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Meridians

  • Writer: Alison West
    Alison West
  • Jul 15
  • 5 min read

Extraordinary Meridians & Main Meridians

Dating back to 3rd century BCE, ancient Chinese Medicine practitioners found that energy, or Qi (Chi) flows through the body through a series of channels, which they labeled as meridians.  It is thought that this fluid flow of energy creates balance within the body.

There are 8 Extraordinary Meridians, which are located symmetrically on both sides of the body (except governing and conception) and can be thought of as the deepest energetic structures of the body.  These Meridians act as a reservoir of Qi (chi) for the Main Meridians.  There are 12 Main Meridians, also located symmetrically on both sides of the body, and each of these meridians is linked to an organ.


These 16 Meridians act as channels of energy that flow through the body, helping physical and emotional strength and balance.  When the energy flow is blocked or weakened by an associated imbalance, the meridian may become imbalanced. An imbalance in one of the Main Meridians may be problematic for an organ’s function, a person’s energy level, mood, or sleep. Imbalances can also cause people to feel sharp pain, fatigue, bloating, 


Any of the 16 Meridians can be indicated by a person’s subconscious as imbalanced. Through muscle testing, intention, and use of the governing meridian, the meridian can be energetically rebalanced, allowing energy to flow more freely.  


Extraordinary Meridians


Yang Heel

  • Flows from the outside of the heel, runs upward along the outside of the leg and torso, then runs back around the rear of the shoulder, up along the side of the neck, then the mouth, up to the eye, and around the inside of the skull.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Visual disorders

    • Insomnia

    • Trouble walking


Yin Heel

  • Flows from the inner ankle, runs up along the inner leg, the abdomen, chest and neck, entering the eye to communicate with Yang Heel Meridian.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Lower back discomfort

    • Digestive issues

    • Respiratory issues

    • Excessive sleepiness

Yang Linking

  • Begins at the ankle and continues up the side of the body, further up to the shoulder, and over the forehead where it communicates with the Governing Meridian.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Lack of energy

    • Lower back discomfort

Yin Linking

  • Begins at the inner ankle and continues up along the inner thigh to the abdomen, then up through the chest to the neck where it communicates with the Conception Meridian.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Blood circulation problems

    • Depression

    • Headaches

Conception

  • Flows from the perineum, runs up along the center of the abdomen and chest, through the cheek and enters into the eye sockets.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Issues with the face, lips, and eyes

    • Digestive trouble

Governing

The main entrance point for Intention Energy in The Body Code and The Emotion Code

  • Flows from the end of the tailbone and runs upward along the spine, up and over the head, and stops on the inside of the upper lip.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Brain and nervous system issues

    • Headache

Penetrating

  • Begins between the kidneys, branching out in different directions and goes throughout the whole body.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Nausea

    • Gastrointestinal issues

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

Girdle

  • Begins at the underside of the ribs, continuing down to encircle the waist horizontally, connecting all of the leg meridians.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Heavy feeling in body

    • Difficulty walking

    • Abdominal fullness

    • Cloudy urine

    • Hernias



Main Meridians


Stomach

  • Starts at the head, runs across the trunk, along the front, lateral and back sides of the leg to the foot.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Hunger

    • Nausea

    • Acid reflux

    • Discomfort in knee or chest

    • Toothaches

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Chew food thoroughly

  • Avoid overeating

  • Relax when eating


Bladder

  • Starts at the head, runs across the trunk, along the front, lateral and back sides of leg to the foot.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Eye problems

    • Runny nose

    • Nasal Congestion

    • Nosebleeds

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Drink lots of pure water

  • Use high quality salt

Gallbladder

  • Starts at the head, runs across the trunk, along the front, lateral and back sides of the leg to the foot.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Craving greasy food

    • Bloating

    • Acute abdominal discomfort

    • Trouble making decisions

    • Feeling criticized

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Eat healthy fats, in moderation

  • Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber

Liver

  • Runs from the foot, along the inner side of the leg, crossing the front of the chest and abdomen, and continuing up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Violent temper

    • Intense throbbing headaches

    • Fatigue

    • Dizziness

    • Dry or blurry eyes

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Yoga and stretching

  • Eat a balanced diet, with healthy fats and salt in moderation


Kidney

  • Runs from the foot, along the inner side of the leg, crossing the front of the chest and abdomen, and continuing up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Edema

    • Thirst

    • Discomfort in lower back, joints, and knees

    • Memory trouble

    • Hair loss

    • Dizziness

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Get proper rest and relaxation

  • Respect fluctuations in your energy


Spleen

  • Runs from the foot, along the inner side of the leg, crossing the front of the chest and abdomen, and continuing up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Fatigue

    • Diabetes

    • Weight issues

    • Imbalance in appetite (overeating, lack of appetite)

    • Weakness


To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Chew food thoroughly

  • Relax while eating

  • Maintain a comfortable daily routine

Lung

  • Runs from the chest, along the front arm and continues down to the hand

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Shortness of breath

    • Tiredness

    • Coughing

    • Sore throat

    • Discomfort in occipital area of skull

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Work on proper hydration

  • Work to let go of grief and self-rejection

  • Keep your environmental humidity as balanced as possible

Heart

  • Runs from the chest, along the front arm and continues down to the hand.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Palpitations

    • Dizziness

    • Frequent sweating, night sweats

    • Insomnia

    • Pale, cold, and tired

    • restlessness

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Keep your diet simple and balanced

  • Work on emotional health

  • Cultivate a safe and friendly environment with good friendships


Pericardium

  • Runs from the chest, along the front arm and continues down to the hand.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Chest and heart discomfort

    • Spasms of the elbow and arm

    • Overjoy

    • Sadness

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Work on being present

  • Release any heart imbalances, especially the heart-wall

Triple Warmer

  • Runs from the hand, along the back of the arm, up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Lack of body part connection, wholeness

    • Headache or migraine

    • Hearing issues, tinnitus

    • Facial and neck stiffness

    • Elbow discomfort

    • Trouble letting go of negativity

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Avoid taking on more than you can reasonably handle

  • Let go of judgment, focus on acceptance

Small Intestine

  • Runs from the hand, along the back of the arm, up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Bloating

    • Gas

    • Gut inflammation

    • Constipation

    • Diarrhea

    • Restlessness

    • Moodiness and irritability

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Try abdominal breathing exercises

  • Chew food thoroughly

  • Avoid toxins including GMO food, any irritating food

Large Intestine

  • Runs from the hand, along the back of the arm, up to the head.

  • Some symptoms of imbalance:

    • Dehydration

    • Constipation

    • Diarrhea

    • Control issues

    • Swollen gums

    • Weight gain

    • Edema

    • Halitosis

To further rebalance this meridian:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Chew food thoroughly

  • Regular movement or exercise


 
 
 

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