Meridians (or CHANNELS) in Chinese medicine reflect theoretical paths along both the outside and the inside of the human body. When acupuncturists/naturopathic doctors work on an individual, the external points along individual channels are stimulated with needles or pressure/massage to create healing or rebalancing of the body.
Meridians/Channels are NOT arteries, nerves or veins. They are not observable by the human eye, but can be measured using an individual's body for measurement along bones, muscles and tendons. Each Channel is named according to the internal organ that it is directly associated with. Health is believed to exist when the energy of each channel is balanced (i.e., neither too strong nor too weak). The strength of the channels is determined by using the tools of assessment from Chinese Medicine (most useful to the practitioner being the pulse diagnosis). Much can be debated about the actual existance of these channels from a scientific perspective, but thousands of years of practice have shown that there is indeed, truth to the effects of these "theoretical" paths. Most notable are the results of acupuncture and acupressure in the treatment of various diseases. The World Health Organization lists at least 100 conditions that are treatable with acupuncture.
For the individual concerned with his/her health, the most important tool is understanding what channels exist, and what symptoms indicate an imbalance in which channels. What is most important to remember is that channel imbalance does precede organ imbalance. If we are interested in working preventatively, we must try to treat "simple" symptoms before any significant organ damage. If significant organ damage has already occured, the same treatment can help to prevent further damage and/or treat existing damage.
Let's take a look at what channels are reflected by what symptoms:
Although this is an incomplete list, it can be quite useful for an individual to consider. Do note that when we look at symptoms, we are not sure if a weakness in a channel has led to the symptom, or if the symptom has led to the weakness in the channel. This understanding is only clarified through a full family and personal case history and also through thorough assessment. Also, do not be alarmed if you notice many symptoms of channel imbalance -- these do NOT necessarily reflect organ imbalances -- these symptoms precede organ imbalances. What we do know for certain, is that the challenged channel or channels in question must be treated through a modification of lifestyle, nutritional and emotional (counselling) choices.
The first step is identifying the problem.
Learning How to Balance your Imbalance Coming Soon!
