One of the most fascinating concepts in Chinese medicine is that of the energy pathways in the body called meridians. Research is beginning to explain what, exactly, these pathways are. While scientific proof is important, we can relax into knowing that, even if we don’t completely understand how they work, we can use the meridians to replenish and direct the energy within our body, mind, heart, and spirit. There’s an inexpressible mystery to these energetic pathways as deep as nature itself. As the first line of the “Tao Te Ching” says, “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.”
Here's a quicky overview of the meridian system: Most acupuncture points are located on the twelve main meridians that flow like rivers along and just below the surface of the body, carrying energy into our organs, nervous system, blood, etc. Deeper than those are the eight Extraordinary Vessels, which are perhaps even more powerful than the other twelve. You can think of these Extraordinary Vessels as valuable reservoirs of energy, available to support the other twelve whenever they become depleted.
You may already be familiar with the Governing Vessel (Du) which runs from the tip of the tailbone up the spine and over the front of the face, and the Conception Vessel (Ren), flowing down the front of the body. (Those are the meridians we open with the “microcosmic orbit” exercise.) We’ve studied the Belt Meridian that rings our waist and kind of holds us together. This week we’ll “play” with the Chong Mai meridian, located in the center of the body. Its branches flow upward, and downward, and connect to basically everything in a deeply integrated way.
If this strikes you as way too much information, don’t worry. Just think of your body the way a Taoist would, as a garden. The twelve main meridians irrigate and nourish all the parts of your garden. The eight Extraordinary Vessels are the deep lakes that replenish the whole system. By practicing Qigong every day, you can be assured your body’s qi will keep flowing, flourishing, and creating just the kind of energy you need to be your best and healthiest self.
