The Meridian System
The human body has an energy circulation system similar to the blood circulation system. But instead of transporting blood, this system — the meridian system — transports life force energy. The life force energy flows along 12 primary meridians. These are symmetrical on each side of the body, each pair being related to a specific organ. Additionally, there are two single meridians that follow the midline of the body; one on the front and the other along the spine on the back. These are known as the secondary meridians. Primary meridians pass through internal organs but secondary meridians do not.

1. Bladder
2. Circulation
3. Conception
4. Gall Bladder
5. Gland Meridian (Triple Warmer – regulates body temperature)
6. Governing Meridian
7. Heart
8. Kidneys
9. Large Intestine
10. Liver
11. Lungs
12. Small Intestine
13. Spleen
14. Stomach

Note: just because the primary meridians are named according to the organs they pass through it does not mean that they only correspond to these organs and their functions. They also consist of complex interrelated systems for the circulation of life force energy.

Yin and Yang
Life force energy contains two polar forces: yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy). Yin meridians flow upward while yang meridians flow downward. When the yin and yang are balanced, the living system exhibits physical health; when they are unbalanced, a diseased state results. Overly powerful yang results in excessive organic activity; dominate yin results in insufficient functioning. Sickness can occur when there is a blockage in the meridians and life force energy no longer flows freely, or when the yin and yang balance is disturbed.

Energy-based therapies such as Acupuncture, Reflexology, and Reiki will balance the polar forces (yin and yang) and help to restore the body’s healthy flow of life force energy.