Meridians are divided into two categories: jingmai and luomai. Jingmai represents most of what people commonly know as meridians. Luomai are different connections between different jingmai meridians.
The meridian system also follows the theory of the five elements, in which various qualities, physical and symbolic, are grouped into five categories. This theory separates organs into "hollow" and "solid" categories. The hollow organs are the stomach, bladder, gallbladder, and the large and small intestines. The solid organs are the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs. Each element has a series of properties that are used to diagnose disease and dysfunction. They also provide prognostic tools to help the body restore balance and health. Although there is no scientific basis in the theory of the five elements, it is important to understand the theory for the practice of acupuncture.
Some organs are also part of the main meridians, i.e. twelve "standard" meridians. These are the meridians that people are most familiar with. Some of these meridians correspond to a particular major organ. All the main meridians pass through a peripheral limb - an arm or a leg. From there, each channel travels up or down the body.
In addition, there are also eight extraordinary meridians that are believed to hold energy and do not correspond directly to any organ. Three of these are commonly used acupuncture points.
As part of a larger system, the meridians bridge the gap between the tangible body and Qi, or energy. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees this dynamic as one of the main factors controlling well-being. Using a variety of practices, including acupuncture, massage, exercise, diet, herbal medicine, and Qigong (a medical practice of postures, breathing, and meditation), this vital energy system is used to promote health.
This entire meridian system is a different model than the reductionist, Western biological model and is holistic. In traditional Chinese medicine, dysfunction and disease are not the result of pathology. Instead, imbalances in Qi and other energy systems lead to health problems. And the causes of Qi imbalance, where there can be too much or too little energy, are often assumed or stem from the patient's own actions. Health problems often seem not to be caused by an external source.
To help the patient, the acupuncturist examines the patient's daily routine and compares it to the symptoms. The patient then receives various treatment recommendations, some related to diet and sleep, and others involving acupuncture.
Acupuncture works by inserting very, very thin needles into the top layer of the skin. The needle then stimulates the nerve endings at the acupuncture points, which trigger the corresponding meridian. In today's acupuncture practices, needles are often connected to electrodes to aid in stimulation. Modern acupuncturists can vary in the degree to which they incorporate ancient symbolism and methods.
