Are Meridians Real?

To answer this question it is necessary to consider the yin-yang nature of the meridians and their point functions. The meridians have specific pathways through the body which relate to form, structure, and anatomy. We may consider the structural pathways of meridians as being yin in nature, while the yang aspect of meridians relates to the flow of energy and the functional activity of points.

When we ask if meridians are real, we need to consider both the structure

and function of the meridians and their points.

The Back Line (SBL/UB), Front Line (SFL/ST), and Lateral Line (LL/GB)

The Myofascial Lines

Anatomically, the myofascial lines reveal some of the closest correlations with meridian pathways, and the myofasciae play a fundamental role in maintaining the structure of the body. When we understand how the form of the myofascial lines relates to movement, function, and the flow of qi, we can see many close relationships between myofascial lines and meridians.

A central teaching in the myofascial model is that tension in a muscle or its surrounding fascia will get transmitted along the line. Since tension is an energetic force, we can easily understand how tension moving through the myofascial lines is related to qi moving through the meridians.

The Superficial Back Line and Urinary Bladder Meridian

The Superficial Back Line (SBL) looks similar to the urinary bladder meridian as it runs from the occiput, down the back of the neck, along the spine, and through the hamstrings, calves, and Achilles tendon. Structurally, the SBL supports the body to maintain an upright position. This is contrasted with the Superficial Front Line (SFL) which mirrors the stomach meridian and contracts to produce flexion in the front of the body, hips, and abdomen. The countering and balancing forces in the front and back lines are fundamental yin-yang dynamics that support the posture and structural integrity of the body, spine, and Ren and Du meridians.

The Stomach Meridian, Superficial Front Myofascial Line, and Points

The Superficial Front Line and Stomach Meridian

The Superficial Front Line (SFL) looks very similar to the stomach meridian as it runs from the sternocleidomastoid through the chest, abdomen, thighs, and anterior leg. Functionally, the points on the ST meridian are used for digestive, respiratory, and heart conditions. The most commonly used point, ST 36, is indicated for many kinds of digestive disorders, as well as for lung and heart conditions. Many other points on this meridian and myofascial line are also used for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems including ST 37, ST 40, and Master Tung's points the Four Flowers (77.08 - 77.11).

The structure of the SFL and ST meridian, as it passes through the chest and abdomen, mirrors the functional activities of ST meridian points for treating lung, heart, and abdominal conditions. Following the structural connections of the exterior SFL and ST meridian, we find that the abdominis rectus muscle attaches to the sternum at the xiphoid process. Internally, the pericardium and diaphragm also attach to the sternum and xiphoid process respectively. Therefore, the sternum is a meeting point for the SFL, stomach meridian, pericardium, and diaphragm.

Could the function of the stomach meridian points in treating lung and heart conditions relate to how the pericardium, diaphragm, and abdominal muscle all connect at the sternum?

As the diaphragm connects to the sternum at the xiphoid process, this may partially explain why so many points on the stomach meridian are used for treating lung and respiratory disorders. In addition to ST 36 and ST 40, Master Tung's points include two groups on the SFL / ST meridian that are well-known for lung conditions, these include the Four Horses and the Four Flowers.

Feeling the Meridians and Myofascial Lines

One way to feel the qi in the meridians and myofascial lines is to contract a muscle within a line while noticing how and where myofascial tension can be perceived. For instance, strongly contracting the rectus abdominis will produce sensation in the sternum and quadriceps. This can be felt by most people by simply squeezing their abdominal muscles tightly. Try this exercise now and notice that contracting the abdomen also produces feelings and sensations in the thighs and chest. Some may even feel tension develop in their clavicle, neck muscles, and SCM, since the SCM is also part of the SFL. This movement of tension through a myofascial line is similar to the flow of qi through a meridian.

GB 41, the Lateral Line, and Dai Mai

In traditional theories, it is said the GB 41 is the confluent point for the Dai mai meridian, which surrounds the waist like a belt. The Dai mai is thought to connect and bind all the meridians together, and this is similar to the role of the Lateral Line (LL) in supporting and balancing the SBL and SFL. The transverse abdominal muscle is the primary muscle on the LL that connects the SBL and SFL and functions much like the Dai mai.

Both the LL and Dai mai have shared structural and functional roles

in supporting the abdomen, back, and pelvis.

Also part of the LL are the intercostal muscles, which are secondary respiratory muscles. It should also be remembered that the parietal pleura that surrounds the lungs attaches to the inner surface of the intercostal muscles. Observing this structural relationship between the LL, intercostals, and lungs, we can expect that the LL or GB meridian should have some points for benefiting the lungs. In TCM, we speak of a "liver overacting on the lungs" pattern, in which liver qi stagnation or fire can affect the respiratory system.

In Master Tung's system, we find several point groups associated with the LL / GB meridian that can be used for lung conditions. These include 77.27 (Lateral Three Passes) for lung carcinoma and laryngitis, GB 31 for pneumonia, and 77.26 (7 Tigers) for pleurisy, sternal pain, painful breathing, and intercostal pain.

From both a structural and functional perspective we can see the value in thinking of meridians as myofascial lines. Structurally, the myofascial lines give us a better understanding of what muscles are associated with each meridian, and how this relates to posture and alignment. Functionally, we can comprehend the actions and indications of points by knowing the anatomy, biomechanics, and fascial connections in each meridian and myofascial line.

To answer the original question, are meridians real? I can conclude that energy in the form of mechanical energy and myofascial tension follows the same course as the meridians and myofascial lines. This has many real and extensive applications in clinical practice that relate to the benefits we observe with acupuncture.

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** It should be noted that in addition to a myofascial line model, nerve pathways also relate to the meridians, but the correlation is limited to the limbs. In the torso, chest, and abdomen the meridian pathways do not correspond with the nerve routes. Similarly, while many point functions may be understood in neurological terms, there are also gaps in explaining the action of points based solely on nervous system functions. By integrating a myofascial model into traditional theories and modern neurological findings, many gaps in our knowledge and clinical expertise can be filled.

Myofascial lines help explain many of the mysteries and questions about acupuncture!

In light,

James Spears M.S.