The human body has been cared for by health
practitioners for tens of thousands of years. Paleolithic communities had
medicine ladies who knew how to extract aspirin from Willow twigs and digitalis
from Foxglove, and made antiseptic poultices. Stories of their medicines and
patients have been translated by Dr. Robert Duncan-Enzmann from prehistoric
inscriptions dating to 12,500 BC. Much of the knowledge of these prehistoric
caretakers is lost, but some survived and is still in use today.
Acupuncture
was used in China as early as the late Stone Age. Throughout Chinese history
both acupuncture theory and practice have steadily evolved, eventually offering
treatments for virtually every form of medical condition. The art of
acupuncture depends on a thorough understanding of the meridians. The meridian system
is a traditional Chinese medicine belief about a path through which the
life-energy of Qi flows. Qi is the
life-giving force that flows throughout our bodies. In acupuncture treatment a
point on the skin is stimulated through pressure, suction, heat, or needle
insertion, affecting the circulation of Qi or Chi, which in turn affects
related internal organs and systems.
Herbs, sound, minerals, and light have all been explored for
their effect on the human body. The energy we feel, or don’t feel, is critical
to our health. The Eastern practice of Qigong
is based on affecting this life-giving energy as it flows through twelve
pathways in our bodies called meridians*. This vast network of interconnected
channels links the upper and lower body together, and connects the interior
with the surface. Every atom of our body is connected. Every organ connected to
every other organ. Everything conscious or unconscious is affected by the
energy flowing through these pathways. Each meridian corresponds to an internal
organ.
Qigong Grand Master Xi-Hua Xu explains
that “Meridians form invisible energy pathways that provide coherence to the
human body and allow its structures to communicate among themselves and with
the external universe.”
By connecting different parts of our bodies, meridians
provide distribution of blood, body fluids, and Qi. The flow of Qi through the
meridian system concentrates at very small points on the skin’s surface, known
as acupuncture points. There are 365 such points (an interesting link to the
universe), and they affect the internal functions of our body. Meridians also send signals to raise or lower
body temperature, indicate that your body needs to release water, signal it to
regulate emotion, and affect many other functions. They are fundamental to the
homeostatic functions of the body, and help to keep it balanced.
When
Qi flows freely through your meridians and your organs work in harmony, your
body can remain healthy. When your meridian system functions well, you are
well. But they can become clogged or even blocked from many things such as
stress, injury, diet, or inactivity. When one or more pathways are blocked it
affects the function of the corresponding organ.
Meridians
can carry healing energy throughout your entire being. It is this special
quality that allows treatments to work using food, herbs, Qigong, acupuncture,
acupressure, and most importantly Tai Chi. Martial training develops
control of Qi flowing through the body. Proper breathing and balanced movement
encourage circulation of both blood and Qi, supporting organ function and
developing strength. Over time this benefits well-being, longevity, and ability
to work. When done properly, these techniques can stimulate the flow
of energy in the meridians, restoring balance and health.
Simply put, a meridian is an
‘energy highway’ in the human body. Conventional anatomy cannot identify these
pathways in a physical sense in the way that blood vessels can be seen. There
are twelve main meridians (another universal connection), or invisible
channels, throughout the body with Qi or energy flows. Each limb is traversed
by six channels, three Yin channels on the inside, and three Yang channels on
the outside. The meridian system of the human body is a delicate, yet intricate
web of interconnecting energy lines. If a person masters an understanding of
this meridian system they will know the secrets of the flow of Qi energy in the
body.
* "Meridian" was
originally used by French researchers and is the most common translation of the
Chinese ching-lo (jingluo), but it is a very imperfect translation. ‘Ching’
means ‘to pass through’, and ‘lo’ means ‘a net’ or ‘to connect.’
About Symbologist Michelle Snyder
Michelle is a professor of mythology and symbolism, an author, blogger, artist, and geek. She earned her post-graduate degree at the University of Wales, decoding prehistoric images and folklore, tracing them to their roots. Her artwork has appeared in galleries from MA to CA. Michelle is co-owner of White Knight Studio.
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Symbology: Hidden in Plain Sight
Symbology: My Art and Symbols
Symbology: Fairy Tales Uncovered
Symbology: Decoding Classic Images
Symbology: World of Symbols
Symbology: Secrets of the Mermaids
Symbology: Secrets of the Mermaids
Fairy Tales:
NEW!!! A TALE OF THREE KINGDOMS, BOOK 3: THE LOST DRAGON!!
Call of the Dragon and other Tales of Wonder
Call of the Dragon and other Tales of Wonder
A Tale of Three Kingdoms: Book One - The Lost Unicorn
A Tale of Three Kingdoms: Book Two - The Lost Mermaid
The Fairy Tales: Once-Upon-A-Time Lessons First Book
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