Meridians and Collaterals
The meridians and collaterals are pathways in which the qi and blood of the human body are circulated. They pertain to the zang-fu organs interiorly and extend over the body exteriorly, forming a network and linking the tissues and organs into an organic whole. The meridians, which constitute the main trunks, run longitudinally and interiorly within the body; while the collaterals, which represent branches of the meridians, run transversely and superficially from the meridians. They are collectively termed Jingluo (meridians and collaterals) in traditional Chinese medicine. This system of meridians and collaterals includes the twelve main meridians, eight extra meridians, fifteen collaterals, twelve divergent meridians, twelve muscle regions and twelve cutaneous regions.It is said in Miraculous Pivot that “internally, the twelve main meridians connect with the zang-fu organs, and externally with the joints, limbs and other superficial tissues of the body.” The meridians and collaterals are distributed both interiorly and exteriorly over the body, transporting qi and blood to nourish the zang-fu organs, skin, muscles, tendons and bones. Normal functioning of various organs is thus ensured, and a relative equilibrium maintained. It is stated in Miraculous Pivot that “so important are the meridians and collaterals which determine life and death in the treatment of all diseases and the regulation of deficiency and excess conditions that one must gain a thorough understanding of them. The importance of studying the theory of meridians and collaterals can indeed never be over emphasized.The theory of meridians and collaterals was systematized by the ancient Chinese people in their prolonged clinical practice. Its formation is generally considered to be in relation to the observation of the symptoms and signs of diseases and the transmission of needing sensation, the application of Tuina (Chinese remedial massage), Daoyin (ancient deep breathing exercises), and ancient anatomical knowledge. Just like the other basic traditional Chinese medical theories, such as that of the zang-fu organs, of qi and blood, etc., the theory of meridians and collaterals is of great significance in guiding diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in particular.
The Composition of the System of the Meridians and Collaterals
The system includes the twelve main meridians, the eight extra meridians and those subordinate to the twelve main meridians, the twelve divergent meridians, the twelve muscle regions, the twelve cutaneous regions; the system of the collaterals includes the fifteen collaterals, the minute collaterals and superficial collaterals. The composition of the system of the meridians and collaterals is shown in the following table.
