According to Chinese medical tradition, qi – life energy – is present in every cell of our body. Thin channels, called meridians, ensure its movement along a specific and very accurate route. Explanations and illustrations.
Imagine what an irrigation system for irrigating the land looks like: main channels, branches, secondary channels, reservoirs, pumps, locks. Is there a lack of water in some part of the field? The pumps are set to work. Too much elsewhere? The gateway opens. The system of meridians in the human body works in much the same way. It consists of twelve main, eight wonderful, as well as many side channels that cover our body like a grid. It is through this system that qi moves – the primary energy in Chinese philosophy, the very breath of life, which is present everywhere: in living beings and inanimate objects, in our palms and the depths of space. Meridians are divided into two polar groups: yin (feminine) and yang (masculine). Each group includes six main meridians – together they form pairs associated with a specific function – digestion, respiration, blood supply. Hence their names: the meridian of the stomach, liver, lungs, heart… If the circulation of qi in the body is correct, the person is healthy both physically and mentally – according to Eastern tradition, the body is inextricably linked with the soul. Stagnation or excess qi, on the contrary, can lead to the development of disease.
The doctrine of meridians is the basis for acupuncture (acupuncture) and other methods of influence: acupressure (pressure), massage, heating or cauterization. “Through 670 acupuncture points located along the meridians, one can effectively regulate the movement of qi in the channels,” explains Vera Yushkevich, a spa therapist. – Dissipate, increase or harmonize energy with the help of needles; toning with massage; to intensify its flow by heating-cautery with a wormwood or coal cigar (moxa). The doctrine of the meridians was developed about four thousand years ago, but Western medicine still does not fully agree with this science. The reason is obvious: life energy and the channels through which it moves are not visible to scientists. But they are perfectly distinguished by Chinese healers, who claim to feel the flow of qi with their fingertips.