Chinese medicine teaches that there are life energy channels that run through the body fifty times a day. If there are blockages in the pathways, disorders occur in the organism. There are twelve main meridians and two vessels that are important for healing.
The twelve main meridians
Lung meridian (Yin)
The lung meridian runs along the side of the chest via the inside of the arm to the thumb. In acupuncture or acupressure, points on the lung meridian are stimulated for throat, nose and ear diseases, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma as well as for skin problems and joint pain.
The best meridian time is between 3 and 5 o'clock.
Large intestine meridian (Yang)
The large intestine meridian leads from the index finger over the outside of the arm and over the neck to the outside of the nose.
The acupuncture pressure points are used to treat colds, headaches, lung complaints and intestinal disorders.
The best meridian time is between 5 and 7 o'clock.
Stomach meridian (Yang)
The stomach meridian originates under the eye and runs through the chest to the abdomen and down the front of the leg to the second toe. During acupuncture, the pressure points are stimulated to treat stomach and intestinal complaints, nervousness and circulatory disorders. The best meridian time is between 7 and 9 o'clock.
Spleen-Pancreas Meridian (Yin)
The spleen-pancreas meridian runs from the big toe via the inside of the leg to the outside of the chest and back down to the ribs. The pressure points of the spleen meridian help against stomach and intestinal complaints, muscle disorders, connective tissue weaknesses, menstrual problems, depressive moods and anxiety. The best meridian time is between 9 and 11 o'clock.
Heart meridian (Yin)
The heart meridian runs from the armpit via the inside of the arm to the little finger. During acupuncture, the pressure points of the heart meridian are stimulated to treat heart and circulatory problems, palpitations, high blood pressure, nervousness, anxiety and depression. The best meridian time is between 11 am and 1 pm.
Small intestine meridian (Yang)
The small intestine meridian runs from the little finger via the arm and shoulder to the ear. The pressure points are stimulated for joint complaints, intestinal disorders and nervousness. The best meridian time is between 1 and 3 pm.
Bladder meridian (Yang)
The bladder meridian runs from the inner corner of the eye over the forehead, back of the head and back on the back of the leg over the outer edge of the foot to the little toe.
In acupuncture, the pressure points of the bladder meridian are stimulated for kidney and bladder complaints, hormonal disorders and joint complaints. The best meridian time is between 11 pm and 1 am.
Kidney meridian (Yin)
The kidney meridian is located at the centre of the sole of the foot and runs via the leg and chest to the collarbone. The pressure points are used for menstrual cramps, complaints in the genital area and joint disorders. The best meridian time is between 5 and 7 pm.
Pericardial meridian (Yin)
The pericardium meridian, also known as the circulation-sexuality meridian, runs from the nipple via the inside of the upper arm to the middle finger. The pressure points are mainly used to treat sexuality and circulatory problems, as well as psychological problems, insomnia and nervousness. The best meridian time is between 7 and 9 pm.
Triple warmer meridian (Yang)
The Triple Warmer meridian runs from the back of the ring finger via the outside of the upper arm to the eyebrow. Three body cavities are assigned to it: below the navel, between the navel and diaphragm and above the diaphragm. The pressure points are stimulated for problems with the excretory organs, sexual organs and the digestive system as well as to promote breathing. The best meridian time is between 9 and 11 pm.
Gallbladder meridian (Yang)
The gallbladder meridian starts at the outer corner of the eye and runs to the fourth toe. The pressure points have an effect on the psyche and help with cramps, gallbladder problems, joint pain, lumbago, headaches, eye problems and nervousness. The best meridian time is between 11 pm and 1 am.
Liver meridian (Yin)
The liver meridian runs from the big toe via the thighs to the costal arch. Acupuncture stimulates digestion and promotes the functions of the liver and gall bladder. The pressure points are also used to treat exhaustion and anxiety. The best meridian time is between 1 and 3 o'clock.
The two vessels (Yin and Yang)
The so-called Servant Vessel (Yin) and the Governing Vessel are also known as special meridians. The Servant Vessel runs from the genitals via the back to the lower lip. It is connected to all Yin meridians and helps in the treatment of disorders of the genital area.
The Governing Vessel (Yang) runs from the genitals via the back and back of the head to the forehead and nose and ends at the upper lip. It is connected to all yang meridians and helps against vegetative and hormonal disorders.
