What are Meridians/Channels?
The Channels are one of the most important and unique concepts in Chinese medicine. The channels are regarded as three-dimensional passageways through which the Qi and Blood flow at different levels of the body. Therefore, it is inappropriate to refer to the channels by using the two-dimensional term meridian, as is common in English translations. The channels are important to every facet of Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture. Their graphic ordering illustrates many of the linkages among the Organs and their respective openings and sense organs. In some ways, the channels also delineate the Organs spheres of influence in the body. This is particularly important in the selection of points to treat certain localized problems.
