The principal meridians or channels are where most of the Qi and Xue (energy and blood) of the body circulate. There are six yin meridians, three in the hand and three in the foot. The same applies to yang meridians. We name them after the organ or bowel to which they belong, but it is necessary to know the Chinese name as well, because there are relationships of meridians according to the Chinese name (unitary channels).
The name of the meridian is determined by 4 aspects:
- Whether it passes through the hand or foot.
- Whether it is Yang or Yin.
- Deep or superficial. See 6 levels.
- Connects with organ or bowel.
Hand Meridians
Yin
They carry energy from the chest to the hand.
- Lung. Hand Tai Yin.
- Master of Heart. Hand Jue Yin.
- Heart. Hand Shao Yin.
Yang
They originate in the hand and carry energy to the head.
- Large Intestine. Hand Yang Ming.
- Triple Burner. Hand Shao Yang.
- Small Intestine. Hand Tai Yang.
Foot Meridians
Yin
They begin in the feet and carry energy to the chest.
Yang
They originate in the head and carry energy to the feet.
- Stomach. Foot Yang Ming.
- Gall Bladder. Foot Shao Yang.
- Bladder. Foot Tai Yang.
Union of Meridians
The yang/yin pairs of organs and bowels unite internally and externally.
External Union
- Transverse Luos.
- Hands and feet, at the tips of the fingers.
Internal Union
- Unitary channels. Those that are called the same. For example Tai Yin of the hand and Tai Yin of the foot (Spleen and Lung) are connected to each other.
Energetic Circulation
The meridians distribute: