2010/7/31
Meridian (Chinese medicine) - Wikipedia,…
Meridian (Chinese medicine) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The meridian (simplified Chinese: 经络; traditional Chinese: 經絡; pinyin: jīngluò) is a concept central to traditional Chinese medical techniques such as acupuncture, and to martial arts such as tai chi and qigong. According to these practices, there are channels along which the energy or qi of the psychophysical system is considered to flow. Such techniques are said to achieve their effects by manipulation and, ideally, balancing of the energy running through a network of complex bodily patterns. There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.[1][2] The translation "meridian" is claimed to be improper for inaccuracy.[3][4]
Contents 1 Main concepts 1.1 Twelve standard meridians 1.2 Eight extraordinary meridians 2 Hypothesized relationship to other traditional medicines 3 Criticism of traditional Chinese meridian theory 4 Role in dreams 5 See also 6 References 7 External links
Main concepts In traditional Chinese medicine, patterns of physiological and emotional disharmony are thought to be caused by blockages or disruptions of energy flow along the meridians. To correct such malfunction, specific acupoints along the meridians are stimulated by means of needles, moxibustion or simply the application of pressure. A standard teaching text comments on the nature and relationship of meridians (or channels) and the Zang Fu organs:
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The theory of the channels is interrelated with the theory of the Organs. Traditionally, the internal Organs have never been regarded as independent anatomical entities. Rather, attention has centered upon the functional and pathological interrelationships between the channel network and the Organs. So close is this identification that each of the twelve traditional Primary channels bears the name of one or another of the vital Organs. In the clinic, the entire framework of diagnostics, therapeutics and point selection is based upon the theoretical framework of the channels. "It is because of the twelve
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