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Meridians - the energy channels of our body

Blog post from 2025.06.07


The meridians are a concept of traditional Chinese medicine and can be seen as the body's energy network. Vital energy (Qi) flows along these pathways throughout the body along with blood and other bodily fluids. This energy flow creates balance in the body and helps the organs and other parts of the body get everything they need to function optimally energetically and physically.


A meridian can become unbalanced, usually when the energy flow is weakened or obstructed by an associated imbalance. When an imbalance occurs, all associated areas of the body along the meridian in question can be affected.


Regular meridians

Yin-Yang

The 12 regular meridians are located symmetrically on both sides of the body and are each connected to an internal organ. Each meridian has a collateral channel (an extension of the meridian located on the opposite side of the body). Imbalance usually affects the collateral channel first, then the meridian concerned, then the associated organ or other areas along the meridian. Imbalance in the organ, meridian or collateral channel can manifest itself externally in the area of the collateral channel through various complaints.


Every meridian has a Yin-Yang counterpart. Both the meridian and its counterpart are most active at certain times of the day or night (organ clock). An imbalance in a meridian during the period of its peak activity can lead to a disturbance in organ function, energy levels, mood or sleep.


Stomach meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Yangming energy (light Yang)

Path: From the head along the body hull over the front and back of the leg to the foot

Organ connection: Stomach
Tooth connection: Upper left and right 1st and 2nd molars, lower left and right 1st and 2nd molars
Yin-Yang counterpart: Spleen-pancreas meridian
Peak activity: 7h-9h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the stomach (hunger, thirst, nausea, vomiting, heartburn)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the stomach
  • Throat problems
  • Nosebleeds
  • Discomfort in the chest
  • Discomfort in the knee
  • Toothache


Bladder meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Taiyang energy (greater Yang)
Path: From the head along the body hull over the front and back of the leg to the foot

Organ connection: Bladder
Tooth connection: Upper and lower right and left lateral and central incisor
Yin-Yang counterpart: Kidney meridian
Peak activity: 15h-17h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the bladder (incontinence, problems urinating)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the bladder
  • Eye problems
  • Runny nose, nasal congestion
  • Nosebleeds
  • Discomfort in the head, neck, back, groin and buttocks


Gallbladder meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Shaoyang energy (small Yang)
Path: From the head along the body hull over the front and back of the leg to the foot

Organ connection: Gallbladder
Tooth connection: Upper and lower right and left canine
Yin-Yang counterpart: Liver meridian
Peak activity: 23h-1h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the gallbladder (slow digestion, indigestion after fat consumption, craving for fatty food, flatulence, gallstones, acute abdominal discomfort)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the gallbladder
  • Problems making decisions
  • Feeling quickly criticized
  • Discomfort on one side of the body


Liver meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Shaoyin energy (lesser Yin)
Path: From the foot along the inside of the leg across the front of the chest and abdomen to the head

Organ connection: Liver
Tooth connection: Upper and lower right and left canine
Yin-Yang counterpart: Gallbladder meridian
Peak activity: 1h-3h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the liver (problems with detoxification, cravings for alcohol and fatty foods)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the liver
  • Quick temper
  • Severe throbbing headaches
  • Exhaustion
  • Hormonal and menstrual problems in women
  • Dizziness
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision


Kidney meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Shaoyin energy (lesser Yin)
Path: From the foot along the inside of the leg across the front of the chest and abdomen to the head

Organ connection: Kidneys
Tooth connection: Upper and lower right and left canine, central incisor
Yin-Yang counterpart: Bladder meridian
Peak activity: 17h-19h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the kidneys (discomfort in the lower back, joints or knees, tiredness, exhaustion, lack of vitality, problems urinating and incontinence, frequent waking up at night, edema)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the kidneys
  • Thirst
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Problems with appetite and nutrition
  • Feeling cold and weak
  • Memory problems
  • Hair loss
  • Tinnitus or impaired hearing
  • Dizziness
  • Impotence or frigidity


Spleen-pancreas meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Taiyin energy (greater Yin)
Path: From the foot along the inside of the leg across the front of the chest and abdomen to the head

Organ connection: Spleen, pancreas
Tooth connection: none
Yin-Yang counterpart: Stomach meridian
Peak activity: 9h-11h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the spleen and pancreas (lack of absorption or utilization of nutrients, exhaustion, immunity problems)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the spleen or pancreas
  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • Stress
  • Flatulence
  • Oedema
  • Bruising
  • Dizziness
  • Pallor
  • Excessive phlegm


Lung meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Taiyin energy (greater Yin)
Path: From the chest along the forearm to the hand

Organ connection: Lung
Tooth connection: none
Yin-Yang counterpart: Large intestine meridian
Peak activity: 3h-5h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the lungs (shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, asthma)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the lungs
  • Discomfort at the back of the head
  • Sore throat


Heart meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Shaoyin energy (lesser Yin)
Path: From the chest along the forearm to the hand

Organ connection: Heart
Tooth connection: none
Yin-Yang counterpart: Small intestine meridian
Peak activity: 11h-13h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the heart (palpitations, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, circulatory problems)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the heart
  • Fever
  • Frequent sweating
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Paleness
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness


Pericardium meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Jueyin energy (absolute Yin)
Path: From the chest along the forearm to the hand

Organ connection: Heart
Tooth connection: none
Yin-Yang counterpart: Triple warmer meridian
Peak activity: 19h-21h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Circulatory problems
  • Chest problems
  • Heart problems
  • Palpitations
  • Mania
  • Cramps in elbow and arm
  • Negative relationship patterns
  • Excess of joy (overload)
  • Sadness
  • Phobias
  • Problems with sexual sensations or intimacy


Triple warmer meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Shaoyang energy (lesser Yang)
Path: From the hand along the back of the arm to the head

Organ connection: Interstitium (supporting tissue between the organs)
Tooth connection: none
Yin-Yang counterpart: Pericardium meridian
Peak activity: 21h-23h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Imbalance in the fight/flight or freeze response
  • Stagnation of body fluids
  • Lack of wholeness
  • Headaches
  • Migraine
  • Hearing problems
  • Tinnitus
  • Stiffness in the neck or face
  • Toothache
  • Sore throat
  • Elbow complaints
  • Imbalance in body temperature
  • Problems letting go of negativity


Small intestine meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Taiyang energy (greater Yang)
Path: From the hand along the back of the arm to the head

Organ connection: Small intestine
Tooth connection: Upper and lower right and left wisdom tooth
Yin-Yang counterpart: Heart meridian
Peak activity: 13h-15h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the small intestine (abdominal pain, flatulence, intestinal problems, inflammation, bacterial imbalance, intestinal permeability, fungal load in the intestine, constipation, diarrhea, slow digestion)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the small intestine
  • Consumption of food with low nutritional value
  • Restlessness
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Problems focusing and making decisions
  • Negativity
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Food allergies


Large intestine meridian

Function: Regulation of the flow of Yangming energy (light Yang)
Path: From the hand along the back of the arm to the head

Organ connection: Large intestine
Tooth connection: Top and bottom right and left 1st and 2nd molar, 1st and 2nd molar
Yin-Yang counterpart: Lung meridian
Peak activity: 5h-7h
Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Physical problems of the colon (dehydration, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation, colitis)
  • Excess negative mental energy generated by the colon
  • Increased need for control
  • Hyperacidity
  • Swollen gums
  • Foul-smelling or bloody stools
  • Lack of energy
  • Holding on to old emotions
  • Weight gain
  • Food allergies
  • Oedema
  • Bad breath
  • Thinning hair


Extraordinary meridians

Jing Qi

The 8 extraordinary meridians are located symmetrically on both sides of the body, with the exception of the Governing- and Conception vessel. Together with the 12 regular meridians, they form a complex network of connections for the circulation of vital energy (Qi) and help to create strength and balance both energetically and physically. These 8 meridians are formed in the womb and represent the deepest energetic structure of the body.


Each of the 8 extraordinary meridians fulfills regulating functions in the body, for example:

  • They act as deep reservoirs of Qi and blood for the 12 regular meridians, replenishing them and absorbing excess energy when needed.
  • They circulate the Jing Qi, the prenatal “essence” energy that is absorbed at conception and stored in the kidneys.
  • They provide protection from negative energy by circulating protective Qi (Wei Qi) through the trunk of the body
  • They regulate life cycle changes


Ascending yang vessel

Function:

  • Storage of yang energy
  • Balance of Yin and Yang
  • Rise of fluids
  • Descent of energy
  • Sleep balance

Path: From the outside of the heel up along the outside of the leg and body hull and then around the back of the shoulder, along the side of the neck, mouth to the eye and around the inside of the skullYin-Yang counterpart: Ascending yin vessel
Paired with: Governing vessel

Other connections:

  • Bladder meridian
  • Pineal gland
  • Pituitary gland

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Visual disturbances
  • Insomnia
  • Problems with walking
  • Problems with the lower limbs
  • Epilepsy
  • Resistance posture


Ascending yin vessel 

Function:

  • Storage of yin energy
  • Balance of Yin and Yang
  • Rise of fluids
  • Descent of energy
  • Sleep balance

Path: From the inside of the ankle along the inside of the leg across the abdomen, chest and neck to the eye to communicate with the ascending yang vessel
Yin-Yang counterpart: Ascending yang vessel
Paired with: Conception vessel
Other connections:

  • Pineal gland
  • Pituitary gland

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Feeling cold
  • Weakness or numbness in the lower limbs
  • Discomfort in the lower back
  • Digestive problems
  • Urogenital problems
  • Breathing problems
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hot flashes
  • Abdominal discomfort


Yang holding vessel

Function:

  • Storage of Yang energy
  • Balance of the Yang meridians

Path: From the ankle along the body together with the gallbladder meridian, further up to the shoulder and across the forehead, where it communicates with the governing vessel
Yin-Yang counterpart: Yin holding vessel
Paired with: Belt vessel
Other connections:

  • Shaoyang meridians

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Lack of energy
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Discomfort in the lower back


Yin holding vessel

Function:

  • Storage of Yin energy
  • Balance of the Yin meridians

Path: From the inside of the ankle along the inner thigh to the abdomen, where it communicates with the spleen-pancreas meridian, then across the chest to the neck, where it communicates with the conception vessel

Yin-Yang counterpart: Yang holding vessel
Paired with: Vessel of the broad path
Other connections:

  • Taiyin meridians
  • Jueyin meridians

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Circulatory disorders
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Chest problems
  • Heart problems
  • Stomach problems
  • Loss of willpower


Conception vessel

Function:

  • Storage of Yin energy
  • Balance of the Yin meridians

Path: From the perineum over the center of the abdomen and chest and the cheek, and enters the eye socket
Yin-Yang counterpart: Governing vessel
Paired with: Ascending yin vessel
Other connections:

  • Yin meridians

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Problems with the reproductive system
  • Problems with the health of the fetus
  • Impotence
  • Problems with the face, lips and eyes
  • Digestive problems
  • Spleen problems


Governing vessel

Function:

  • Storage of Yang energy
  • Balance of the Yang meridians
  • Circulation of blood and Qi in Yang meridians

Path: From the end of the coccyx upwards along the spine, over the head, ending at the inside of the upper lip
Yin-Yang counterpart: Conception vessel
Paired with: Ascending yin vessel
Other connections:

  • Brain
  • Spinal cord
  • Kidneys

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Problems with the brain
  • Problems with the spinal cord
  • Problems with the bone marrow
  • Problems with the spinal cord
  • Stroke
  • Psychological problems
  • Headaches


Vessel of the broad path

Function:

  • Regulation of Qi and blood circulation within the 12 regular meridians
  • Regulation of menstruation

Path: Begins between the kidneys and branches out in several directions. One branch descends through the pelvis to the perineum. Another branch descends down the inside of the leg to the inside of the foot to the big toe. Another branch runs together with the kidney meridian across the abdomen and then spreads further across the abdomen and chest. Another branch leads to the neck, chin and eyes. A further branch leads to the spine and the governing vessel
Yin-Yang counterpart: none
Paired with: Yin holding vessel
Other connections:

  • Heart and circulation
  • Kidneys
  • Stomach

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Problems with the female reproductive system
  • Nausea
  • Problems with stomach and intestines
  • Problems with the circulatory system
  • Problems with the musculoskeletal system
  • Spiritual problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety


Belt vessel

Function:

  • Energy balance between upper and lower body
  • Binds Yin and Yang
  • Qi and blood circulation in the legs
  • Supports the lower back

Path: From the bottom of the ribs horizontally around the waist and connects all leg meridians
Yin-Yang counterpart: none
Paired with: Yang holding vessel
Other connections:

  • Liver meridian
  • Gallbladder meridian

Symptoms of imbalance:

  • Discomfort in the lower back
  • Feeling of heaviness in the body
  • Difficulty walking
  • Atrophy of the legs
  • Discomfort, feeling cold, tension or poor circulation in the legs
  • Feeling of fullness in the abdomen
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Excessive vaginal discharge
  • Hernias
  • Miscarriages

 

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