridians are in a state of disharmony, fatigue, blood sugar instability and stress may experienced.