The Formation and Functions of Channels and Collaterals
1. Channels and Collaterals System The system of channels and collaterals constitutes the twelve regular channels, the eight extra channels, the fifteen collaterals, the twelve divergent channels, the musculo-tendinous and cutaneous regions of the twelve regular channels.
2. Channels and Collaterals Functions (1) Physiologically, the channels and collaterals are considered to be a series of connecting passages through which qi and blood circulate to regulate the functions of the zang-fu organs, tissues, and sense organs. These passages also conduct the sensations and reactions (deqi) of acupuncture treatment.
The five zang and six fu organs, four limbs, nine orifices, skin muscles, vessels, and tendons, although having their respective physiological functions, also maintain the harmonization and uniqueness of interior, exterior, upper, and lower parts of the body as a united and organic entity. This interconnection and organic combination relies upon the function of the channels and collaterals system.
All the tissues and organs of the human body need the nourishment of qi and blood in order to keep their normal physiological activities. The distribution and circulation of qi and blood throughout the body to nourish the zang-fu, tissues, and organs and to resist exogenous pathological factors depends on the transportation and conduction of the channels and collaterals. As the Lingshu records:
The channels and collaterals are the passages through which blood and qi flow to nourish yin and yang, to moisten tendons and bones, and to lubricate the joints.
(2) Pathologically, channels and collaterals are the pathways through which the exogenous pathological factors are transmitted and their channels reflected. In the Suwen it is noted:
When pathogenic factors invade the skin and the pores are open they enter the collaterals. When the collaterals become full, the pathogenic factors will move into the channels. When the channels are full, the pathogenic factors transmit to and reside in the zang and fu organs.
The interior and exterior, upper and lower parts of the body form an integrated entity through the connecting network of channels and collaterals. So under pathological conditions every part of the body will affect the rest via the channels and collaterals. The channels and collaterals are not only the passages of disease transmission, but can also reflect pathological changes. Namely, the diseases of the zang-fu organs can be reflected on the body surface, especially in certain areas or at certain points, through the transmission of channels and collaterals.
(3) In diagnosis, channels and collaterals have certain running courses that connect with the zang-fu organs. They also reflect pathological changes on the body surface. Therefore clinical diagnosis can be made according to symptoms that are related to those courses and their respective zang-fu organs.
(4) In treatment, the theory of channels and collaterals is extensively used in clinical treatment for different branches of traditional Chinese medicine. Treatments using traditional medicinal herbs are based on their main actions vis-a-vis related zang-fu organs and channels. In the practice of acupuncture, the theory of channels and collaterals is the basis of all treatment and clinical practice. Point selection and prescription combinations are all made on this basis. By stimulating a certain point or area on the body surface the physiological functions of the channels and collaterals are aroused. This action is achieved by propagating sensation through the channels. Without this sensation it is hard to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Meridian Flow Chart (The Daily Qi Current of the 12-hour Division)
The Meridians have been classified into a division of two groups according to Yin and Yang, hand and foot, and as coupled pairs. We are going to classify the Meridians according to the traditional Chinese idea of the cycle of Qi within the Meridians. The Chinese determined that the energy flows from one meridian to the next in a continuous and fixed order. It flows from meridian to meridian in a two-hour cycle, making the complete circuit once a day.
This cycle is known as the Horary cycle. As the Qi makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn, with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy. (Qi is, of course, present within every organ system all the time; its level simply fluctuates according to the Horary Cycle.)
If a person moves from one time zone to another, the resultant "jet lag" is a result of the biological Horary clock adjusting to the new time frame. Moving East or West causes this phenomena, but moving due North or South has no effect on the internal clock.
Just as each organ system has a waxing and waning two hour period of maximum energy on the Horary Cycle, there is also the minimum energy effect of the organ on the opposite, side of the cycle, 12 hours apart. An example of this is that while the Lungs have maximum energy from 3-5 AM, the Bladder on the opposite side of the table is at its minimum energy level, 3-5 PM. Qi begins entering the Lungs at 3 AM, and has reached its maximum concentration in the organ at 4 AM. By 5 AM it has done its tonification and repair work and is moving into the Large Intestine channel.
Knowledge of this cycle and its energetic effects is necessary for highly effective acupuncture treatments, as the various organs respond either very well or very little to acupuncture depending on their energetic state at the time of treatment. The Horary Cycle is an excellent diagnostic tool and will be dealt with on the diagnostic level later in this course work.
The flow of energy begins with the Meridian of the Lungs and completes its cycle with the Liver, to commence again at the Lungs, continuing the daily cycle throughout an individual's life span. The reason that the Chinese say that the flow begins with the Lungs, is that they consider the first independent function of a child at birth to be its first breath.
Circulation of Energy Through the Primary Meridians
The Classical Order of Meridians
The Meridians have been classified into a division of two groups according to Yin and Yang, hand and foot, and as coupled pairs. We are going to classify the Meridians according to the traditional Chinese idea of the cycle of Qi within the Meridians. The Chinese determined that the energy flows from one meridian to the next in a continuous and fixed order. It flows from meridian to meridian in a two-hour cycle, making the complete circuit once a day.
This cycle is known as the Horary cycle. As the Qi makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn, with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy. (Qi is, of course, present within every organ system all the time; its level simply fluctuates according to the Horary Cycle.)
If a person moves from one time zone to another, the resultant "jet lag" is a result of the biological Horary clock adjusting to the new time frame. Moving East or West causes this phenomena, but moving due North or South has no effect on the internal clock.
Just as each organ system has a waxing and waning two hour period of maximum energy on the Horary Cycle, there is also the minimum energy effect of the organ on the opposite, side of the cycle, 12 hours apart. An example of this is that while the Lungs have maximum energy from 3-5 AM, the Bladder on the opposite side of the table is at its minimum energy level, 3-5 PM. Qi begins entering the Lungs at 3 AM, and has reached its maximum concentration in the organ at 4 AM. By 5 AM it has done its tonification and repair work and is moving into the Large Intestine channel.
Knowledge of this cycle and its energetic effects is necessary for highly effective acupuncture treatments, as the various organs respond either very well or very little to acupuncture depending on their energetic state at the time of treatment. The Horary Cycle is an excellent diagnostic tool and will be dealt with on the diagnostic level later in this course work.
The flow of energy begins with the Meridian of the Lungs and completes its cycle with the Liver, to commence again at the Lungs, continuing the daily cycle throughout an individual's life span. The reason that the Chinese say that the flow begins with the Lungs, is that they consider the first independent function of a child at birth to be its first breath.
Circulation of Energy Through the Primary Meridians
The Classical Order of Meridians
Arm Tai Yin Lung Meridian(3am - 5am)
Arm Yang Ming Large Intestine Meridian(5am - 7am )
Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian (7am-9am)
Leg Tai Yin Spleen Meridian(9am-11am)
Arm Shao Yin Heart Meridian(11am-1pm)
Arm Tai Yang Small Intestine Meridian(1pm-3pm)
Leg Tai Yang Bladder Meridian(3pm-5pm)
Leg Shao Yin Kidney Meridian(5pm-7pm)
Arm Jue Yin Pericardium Meridian(7pm-9pm)
Arm Shao Yang Triple Burner Meridian(9pm-11pm)
Leg Shao Yang Gall Bladder Meridian(11pm-1am)
Leg Jue Yin Liver Meridian(1am-3am)
As shown in the above chart, qi is more prevalent in different meridians at different times. For example, from 3am to 5am, meridian qi mainly flows through the Lung Meridian and enters the Large Intestine Meridian at 5am-7am, and then the Stomach Meridian from 7am-9am. In this way, the meridian cycle is continuous as the qi flows through the body. Exterior-Interior relationship in the meridian Meridians are classified into yin meridians and yang meridians according to the yin or yang organs with which they are connected. TCM believes the interior belongs to yin and the exterior belongs to yang. Hence, yin organs are thought to have more internal functions and are called interior organs. The yang organs, on the other hand, are believed to have more external functions and are considered exterior organs. TCM analyzes the physiological function of the body based on the harmonious relationships between yin and yang organs. From these relationships, the interior and exterior relationship theory was developed.
Related Subjects :
The Twelve Regular ChannelsPathways, Conjunctures, Exterior-Interior Relationships and the Order of Qi Flow in the ChannelsEight Extra ChannelsThe Fifteen CollateralsThe Twelve Divergent ChannelsThe Twelve Musculotendinous Regions of the Regular ChannelsThe Twelve Cutaneous Regions of the Regular ChannelsAcupuncture
Arm Yang Ming Large Intestine Meridian(5am - 7am )
Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian (7am-9am)
Leg Tai Yin Spleen Meridian(9am-11am)
Arm Shao Yin Heart Meridian(11am-1pm)
Arm Tai Yang Small Intestine Meridian(1pm-3pm)
Leg Tai Yang Bladder Meridian(3pm-5pm)
Leg Shao Yin Kidney Meridian(5pm-7pm)
Arm Jue Yin Pericardium Meridian(7pm-9pm)
Arm Shao Yang Triple Burner Meridian(9pm-11pm)
Leg Shao Yang Gall Bladder Meridian(11pm-1am)
Leg Jue Yin Liver Meridian(1am-3am)
As shown in the above chart, qi is more prevalent in different meridians at different times. For example, from 3am to 5am, meridian qi mainly flows through the Lung Meridian and enters the Large Intestine Meridian at 5am-7am, and then the Stomach Meridian from 7am-9am. In this way, the meridian cycle is continuous as the qi flows through the body. Exterior-Interior relationship in the meridian Meridians are classified into yin meridians and yang meridians according to the yin or yang organs with which they are connected. TCM believes the interior belongs to yin and the exterior belongs to yang. Hence, yin organs are thought to have more internal functions and are called interior organs. The yang organs, on the other hand, are believed to have more external functions and are considered exterior organs. TCM analyzes the physiological function of the body based on the harmonious relationships between yin and yang organs. From these relationships, the interior and exterior relationship theory was developed.
Related Subjects :
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