”The Conception vessel and the Governing vessel are like midnight and midday, they are the polar axis of the body. There is one source and two branches, one goes to the front and the other to the back of the body. When we try to divide these, we see that yin and yang are inseparable. When we try to see them as one, we see that it is an indivisible whole.” (Li Shi-Zhen)
The term 'meridian' stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back to 2697 BC. It refers to a channel network through which life-energy circulates. Each of the twelve prime meridians is associated with a specific organ and energy centre. It should be noted that they don't occupy the same space as the other systems on a multi-dimensional scale, they are more accurately described as overlapping with one another.
On a related note, Hiroshi Motoyama equates the nadis with the meridian system, as they form a "physical but indivisible system of physiological control" that overlap with the chakras. Since this system is located in the connective tissues of the body, I played with the thought during my doctoral dissertation they represent an interconnectedness naturally present in our bodily systems. This can also be encountered on a larger scale. For instance, a planetary, celestial, cosmic and multi-versal equivalence of the human subtle energy systems, transcending the material continuum into the ethereal.
Kim Bonghan conducted experiments with the embryos from several species, which provided empirical evidence for the hypothesis that chickens develop their meridian system within 15 hours of birth. After further research, he concluded embryonic energies organise the major organs, in the form of a subtle energy template. Bonghan interprets the meridians as a tubular system that consists of:
External Duct System: Vascular and Lympathic Vessels flowing in the direction of, but around the meridians
Superficial Duct System: Commonly known for its therapeutic purposes. Found in the upper dermal layers of the skin
Internal Duct System: Blood and Lympathic System
Intra-External Duct System: Typically located at the top of the major organs. These form a network involving the blood, lymph and nervous systems.
Neural Duct System: Flows in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
As illustrated below, the meridians follow a distinct flow that corresponds to nearby organs. This means they run from North to South and East to West. It should be noted that a disruption in the flow (in the form of symptoms) often occurs at specific times in correlation to the TCM biological clock, until it becomes chronic.
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Flows Intto |
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Stomach Meridian (ying) – Spleen Meridian (yang) |
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Heart Meridian (yin) – Small Intestine Meridian (yang) |
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Bladder Meridian (yang) – Kidney Meridian (ying) |
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Pericardium Meridian (yin) – Tripple Warmer (yang) |
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Gallbladder Meridian (yang) – Liver Meridian (yin) |
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Lung Meridian (yin) – Large Intestine (yang) |
Ying and yang are an integral part of the five element theory, they are essential in the comprehension of symptoms. Yin Organs are involved in production and storage of vital substances, such as life-force, blood, bodily fluids etc. Yang Organs are receive and distribute but do not store. They are involved in digestion, excretion and transformative processes. Ying & Yang consume and balance each other in everyday life. For example, smoking adds yang to the lung, depriving the lungs of yin and eventually kidneys. On a final note, it should be highlighted that polar meridians are 12 hours apart in a 24h cycle.