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TCM Meridians: Flow, Timing, and Key Points (Lung, LI, ST, SP, HT, SI) — Transcript Notes

Meridian Naming, Flow, and Core Concepts

  • These two share a name: Jian is used for the hand/arm lung-related channels, and Xiaoyin for the hand heart channel; naming reflects the organ/channel association (e.g., Jian = pericardium in the hand; Xiaoyin = heart in the hand).
  • Yang vs Yin meridians share a similar naming puzzle: hand yangming = large intestine; hand yangming counterpart = stomach (on the foot). hand shaoyang = gallbladder; hand taiyang = small intestine; foot taiyang = urinary bladder; hand shaoyang = kidney. This illustrates the basic naming logic: the same organ name appears in related channels across the limbs.
  • The naming system helps identify which channel you’re dealing with when following the pathway across the body.
  • Summary of key pairings (examples):
    • Hand Tai Yin (Lung) ↔ Hand Yang Ming (Large Intestine) ↔ Foot Yang Ming (Stomach) ↔ Foot Tai Yin (Spleen)
    • Hand Shao Yin (Heart) ↔ Hand Shao Yang (Small Intestine) ↔ Foot Shao Yang (Kidney) ↔ Foot Shao Yin (not listed here, but part of the system)
  • The pathways follow a coherent pattern that allows you to predict which organs may be affected by a point along a meridian.
  • Cutaneous regions (skin overlay) overlay the superficial meridians and provide a framework for how exterior pathogenic factors (e.g., wind-cold) invade the body via Taiyang meridians at the skin. They also help explain how disorders of internal organs can manifest on the skin (e.g., liver qi stagnation causing rib-area pain).
  • The eight extraordinary meridians include Ren and Du; Ren and Du act as reservoirs for qi and blood, storing surplus qi/blood and releasing it when needed. They are not directly connected to the internal organs like the 12 regular meridians, but they serve as qi/blood storage networks.
  • Qi flow direction is cyclical and systematic: there are three loops across the 12 regular meridians, each loop containing four meridians.
  • Stepwise flow concept (simplified):
    1) Inner meridian of hand (Lung) starts from the chest and travels along the inside of the arm to the fingers.
    2) Yang meridian of the hand starts from the hand, travels along the outside of the arm to the head/face.
    3) Yang meridian of the foot starts from the head and travels down the back/sides of the body to the feet.
    4) Yin meridian of the foot starts from the foot and flows back to the chest.
  • Flow pattern for a single cycle: chest → hand (Lung) → head/face (Large Intestine) → feet (Stomach) → chest (Spleen) and then repeats with the next loop.
  • There are 12 regular meridians and 4 limbs, yielding 3 major loops; the complete flow takes roughly 26–28 minutes to travel through all 12 regular channels, which supports the common acupuncture practice of leaving needles in for about 20–30 minutes.
  • Time-of-day peak (double-hour system): the 24-hour day is divided into 12 double-hours (two-hour blocks), each corresponding to a meridian’s peak activity. Example peak times:
    • Lung: 3{:}00 ext{ AM} - 5{:}00 ext{ AM}
    • Large Intestine: 5{:}00 ext{ AM} - 7{:}00 ext{ AM}
    • Stomach: 7{:}00 ext{ AM} - 9{:}00 ext{ AM}
    • Spleen: 9{:}00 ext{ AM} - 11{:}00 ext{ AM}
    • Heart: 11{:}00 ext{ AM} - 1{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • Small Intestine: 1{:}00 ext{ PM} - 3{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • Urinary Bladder: 3{:}00 ext{ PM} - 5{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • Kidney: 5{:}00 ext{ PM} - 7{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • Pericardium: 7{:}00 ext{ PM} - 9{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • San Jiao: 9{:}00 ext{ PM} - 11{:}00 ext{ PM}
    • Gallbladder: 11{:}00 ext{ PM} - 1{:}00 ext{ AM}
    • Liver: 1{:}00 ext{ AM} - 3{:}00 ext{ AM}
  • The peak times indicate when the qi/blood activity is highest in that meridian, but qi/blood flow remains always present (not just at peak times).
  • Diagnostic use of timing: if a patient reports sleep disturbances or symptoms that begin around a specific time window, you can look at which meridian peaks then (e.g., trouble between 1–3 AM may implicate Liver, 3–5 AM implicates Lung, etc.). This is a heuristic rather than an absolute rule, and other signs must be considered.
  • Lifestyle/rhythm notes (TCM Taoist agricultural roots): suggested daily rhythm roughly aligns with qi flow and organ function (e.g., 3–5 AM lung activity aligns with farmers rising early and lung qi rising with sunrise; 5–7 AM digestion begins with bowel movement and stomach meridian activity).
  • AM/PM pairings and cross-relations: some organ pairs (e.g., Gallbladder with Heart; Liver with Small Intestine) reflect relationships in the 6-meridian theory and in the broader diagnostic framework.
  • Practical treatment note: a typical acupuncture session uses 20–30 minutes of needle retention; intensity and duration can vary (longer/heavier for purging, shorter/stronger for pathogen clearance; gentler/longer for tonification).
  • Microcosmic orbit reference: the Ren and Du meridians flow in a distinct pattern (Ren upward, Du downward in the diagram) and can be trained via qigong to circulate qi up the Ren and down the Du (the microcosmic orbit).
  • Questionable or nuanced points were addressed in class discussions: non-responsive patients may still benefit from stimulation; pain/tenderness responses vary with patient physiology, age, circulation, or pathology; the difference between tender vs painful responses can indicate different patterns (e.g., dampness, blood stasis).
  • Observational, not strictly dogmatic: ancient theories arose from observation and are interpreted as models (analogy) to understand relationships in the body; modern biology may not map 1:1 to these ideas, but many students use the framework for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Core caution in clinical use: some points are contraindicated in pregnancy (notably LI4 and Spleen 6 so far); others require caution with conditions like high blood pressure depending on the location and depth of needling; always consider the patient’s overall condition before stimulation.
  • The notes that follow summarize the individual meridians, their main pathway concepts, and the key points discussed in detail in this lecture.

Lung Meridian of Hand Tai Yin (Lung Channel)

  • Superficial portion: starts in the chest and flows down the inside of the arm to the thumb; internal branch is shown as dotted lines.
  • Primary connections: Lung meridian connects with the stomach and large intestine in addition to the lungs.
  • Internal/external connections:
    • Internal coupling with Large Intestine (descends from Lung 7 to LI connection).
    • External coupling with LI via a branch from Lung 7 to LI 1 (connects Lung 7 to LI 1).
  • Functions of the Lung (TCM): governs qi and respiration; disseminates and descends qi; regulates water passage; controls skin and body hair; opens to the nose.
  • Sinew channel: overlay area indicating possible involvement when lung sinew channels are affected.
  • Key points discussed:
    • Lung 1 (Zhongfu): location and action
    • Location: on the lateral chest, 1st intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to midline; 1 cun inferior to Lung 2; location given in practical terms using palm/clavicle landmarks.
    • Actions: descends and disseminates lung qi; stops cough and wheezing; transforms phlegm; clears heat; regulates water passages; descendant effect on stomach qi to relieve nausea or reflux.
    • Lung 5 (Chize): elbow crease depression on radial side of the biceps tendon.
    • Action: clears heat from the lung; descends rebellious qi; regulates water passages; activates the channel; relaxes tendons and reduces cramping near the biceps.
    • Lung 7 (Lieque): located in the anatomical snuff box; 1.5 cun proximal to LI5; between brachioradialis and abductor pollicis longus.
    • Easy find methods: tiger's mouth technique with hand posture; or thumb-based palpation of tendons to locate a divot.
    • Actions: releases exterior; expels wind; descends lung qi; pacifies wind and phlegm; benefits head/neck; opens/regulates Ren (conception vessel); regulates water passages; activates channel and alleviates pain.
  • Practical considerations about needling vs. tuina (tuina is a form of massage/manipulation): both affect qi; needle stimulation often yields more pronounced energetics; safety when needling tendons is important (e.g., avoid tendon injury).
  • Q&A highlights:
    • Nonresponsive patients may still benefit from stimulation; response varies with age, vascular health; bilaterally stimulating may be appropriate.
    • The “no pain, no gain” maxim is not a hard rule; patient comfort and safety guide the approach.

Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yang Ming

  • Superficial portion: flows from the hand to the head/face and ends at the opposite side of the nose.
  • Peak activity time: 5{:}00 ext{ AM} - 7{:}00 ext{ AM}
  • Primary pathway: connects with the large intestine and the blood; a branch goes to the back of the neck; another branch goes down to the leg (not detailed here but acknowledged).
  • Internal/external coupling:
    • Internally coupled with the Lung meridian.
    • Externally coupled with the Stomach meridian (via the sixth meridian theory).
  • Function: receives waste from the small intestine, absorbs water, forms feces to be excreted.
  • Sinew channel: extends to the superficial region; relevant for pain syndromes along the LI channel.
  • Key points discussed:
    • LI 4 (Hegu): location, two quick locating methods, and major actions
    • Location: dorsal hand, between the first and second metacarpals; midpoint of the second metacarpal on the radial border.
    • Quick locating methods:
      • Method 1: Thumbs up, bend the thumb, place the tip of the thumb in the “tiger’s mouth”; LI4 is near the fingertip at that location.
      • Method 2: Pinching/ballooning the thenar space: locate a visible bulge on the dorsal hand; LI4 is at the highest point of that bulge.
    • Actions: regulates defensive qi; expels wind; releases exterior; regulates face, eyes, nose, mouth, ears; head/face pain relief (headache point).
    • Special caution: LI 4 is contraindicated in pregnancy (can induce labor).
    • LI 5 (Yanglao): location – radial side of the wrist in the anatomical snuff box (between extensor pollicis longus and brevis tendons).
    • Actions: clears heat from the chest and LI channels; calms the spirit; clears yang ming fire; calms the spirit; benefits the wrist joint; reduces inflammation.
    • Practical note: especially useful for wrist/thumb pain and activation of the channel.
    • LI 11 (Quchi): elbow region – midway between LI4 and the lateral epicondyle, at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease.
    • Actions: clears heat; cools blood; eliminates wind; itching; regulates qi and blood; activates channel; alleviates pain; local elbow pain relief (tennis elbow).
    • LI 15 (Jianyu): shoulder region – depression anterior and inferior to the acromion at the origin of the deltoid.
    • Practical location method: internally rotate shoulder to reveal deltoid divisions; palpation near the deltoid tendons.
    • Actions: dispels wind-damp (feng shu); regulates qi and blood; eliminates wind; used for shoulder pain (arthritis, impingement, frozen shoulder).
    • LI 20 (Yingxiang): nose region – in the nasolabial groove, at the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi.
    • Actions: opens nasal passages; expels wind; clears heat; used for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal obstruction.

Stomach Meridian of Foot Yang Ming

  • Flow characteristics: superficial portion flows from head/face down the front of the body; a branch goes up to the corner of the head; another branch goes down the front of the body to the second toe.
  • Peak time: 7{:}00 ext{ AM} - 9{:}00 ext{ AM}
  • Internal/external coupling:
    • Internally coupled with the Spleen meridian; externally coupled with the Large Intestine meridian; coupled with the Stomach in a strong yin-yang relationship (the “husband and wife” relationship of the stomach and spleen).
  • Functions: controls rotting and ripening of food (digestion); controls descending; first stage of digestion of fluids; manages the water transformation and transport; connects with the middle jiao (diaphragm to navel region).
  • Sinew channel: shading indicates the body region for potential sinew issues along the stomach channel.
  • Key points discussed:
    • ST 2: directly below the pupil, infraorbital foramen; white term “Stomach two: white” relates to the four whites of the eyes concept; tender when palpated; used for wind-heat, eye problems, and sinus issues; also helps to eliminate wind-heat and improve nasal function; used for eye problems and nasal issues.
    • ST 4 (Dicang): mouth corner; “joker point” for Bell’s palsy; eliminates wind from the face; activates the channel; alleviates pain.
    • ST 6 (Jaw muscle area): approx one finger breadth anterior and superior to the angle of the jaw (masseter); tenderness confirms location; used for Bell’s palsy and TMJ issues; helps release jaw tension.
    • ST 7 (Xiaoguan): border of the zygomatic arch, depression anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible; must avoid opening mouth during needling as the condyle moves.
    • ST 8 (Touwei): corner of the forehead, 4.5 cun lateral to DU24; near the hairline; upper region of temple; used for parietal headaches and eye issues.
    • ST 32: on the thigh along the line from ASIS to the lateral border of the patella; ST32’s primary purpose is to illustrate the stomach channel’s line on the thigh, not a high-priority point.
    • ST 35 (Dubi): knee hollow below the patella and lateral to the patellar ligament (lateral “eyes of the knee”); treats knee pain and swelling; commonly used for knee pain with LI/Spleen patterns; often needled bilaterally if pain is bilateral.
    • ST 36 (Zusanli): below the knee; “three miles” concept (Tonifies qi and blood; strengthens the body; nourishes qi and blood; supports digestion and overall vitality).
    • Location cues: Stomach 36 is approximately 3 cun below ST 35; located near the tibia’s anterior crest; a commonly used point for abdominal and digestive issues; strong tonic effect; used in moxibustion (direct scarring Moxa has historical use in long-lived populations); also used for digestive health and leg/knee pain.
    • ST 32 line and line from ASIS to lateral patella: helpful to locate other stomach points along the same line on the thigh.
    • ST 8, ST 25, and SP 15: general abdominal points used for various digestive and abdominal issues; ST 25 is umbilical level; SP 15 is lateral to rectus abdominis at the umbilicus; used for diarrhea/constipation; SP 15 also involved in skin and qi movement.
    • ST 25 is important for abdominal issues and digestion; SP 15 is used for intestines regulation; both are useful for diarreha/constipation, and can be combined with LI4 and LI11 for broader effects.

Spleen Meridian of Foot Taìyin

  • Flow: begins at the big toe, travels up the medial leg, and ascends to the chest; multiple internal branches exist (connected with stomach, heart, and tongue base).
  • Peak time: 9{:}00 ext{ AM} - 11{:}00 ext{ AM}
  • Internal/external coupling:
    • Internally coupled with the Stomach meridian; externally coupled with the Lung meridian (via the sixth meridian theory).
  • Functions: the spleen governs transportation and transformation (metabolism); keeps the blood within the vessels; raises qi to counteract sinking/prolapse; opens the mouth and dominates taste; helps to raise qi to prevent sinking; regulates the muscles of the extremities.
  • Spleen sinew channel: overlay region; dysfunction here may cause cramping or restricted movement in the leg/limbs.
  • Key points discussed:
    • SP 6 (Sanyinjiao): the intersection of the three yin channels of the foot (Spleen, Liver, Kidney). Location: on the medial leg, about 3 cun above the medial malleolus, posterior to the tibia; it is a crucial point because it tonifies spleen, stomach, liver, and kidneys; governs menses and relaxation of lower jiao; tonifies the kidneys; supports the digestion process; crosses all three yin channels (three-yin intersection).
    • SP 9 (Yinlingquan): on the medial side of the lower leg in a depression formed by the medial head of the gastrocnemius and soleus; located approximately two cun below the medial condyle of the tibia and the posterior border of the tibia; used to resolve dampness; tonify the spleen and stomach; open/clear water passages; treat damp-heat signs and skin conditions like eczema.
    • SP 10 (Xuehai): located two cun proximal to the superior border of the patella on the medial side; lies on the vastus medialis muscle; used for blood issues and skin; sea of blood; helps to invigorate blood and dispel blood stasis; cools blood; used for skin conditions and menstrual regulation; caution in pregnancy and heavy menses; used with LI 11 for skin conditions and itching.
    • SP 15 (Daheng): located on the abdomen, lateral to rectus abdominis at the level of the umbilicus; practical landmarking by using the clavicle to identify a four-cun width from the midline to the acromion; used for regulating intestines and abdominal issues (diarrhea/constipation); adjustments in pregnant patients recommended (avoid deep needling).
  • Spleen-specific clinical notes: regulation of fluids and dampness; tonification strategies; relationships to the liver and kidneys; muscle energy and the “pivot” of ascending vs descending qi between the middle jiao (center of the body).

Heart Meridian of Hand Shao Yin

  • This marks the start of the second loop of the meridian cycles (Lung → LI → ST → SP → Heart → SI → UB → Ki → PC → SJ → GB → LIV → back to Lung).
  • Hand Shao Yin (Heart) channel: flows from the chest to the hand; peak time for Heart is 11{:}00 ext{ AM} - 1{:}00 ext{ PM}.
  • Internal/external coupling:
    • Internally coupled with Small Intestine; externally coupled with Small Intestine (through the same-named channels).
    • Sixth meridian theory: Heart is paired with Kidney (hand Shao Yin with foot Shao Yin).
  • Functions: governs the blood and blood vessels; houses the spirit (Shen); opens to the tongue; governs sweating and complexion; related to mental/emotional states; heart sinew channel links to chest/arm tenderness related to the heart state.
  • Key points discussed:
    • Heart 1 (Jiquan): located in the center of the axilla (the armpit). Immediate effect: unbinds the chest; activates the channel; benefits the arm; used for chest heaviness.
    • Heart 3 (Shaohai): located midway between PC3 and the medial epicondyle of the humerus at the end of the transverse cubital crease when the elbow is flexed; also located via fully flexing the elbow and feeling the end of the crease; described as sensitive rather than painful; calms the spirit; transforms phlegm and clears heat; relates to the Shen (mind) aspects; clears phlegm and explains the concept of phlegm as both physical and mental phenomena (phlegm misting the mind).
    • Heart 7 (Shenmen): located at the wrist on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris, at the proximal border of the pisiform bone; calms the spirit; tonifies the heart; used with breathing-based techniques for insomnia; emphasizes deep, slow breathing to aid sleep when stimulating this point.
  • Practical concept: Heart points serve both local hand/arm benefits and broader Shen-regulating functions; caution with hypertensive patients is advised depending on specific points and overall clinical context.

Small Intestine Meridian of Hand Tai Yang

  • Flow: hand to head/face; internal/external coupling with Heart meridian; paired with Urinary Bladder meridian (foot Tai Yang).
  • Function: receives chyme from the stomach, performs qi hua (qi transformation/metabolism) and separates clear from turbid; sends turbid downward to LI and UB, while the clear travels upward via the Lung to nourish the body.
  • Key points discussed:
    • SI 3 (Houxi): located on the ulnar border of the hand at the proximal edge of the fifth metacarpal; palpation is via a loose fist; corresponds to a notable depression near the base of the fifth metacarpal bone; very sensitive when needling; used for neck/back pain.
    • SI 4 (Linggu): located between the base of the fifth metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone; on the ulnar side near the wrist crease; one of the primary yin/yang axis points; used for activating the channel and alleviating pain; local elbow/arm pain treatment; also clears heat and reduces swelling; strong relationship with the heart channel; can be used for carpal tunnel in some contexts.
    • SI 8 (Yinxi): located on the elbow region; on the scapular area; tender depression; used to calm the spirit and treat shoulder/upper back pain; supports the lung/heart connection with chi movement.
    • SI 9 and SI 10: located around the scapular region; form a triangle with SI 11; SI 11 is at the inferior angle of the scapula; SI 9 is located on the posterior shoulder; SI 10 forms part of a triangular relationship with SI 11; these points are used for shoulder issues such as frozen shoulder and scapular pain; SI channel also used for emotional/regulatory aspects (Shen).
    • SI 11: on the scapula, located at a precise midline between the inferior angle of the scapula and the inferior border of the scapular spine; used as a key local therapy for shoulder pain and breast tenderness; widely used for upper back/shoulder tightness.
    • SI 18: located directly below the outer canthus; depression at the lower border of the zygomatic bone; used for facial pain, Bell’s palsy, dental pain, and various forms of facial neuralgia.

Ulterior Notes on Extraordinary Meridians and Practical Considerations

  • Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel) and Du Meridian (Governing Vessel) are two of the eight extraordinary meridians; they function as reservoirs of qi/blood, storing excess qi/blood and releasing it to support regular channels as needed (
    • Not directly tied to specific internal organs in the same way as the 12 regular meridians, but crucial for qi storage and distribution).
  • The eight extraordinary meridians differ from the 12 regular meridians in their internal-external relationships and lack of direct organ pairing, yet they provide a framework for energy management across the whole body.
  • Microcosmic orbit concept discussed: Ren flows upward (in the diagram arrows point downward for Ren in the shown context, but practice often uses Ren to circulate qi upward) while Du flows downward; qigong practice can guide qi along the Ren and Du for a full microcosmic orbit. The Ren and Du are sometimes used to illustrate qi circulation patterns beyond the 12 regular meridians.
  • The 12 cutaneous regions theory (skin overlay) provides a framework for invasions by pathogenic factors (wind-cold) and for understanding how internal organ problems can manifest on the skin. The skin regions overlay superficial meridians and help explain how manipulations like cupping, gua sha, and acupuncture can have deeper therapeutic effects beyond the immediate site.
  • Clinical practice notes:
    • Pulse/inflammation cues: pressure/pain on a point (tenderness) often indicates qi is flowing toward that point, but a lack of sensation does not mean there is no qi; many factors (age, circulation, pathology) affect responsiveness.
    • Pain/tenderness assessment is used to guide point selection, with consideration of patient tolerance and the pattern diagnosis.
    • If a point is painful but unsafe (e.g., on a tendon or near a nerve), adjust technique, depth, angle, or choose a nearby point in the same channel to achieve the therapeutic effect; avoid direct tendon penetration if possible.
    • In pregnancy, avoid certain points (notably LI4 and Spleen6 so far) due to labor-inducing potential; this is a critical safety consideration in point selection.
    • The practitioner’s intention and focus strongly influence the outcome of stimulation (e.g., stimulating Spleen 9 for dampness vs. knee pain via different channel activation).
    • Differing styles exist (e.g., Japanese style vs. other schools) with variations in technique and patient interaction; some styles emphasize minimal pain, others use stronger, faster stimulation; the choice of needles, coatings, and tools also affects patient perception of qi arrival.

Quick Reference: Core Points and Their Primary Associations (Representative List)

  • Lung meridian (Hand Tai Yin)
    • LU 1: descend lung qi; treat cough/wheezing; transform phlegm; regulate water; opens nose; links with stomach and LI.
    • LU 5: clears heat from lung; descends rebellious qi; regulates water passages; relaxes sinews;
    • LU 7: releases exterior; descends lung qi; opens Ren; regulates water passages; activates channel.
  • Large Intestine meridian (Hand Yang Ming)
    • LI 4: forearm/dorsum of hand; command point for face; expels wind; contraindicated in pregnancy.
    • LI 5: anatomical snuff box; clears heat and Yang Ming fire; calms spirit; local wrist/hand benefit.
    • LI 11: elbow region; clears heat; cools blood; eliminates wind; local elbow/forearm pain.
    • LI 15: shoulder depressions; dispels wind-damp; shoulder pain.
    • LI 20: opens nasal passages; expels wind; clears heat; sinus/nasal issues.
  • Stomach meridian (Foot Yang Ming)
    • ST 2: direct below pupil; clears wind, helps eyes and sinuses; eye-related conditions.
    • ST 4: mouth corner; Bell’s palsy; wind from face.
    • ST 6: masseter region; Bell’s palsy; TMJ; jaw tension.
    • ST 7: anterior to condyloid process; jaw/ear/teeth facilitation.
    • ST 8: corner of forehead; parietal headache and eye issues.
    • ST 32/ST 35: thigh/knee line; illustrate stomach channel on thigh; use for knee/thigh pain; ST 35 for knee swelling.
    • ST 36 (Zusanli): tonifies qi/blood; strengthens body; digestive health; long-standing vitality; major clinical staple.
    • ST 25: abdomen level near navel; regulates intestines; digestion.
    • ST 32/ ST 41: illustrate thigh/ankle relationships; ST 41 (Jiexi) near ankle joints.
  • Spleen meridian (Foot Tai Yin)
    • SP 6 (Sanyinjiao): intersection of three yin channels; tonifies spleen/stomach/liver/kidney; regulates menses.
    • SP 9 (Yinlingquan): resolves dampness; opens water passages; calm spirit; joint/leg issues.
    • SP 10 (Xuehai): sea of blood; invigorates blood; dispels blood stasis; opens blood-related pathways; skin and menstruation considerations; caution in pregnancy.
    • SP 15: abdomen at umbilical level; regulates intestines; diarreha/constipation.
  • Heart meridian (Hand Shao Yin)
    • HT 1: unbinds chest; activates Heart channel; benefits arm.
    • HT 3: calms spirit; transforms phlegm; clears heat; heart-related Shen support.
    • HT 7 (Shenmen): calms the spirit; insomnia management via breathing techniques; calms and tonifies Heart.
  • Small Intestine meridian (Hand Tai Yang)
    • SI 3: neck/back pain; opening the channel and connecting to mental states.
    • SI 4: activates channel; alleviates pain; carpal tunnel context.
    • SI 8: elbow/scapular area; calm spirit; shoulder/upper back pain.
    • SI 9, SI 10, SI 11: shoulder/scapular region; SI 9/10/11 form geometric relationships; SI 11 is a key “killing point” for control techniques in martial contexts; useful for shoulder pain and chest/side rib discomfort; SI 18 for facial/jaw issues and Bell’s palsy with BU.
  • Extraordinary meridians (Ren and Du) as reservoirs; microcosmic orbit training; wind/cold invasion explanations via cutaneous regions.

Practical Safety and Exam Strategy

  • Critical safety cautions:
    • LI 4 and Spleen 6 are contraindicated in pregnancy (avoid stimulating unless labor induction is intended).
    • Be mindful of high blood pressure interactions with head/neck points; ensure patient stability and safety; adjust needle depth and location.
  • Examination/test prep notes:
    • The lecture emphasizes understanding pathways and relationships over memorizing every single point location; however, for exams, twin measurements (body-proportional measurements) are often used in practical examinations.
    • In clinical practice, palpation and patient feedback shape the exact needle placement; expect some variation from textbook images in real settings.
  • Philosophical/perspective note:
    • The system is a model based on observation and traditional theories; modern science may interpret these differently, but the framework remains valuable for diagnostic reasoning and point selection.
  • Worldview and lifestyle connections:
    • Taoist/agrarian roots influence the time-of-day concepts and the physiological metaphors about digestion and energy flows; a farmer’s schedule is used as a teaching analogy for daily Qi cycles.

Summary of Core Takeaways

  • The body contains 12 regular meridians arranged in three loops; qi flows through them in a cyclic pattern, connecting organs and body regions in meaningful ways.
  • Each meridian has a defined path with internal/external couplings and a set of key points used for diagnosis and treatment; certain points have additional safety considerations (e.g., pregnancy contraindications).
  • Time-of-day peaks offer diagnostic clues for patterns related to qi flow and organ function, but are not rigid rules; they guide questions and interpretations.
  • The eight extraordinary meridians serve as reservoirs to balance qi and blood during daily activities; the Ren/Du meridians can be trained via qigong to support overall circulation.
  • Cutaneous regions explain how pathogen invasion and organ dysfunction can present on the skin, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning (e.g., wind-cold invading Taiyang affecting the skin).
  • Practical approaches to point location involve both precise anatomical landmarks and heuristic methods (e.g., tiger’s mouth, finger-widths); accuracy matters for needle placement, but a knowledgeable practitioner uses intention to guide results.
  • Safety and ethics: pregnancy contraindications, cardiovascular considerations, and patient tolerance must be considered to avoid adverse effects.