Question 1

What are meridians?

Accepted Answer

Several thousand years ago Chinese physicians discovered that Chi, the vital force, circulates throughout the body along fourteen major channels, twelve of which are duplicated on the left and right sides of the body. The two other major channels are located in the center of the body, one in the front, the other in the back. And there are a number of so-called Extra Channels and Miscellaneous Channels throughout the body. Today, we call the channels “meridians”.

Meridians form a highly-complex invisible network transporting and directing Chi to every part of the body including the head, arms, legs, torso, organs and systems. Good health, Chinese sages of old discovered, depends on
a balanced circulation of Chi throughout the meridians. Over centuries of trial and error and meticulous observation, the Chinese accurately mapped the locations of the meridians and identified hundreds of specific points
in the meridians where Chi can be accessed and stimulated when there is an aberration of flow. Those points are commonly called “ acupoints”. Over time, many more points have been discovered.

Question 2

What is chi and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

One English translation of the word Chi means energy, and though Chi is invisible, its presence becomes especially apparent in the workings of the bodily organs and systems which require prodigious amounts of energy. Yet the Chinese view Chi not only as powering a function, they see it as inseparable from function as though there’s no Chi without function and no function without Chi. Chi is also known as the life force, and since the total
absence of Chi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on a balanced distribution of Chi throughout the meridian network that influences the organs as well as the bodily systems: skeletal, muscular, endocrine (glands), circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and nervous. When Chi flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians, each bodily system and organ interacts with and affects all the other systems and organs, which in turn are interdependent, interrelated, and integrated. Everything
works together to make us feel whole and healthy, thanks to Chi.

Question 3

What happens when the flow of Chi becomes blocked?

Accepted Answer

Chi is meant to flow freely throughout the meridian network carrying its balanced vital force to all the body’s parts, organs, and systems, thereby encouraging them to function with each other in a natural, harmonious way.
That leads to sound healthy. But any sustained blockage or other disruption of a balanced flow or distribution of Chi may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health.

It’s important to realize that while such blockage causes diminished Chi in one organ or part, it may also cause excessive buildup of Chi in another area. That phenomenon can be understood by visualizing a meridian carrying Chi as like a highway carrying cars. On a highway we know what happens when one or more lanes become blocked. It’s a similar idea on a meridian. A blockage may cause a deficiency of Chi beyond the blockage and a buildup of Chi behind the blockage, which may mean diminished activity of some organs and accelerated activity of others. Either way, Chi is unbalanced, so its flow must be normalized through an acupuncturist’s or a master of acupressure’s skilled and expert care.

Question 4

How does the flow of chi become unblocked or balanced?

Accepted Answer

The desired balance in the flow of Chi can be affected by any noxious substance, both external and internal, including poor nutrition, adulterated food, toxic air or water, infectious or contagious diseases, malfunction of an organ, ergonomic or overuse injuries, as well as home, work, sports, and auto injuries. Excessive dampness, wind, cold, heat, even emotional responses to life such as worry, anxiety, stress may affect Chi’s flow through the meridians.

The Three Branches Of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na

Question 5

What can be done about blocked, unbalanced chi?

Accepted Answer

After the initial consultation and examination, the practitioner completes the diagnosis and begins carrying out the treatment plan. The objective is to normalize the flow and distribution of Chi and balance its circulation by
stimulating the selected acupoints via needles or other means. The treatment plan will most likely call for treating one to twelve or more points on each visit. At the practitioner’s discretion, herbal therapies may be described.

Question 6

What are other aspects of Chinese medicine?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is one of three branches of tradition Chinese medicine. The other two are Herbal Medicine and Tui-Na. The main objective of each branch is to bring about a
harmonious flow of Chi. Therefore, depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment plan may call for any or all of the available methods.