The energy channels of our body
Our bodies need balance. A balanced flow or energy, not too much or too little, is conducive to good health. We can see this harmony and balance in life, as the balance between the energies of yin and yang, the two opposing and catalyzing energies of the universe.
Our health is vibrant if there is harmony and balance between these two forces in the body. If the balance is disturbed, and the flow of one of these forces becomes greater than the other then illness arises. These forces or energies flow through very definite channels in the body, or meridians, and these are the body’s healing energy pathways.
When the flow of energy is blocked, it causes low energy and illness. Practices like yoga and meditation work on these subtle energy channels, supporting the flow of energy through the body. According to some ancient indian texts there are 350 000 nadis or energy pathways in the body. If you are sensitive to energy and have had energy treatments, such as acupuncture, you may have felt streams of energy or a flow of cold or heat, for example, up the legs or arms. This is a freeing up of energy in the meridians and the flow of energy that is released when a blockage is removed.
There are many wonderful healing modalities based on the meridian system that support radiant health. By enhancing the flow of energy through the body, balance and health is achieved and we come in touch with our true selves. Acupuncture(针灸), Cupping（拔罐）, Moxibustion(艾灸)and herbal tea healing(茶疗) are therapeutics modality used in China as early as the late stone age. It was used to treat all ailments affecting people.
Based on a system of meridians. Along the meridians lie acupuncture points or acupoints, which are stimulated by needling, pressure or heat to resolve a clinical problem. A number of methods have been used to identify meridians and to explain them anatomically. Thus, tendinomuscular structures, primo-vessels (Bonghan ducts), regions of increased temperature and low skin resistance have been suggested to represent meridians or as methods to identify them. However, none of these methods have met the criteria for a meridian, an entity that, when stimulated by acupuncture can result in clinical improvement. More recently, modern physiologists have put forward the “neural hypothesis” stating that the clinical influence of acupuncture is transmitted primarily through stimulation of sensory nerves that provide signals to the brain, which processes this information and then causes clinical changes associated with treatment. Although additional research is warranted to investigate the role of some of the structures identified, it seems clear that the peripheral and central nervous system can now be considered to be the most rational basis for defining meridians. The meridian maps and associated acupoints located along them are best viewed as road maps that can guide practitioners towards applying acupuncture to achieve optimal clinical results.
About Meridians
Oriental medicine is well over 3000 years old since its earliest descriptions originated during the reign of the Yellow Emperor in 2697 BC in his Inner Classic (200 BC). In practice, oriental medicine includes both herbal remedies and acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on a meridional theory, which incorporates a system of channels through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. One of the earliest descriptions of meridians and acupuncture points (acupoints) as well as technical aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion was written by Hangfu Mi in 259–282 AD. This book described 349 acupuncture points, or acupoints, which is more than the 160 contained in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. Further description of acu puncture was provided in a text by Yang Jizhou (1520–1660) who mentioned 361 acupoints. A French diplomatic scholar, George Soulié de Morant brought acupuncture to Europe in the early 1900 s after serving in China. He coined the terms meridian and energy.
Oriental medicine today is composed of a very diverse and complex set of practices, although common aspects to the practice exist throughout many Eastern cultures. Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates both yin-yang and the five elements theory, called Wu Xing. Yin-yang are mutually opposing forces, such as hot and cold, that are normally in balance with each other, i.e., homeostasis is present. Disease occurs when there is an excess or deficiency of either yin or yang. Our universe is composed of the five elements, including wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and these speak, in part, of the interaction between our body and the surrounding environment. Each of the 12 regular or principal meridians is associated with a Chinese organ, such as the heart, pericardium, lung, spleen, liver, kidney (the yin organs) and stomach, gallbladder, large and small intestine, urinary bladder and tri-heater or triple burner (the yang organs). The Chinese organs do not represent the organs that share the same anatomical names in Western science and medicine. The principal meridians are bilaterally symmetrical. There are also midline meridians as well as connecting channels or meridians that intersect the regular meridians.
It’s very helpful information and can bring awareness to the problem of disturbed sleep which is of interest to just about everyone. The 24-hour body clock of Chinese Medicine is a representation of the movement of energy through the body’s meridians (energy pathways) and organs in a 24-hour period. Every two hours the energy is strongest in a particular meridian and organ within the body.
Almost all our body functions are linked to a specific time on our internal clock. “This is the time when that particular organ and its related meridians are said to be most energized and working hardest, affecting everything from your emotions to your productivity.” To achieve optimum health we need to be in harmony with our internal and external environment.
When our energy is blocked or imbalanced; we experience physical symptoms. If we wake at the same time every night with insomnia; the energy most active at that time is probably blocked.
The best time for bed is not later than 10 pm. We should be in deep sleep when Gallbladder meridian is most active between 11pm – 1am. Its function is to excrete bile and digest healthy fats and emotionally it’s associated with decision making. “If you’re not resting by 11pm, you could have issues with digesting fats and the emotional components of decision making.”
Meridians energy flowing clock
11pm – 1am – organ-gallbladder, action-sleeping and regenerating, emotions being processed-indecisiveness and resentment.
1-3am – organ – liver, activity- deep sleep and dreaming, emotions- anger, frustration, anxiety. A balanced liver keeps these emotions in check.
3-5am – organ- lung, activity -sleeping and gentle breathing, emotions- grief and sadness.
5-7am – organ- large intestine, activity-waking and releasing, emotions- releasing that which no longer serves us. A glass of water is a good start to the day.
7-9am – organ-stomach, activity-eating and nourishing, emotions being processed- disgust or despair. Having a warming, nutritious breakfast is best.
9-11am – organ-spleen-pancreas, activity-thinking and working, emotions-worry.
11am-1pm – organ- heart, actively engaging with friends and eating, emotions- joy or frightful sadness.
1-3pm – organ-small intestine, activity-separating useful from useless, organizing, emotions processed- insecurity.
3-5pm – organ- bladder, action-reserving and storing, emotion-irritation, moving internal energy. Energy can dip at this time of day. Snacking on something salty will help the energy level.
5-7pm – organ- kidney, activity-replenishing vital energy, emotion-fear.
7-9pm – organ-pericardium, activity-emotional support, emotions- excessive euphoria and compassion. Focus on spending quality time with loved ones and self-care.
9-11pm – organ-triple warmer (metabolism, blood vessels), activity-relaxing and hydrating, emotions-hopelessness, confusion.
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