The original meaning of "Jing" (经) is "warp threads" (longitudinal threads), carrying the meaning of a pathway. Simply put, it represents the main pathways in the meridian system, located deep within the body, running from top to bottom, and connecting the inside with the outside. The original meaning of "Luo" (络) is "network". Simply put, it refers to the auxiliary branches stemming from the main pathways, existing on the surface of the body, crisscrossing and spreading all over. The Spiritual Pivot: Measurement of the Vessels (Ling Shu: Mai Du) states: "The Jing channels are deep (interior); the branching and horizontal ones are Luo channels, and the further branches of Luo are Sun (sub-collaterals)." This is how vessels are classified into "Jing Mai" (meridians), "Luo Mai" (collaterals), and "Sun Mai" (sub-collaterals) based on their differences in size and depth. The main components of the meridian system include: the Twelve Principal Meridians, the Twelve Divergent Meridians, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the Fifteen Collaterals, the Twelve Meridian Sinews, and the Twelve Cutaneous Regions. Among these, the meridian aspect is primarily the Twelve Principal Meridians, and the collateral aspect is primarily the Fifteen Collaterals. They interweave longitudinally and horizontally throughout the body, connecting the interior and exterior, organs, and limbs into an organic whole.
1. "Jing Luo" in the Almanac (Huangli)
- In the traditional Almanac, "Jing Luo" (Warping and Weaving) in ancient times referred to setting up spinning wheels and looms. Today, it broadly refers to matters such as buying or taking delivery of a vehicle, or installing machinery and equipment.
2. Meridians and the Twelve Two-Hour Periods (Shichen)
- Gallbladder Meridian at the Zi Period (23:00-1:00)
- At this time, the Gallbladder Meridian is most active. Health preservation theory states: "The surplus Qi of the liver drains into the gallbladder and gathers to form essence. The gallbladder is the upright official, and the five Zang and six Fu organs depend on the gallbladder's Qi to be strong so that evils cannot invade. If gallbladder Qi is deficient, one becomes timid, short of breath, and can plan but not make decisions." Thus, the importance of the gallbladder is evident. Casually removing a patient's gallbladder is irresponsible. Bile requires metabolism, and if a person falls asleep before the Zi period, the gallbladder can complete this process. "As clear as the gallbladder is, so is the brain." Those who sleep before the Zi period will have a clear mind and a rosy complexion upon waking. Conversely, those who do not sleep before the Zi period will have a pale complexion, mental fatigue, and irritability. Specifically, the bile lacks the Qi to metabolize, causing it to thicken, crystallize, and form gallstones, much like seawater thickening to become salt. Some people will also become "timid" as a result. Going to bed when the Gallbladder Meridian is active is beneficial for bone marrow hematopoiesis.
- Liver Meridian at the Chou Period (1:00-3:00)
- At this time, the Liver Meridian is most active. "The Liver stores blood." Human thought and action rely on the support of liver blood; the elimination of old blood and the generation of fresh blood are all completed during the Chou period when the Liver Meridian is at its peak. Health preservation theory states: "When a person lies down, blood returns to the liver." If one hasn't fallen asleep by the Chou period, the liver is still outputting energy and cannot complete its metabolism. Therefore, those who do not sleep before the Chou period have an ashen complexion, emotional fatigue, irritability, and are prone to liver disease. The Chou period is the best time for liver repair.
- Lung Meridian at the Yin Period (3:00-5:00)
- At this time, the Lung Meridian is most active. "The lungs govern the hundred vessels." The liver metabolizes during the Chou period and provides fresh blood to the lungs, which then distribute it throughout the body. Therefore, people have a rosy complexion and are full of energy in the morning. During the Yin period, people with lung diseases react most strongly. This is the best time for the lung meridian's respiratory operation, while the pulse is at its weakest.
- Large Intestine Meridian at the Mao Period (5:00-7:00)
- At this time, the Large Intestine Meridian is most active. "The lungs and large intestine are paired." The lungs distribute ample fresh blood throughout the body, immediately prompting the Large Intestine Meridian to enter an excited state, completing the absorption of water and nutrients from food, and expelling waste. Getting up at this time, when large intestine peristalsis is vigorous, makes it suitable to eat breakfast.
- Stomach Meridian at the Chen Period (7:00-9:00)
- At this time, the Stomach Meridian is most active. Eating breakfast at 7:00 makes it the easiest to digest. If stomach fire is too strong, it manifests as dry lips, and in severe cases, cracked lips or sores. The stomach is most active now, so one must eat breakfast. Tapping the Stomach Meridian is best at this time to start the body's power generation system.
- Spleen Meridian at the Si Period (9:00-11:00)
- At this time, the Spleen Meridian is most active. "The spleen governs transport and transformation, and the spleen controls the blood." The spleen is the general dispatcher for digestion, absorption, and excretion, as well as the commander of human blood. "The spleen opens into the mouth, and its brilliance is in the lips." Good spleen function manifests as good digestion and absorption, high-quality blood, and rosy lips. Pale lips indicate insufficient blood and Qi, while dark or purple lips indicate cold entering the Spleen Meridian.
- Heart Meridian at the Wu Period (11:00-13:00)
- At this time, the Heart Meridian is most active. "The heart governs the mind, opens into the tongue, and its brilliance is on the face." Heart Qi promotes blood circulation, nourishes the spirit, Qi, and sinews. Taking a short nap at noon is highly beneficial for nourishing the heart and can keep one energetic even until the evening. During this time, it's best to maintain a comfortable mood and take a proper rest or a nap.
- Small Intestine Meridian at the Wei Period (13:00-15:00)
- At this time, the Small Intestine Meridian is most active. The small intestine separates the clear from the turbid, sending fluids to the bladder, dregs to the large intestine, and essence upward to the spleen. The Wei period is when the small intestine is most active, so lunch should be eaten before 1:00 PM.
- Bladder Meridian at the Shen Period (15:00-17:00)
- At this time, the Bladder Meridian is most active. The bladder stores fluids and bodily secretions, circulates fluids, and expels the excess from the body. Fluids circulate in the body; if there is heat in the bladder, it can cause "bladder cough" (coughing accompanied by incontinence) and nocturia. When the bladder is most active, it is appropriate to drink more water.
- Kidney Meridian at the You Period (17:00-19:00)
- At this time, the Kidney Meridian is most active. "The kidneys store reproductive essence; the kidneys are the root of innate endowment and the essence of the five Zang and six Fu organs." After the body discharges heat and detoxifies during the Shen period, the kidneys enter the stage of storing essence during the You period. It is suitable to rest during the Kidney Meridian period.
- Pericardium Meridian at the Xu Period (19:00-21:00)
- At this time, the Pericardium Meridian is most active. "The pericardium is the outer membrane of the heart, with attached collaterals; it is the pathway for Qi and blood. Evils cannot be allowed in; if they enter, the heart is injured." The pericardium is the protective tissue of the heart and the channel for Qi and blood circulation. When the Pericardium Meridian is active in the Xu period, it can eliminate external pathogenic factors around the heart, keeping the heart in perfect condition. It is advisable to take a casual walk at this time. The cardiac and cerebral cranial nerve systems are most active now. For those with poor heart health, tapping the Pericardium Meridian at this time yields the best results.
- San Jiao (Triple Burner) Meridian at the Hai Period (21:00-23:00)
- At this time, the San Jiao Meridian is most active. The San Jiao is the largest of the six Fu organs, functioning to preside over all Qi and dredge the water passages. During the Hai period, the San Jiao connects all vessels. If a person falls into deep sleep during the Hai period, the hundred vessels can rest and recover, which is very beneficial to the body. A common trait among centenarians is that they sleep during the Hai period.
3. Meridians and Health Preservation
- In daily life, understanding and applying meridian knowledge can help people better maintain their physical health. For example, massaging specific acupoints can relieve fatigue and improve sleep quality.
- Proper meridian regulation on certain special days (such as Solar Terms) is believed to strengthen the constitution and prevent diseases.
4. The Twelve Principal Meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians
- The Twelve Principal Meridians refer to the three Yin meridians of the hand, the three Yang meridians of the hand, the three Yin meridians of the foot, and the three Yang meridians of the foot. They correspond to different Zang-fu organs, forming a complete Qi and blood circulation system.
- The Eight Extraordinary Meridians include the Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel), Du Meridian (Governing Vessel), Dai Meridian (Girdle Vessel), etc. Although these meridians do not directly belong to a specific Zang-fu organ, they also participate in regulating overall life activities.
5. Conclusion
Although meridian theory still holds many unsolved mysteries from the perspective of modern science, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, it has accumulated rich practical experience over thousands of years of development and still guides people's healthy lives to a certain extent today. It should be noted that when the Almanac mentions information related to meridians, it usually refers to life suggestions based on this ancient wisdom rather than strict medical guidance. For the treatment of specific health issues, one should always follow the professional advice of modern medicine.
