DNIPRO MEDICAL INSTITUTE OF TRADITIONAL

AND NON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

DEPARTMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL DISCIPLINES WITH A
TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
COURSE

STUDENT MANUAL FOR PRACTICAL CLASSES

Discipline : “Fundamentals of Reflexotherapy”

Topic 7. Basic principles of traditional Eastern medicine: the concept of "qi" or

vital energy, the "jing-lo" system and the "Meridian clock".

Year of study: 3

Faculty: medical

Specialty: 222 “Medicine”

Total amount of hours: 4

Divelopers: assistant Yevtushenko T.V.

assistant Yevtushenko N.V.

Approved by the department methodological meeting

“______”_______________20___year.

Protocol №_______from “____”________________20___year.

Chief of the department, Doctor of biological science, Professor

___________________________Ostrovska S.S.

Dnipro 2022
1. The purpose: To understand the concept of Qi, blood and body fluid; to know the
meridians of the body and its characteristic, to be able to find them, to know the activity
time of each meridian.

1.1. To know:

1.1.1. the concept of Qi, blood and body fluid theory.

1.1.2. the location and characteristic of each meridian

1.1.3. the cun measurement.

1.1.4. the Meridian clock theory.

1.2. To be able:

1.2.1. to apply the concept of Qi, blood and body fluid organs in medical practice

1.2.2. to locate each meridian.

1.2.3. to find points on meridians applying cun measurement.

1.2.4. to define the activity time of each meridian.

Topic:

QI, BLOOD AND BODY FLUID

The ancient Chinese people believed qi was the most fundamental entity making up
the world. They thought everything in the universe resulted from the movement and
change of qi. The Chinese character for "qi" is the same word used for air or gas, and it
is thought to have the same properties as these substances. Qi can be interpreted as the
"life energy" or "life force," which flows within us. Sometimes, it is known as the "vital
energy" of the body. 
In TCM theory, qi is the vital substance constituting the human body. It also refers to
the physiological functions of organs and meridians. In fact, it may be difficult to find
one equivalent English word or phrase that completely describes the nature of qi. Most
often, qi is best defined according to its functions and properties. 
The origin of qi
Human qi comes from two main sources. The first source of qi is inherited from our
parents at conception. It is known as the "innate vital substance". The second source is
derived from essential substances in nature such as the air we breathe, food and water.
Both the inherited and the acquired vital energies are further processed and
transformed by the organs.
The kidney first sends the innate vital substance upwards where it combines with food
essence derived from the spleen. It further mixes with the fresh air from the lungs
where it finally forms into qi of the body.
By understanding how qi is formed, TCM has identified two important factors
necessary for maintaining health. By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the
body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help form the vital energy.
Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance
in the body. 
Functions of Qi
1. Promoting function of qi 
Just as wind (highly active air) provides energy to push the sails of a boat or turn the
turbine of a windmill, qi provides the active, vital energy necessary for the growth and
development of the human body and to perform the physiological functions of the
organs, meridians and tissues. In addition, qi promotes the formation and circulation of
blood and supports the metabolism of body fluid. If there is a deficiency of qi, its
promoting functions are weakened. As a result, growth and development can be
affected or delayed, the organs and meridians cannot function properly and blood
formation is hampered, leading to a series of health problems. 
2. Warming function 
In a gaseous state, air contains more kinetic heat energy than in its liquid state. Like air,
qi also contains heat energy for the body. Being a heat source, qi warms the body and
keeps it at a constant temperature so normal physiological functions can take place.
Deficiency of qi can lead to a lowered body temperature, intolerance of cold and cold
hands and feet. 
3. Defending function 
In TCM, one of the main causes of disease is the invasion of "Evils"."Evils" are
environmental factors that lead to illness. They are classified as wind, summer heat,
dampness, dryness, cold and fire. By resisting the entry of ' illness evils" into the body, qi
defends against their attack and maintains healthy physiological functions. In western
terms, this qi defending function acts like the immune system.
4. Consolidation and retention function 
 Qi consolidates and retains the body's substances and organs by holding everything in
its proper place. First, qi keeps the blood flowing within the vessels and prevents it
leaking out into the tissues. Secondly, qi controls and adjusts the secretion and
excretion of sweat, urine and saliva, and keeps body fluids from escaping the body.
Thirdly, qi consolidates and stores sperm to prevent premature ejaculation. Lastly, qi
consolidates the organs and stops them from descending into a position where they
cannot function properly. If qi is deficient, the consolidating function is weakened,
leading to various kinds of health problems such as haemorrhage; frequent urination,
premature ejaculation and stomach or kidney prolapses (where the organ sinks). 
The promoting and consolidating functions work in a complementary manner. For
example, qi promotes blood circulation and the distribution of body fluids, but it also
controls and adjusts the secretion of fluid substances. The balance between these two
functions is essential for maintaining a healthy blood circulation and water metabolism.
5. Transforming functions 
Qi also possesses vaporization or " transformation" functions, which are important for
the metabolism of fundamental substances. As suggested by these words, qi may
"vaporize" substances in the body and transform them into essence or vital energy. For
example, certain actions of qi allow food to be changed into food essence, which is in
turn transformed into different types of qi and blood. Indigestible food and waste are
also transformed by qi into urine and stools for excretion. 
Movement of Qi
The four directions of qi movement are up, down, outward and inward. These
movements are so important that once qi can no longer travel in these directions, life
will come to an end.
Each organ has different specialized movements. For example, spleen qi ascends the
pure part of digested food from the stomach for transformation into nutritional
essence. Stomach qi, on the other hand, pushes food downwards in order to remove its
impurities. Some organs, like the lungs, perform movements in all four directions. Lung
qi moves in and out during breathing. However, when disseminating nutritional essence
to the body, lung qi ascends and then descends when liquefying waste to be sent to the
kidneys.
The different movements of qi work in a coordinated manner to maintain a
harmonious balance. The ascending balances the descending movement while the
outward balances the inward movement. Balanced movement is important for
promoting the physiological functions of different tissues, organs and meridians.
Disharmonious movement of qi leads to health problems. For example, insufficient
downward movement of lung qi causes a cough. When stomach qi cannot descend
nausea and vomiting occurs. 

Types of Qi 
Qi is further classified according to its type. The four types are inborn qi, pectoral qi,
nutritive qi and protective qi. 
1. Inborn qi 
Inborn qi is the most original, essential and vital type found in the human body. It
possesses prenatal and congenital properties. After conception, "congenital essence"
(an essential vital substance inherited from parents) is stored in the kidney, the place
from which inborn qi originates. Inborn qi is further nourished by "acquired essence"
(food essence derived from digestion) of the spleen and stomach. After this process is
complete, inborn qi is ready to travel to the entire body to exert its effects. Starting
from the portion between the two kidneys, known as the "vital gate", the qi moves
through the triple burner and circulates through the organs, muscles, skin
and meridians providing the power source for all of life's activities. 
2. Pectoral qi 
Pectoral qi is stored in the chest. It is formed by combining fresh air inhaled by
the lungs and food essence derived from the spleen and the stomach. Because pectoral
qi concentrates in the chest, it can penetrate the blood vessels of the heart and lungs
and move outward during expiration and inward during inspiration. By flowing through
the respiratory tract, pectoral qi supports the breathing function of the lungs and affects
how loud the voice can be. Its ability to flow through the blood vessels and the heart is
important in regulating the heartbeat and supporting the circulation of other types of qi
and blood. Pectoral qi also plays a role in keeping the body warm and influences the
activities of the limbs. 
3. Nutritive qi 
Nutritive qi, as its name suggests, supplies nourishment to the body. It mainly circulates
through the blood vessels with the blood. Sometimes this combination of nutritive qi
and blood is referred to collectively as "nutritive blood". Nutritive qi mainly comes from
food essence derived by the spleen and stomach's transformation and transportation
properties. Starting from the middle burner, nutritive qi goes to the lungs where it
enters the main circulation. Nutritive qi has yin properties so it can form into materials
needed by other parts of the body. For example, its close relationship with blood allows
it to provide some of the necessary substances needed to produce new blood. Nutritive
qi also provides the needed nutrients to support the physiological functions of the
organs. 
4. Protective qi 
Protective qi protects against evils. As previously mentioned, evils are environmental
factors that lead to illness. In western terms, protective qi functions like the immune
system, which helps prevent disease from occurring or spreading. Unlike nutritive qi,
protective qi has yang properties, because it has more functional characteristics.
Protective qi also comes from the food essence derived by the spleen and stomach. It
moves outside the blood vessels and circulates in different areas from nutritive qi.
Internally, it will be distributed to the diaphragm and scattered around the chest and
abdominal cavities. Externally, it moves between the skin and muscles providing
protection. Protective qi not only guards against illness and disease but also regulates
the sweat glands and pores and provides nourishment for the skin, hair and muscles.
Although nutritive and protective qi share the same origin, their flow directions, as
previously described, are opposite to one another. By balancing their nutritive (yin) and
protective (yang) functions, healthy sweating, temperature control and defence
functions are maintained. 

5. Blood qi

Blood qi is formed from pectoral qi and nutritive qi. The nutrients from food and
digested by the spleen and stomach and they are then transported to the heart and
lung and turned into red (oxygenated) blood by qi. The essence of the kidney produces
bone marrow, and bone marrow uses the digested food to produce blood.

Qi of kidney promotes digestion by spleen, which in turn strengthens the heart and
lung. The interaction therefore promotes haemopoesis.

There is a close relationship between qi and blood. The formation and circulation of
blood depends on qi, whereas the formation and distribution of qi, as well as the health
of the various organs of the body, is dependent on adequate nourishment from the
blood. If the flow of blood “stagnates” the circulation of qi “retarded” and , conversely,
if the circulation of qi is “retarded” then the blood flow “stagnates”.
There is another variant of description of types of qi also:

 Qi (Matter-Energy): The vital energy of every living organism and the source of all
movement and change in the universe.
 Xue (Blood): Not only the fluid that circulates in the vascular system, but also the
Qi within that fluid that vitalizes its nourishing function as well as its flow. Qi and
Xue have mutually interdependent functions.
 Jing (Essence): The Essential energy of all living organisms which is derived both
from the energy we inherit from our parents and from the energy we acquire in
our daily lives, principally from air and food.
 Shen (Spirit): The material/non-material mental-emotional-motivational aspect of
consciousness that is stored in the Heart. (Heart is capitalized to remind the
 reader that the author is referring to the Chinese concept of Heart, not the
Western, which views the organ as simply a pump. The Chinese Heart has many
other functions including the seat of the Shen. Other organs and organ systems
are capitalized to further illustrate this distinction.)
 Jin Ye (Body Fluids): The functional secretions of the body, including tears, sweat,
saliva, milk, mucus, hydrochloric acid and genital secretions. Jin are the lighter,
purer and more yang fluids which, via the Lung, moisten and nourish the skin and
muscles; ye are the denser, more yin fluids which are processed in the Spleen and
Stomach to moisten and nourish the Zang Fu (internal organs), bones, brain and
orifices (mucus for sensory orifices and others).

Blood

Blood is a red liquid circulating inside the vessels and is regarded as the most essential
substance constituting the body and maintaining its life activities. Since blood is
primarily from nutritive Qi that has been transformed and transported by the spleen-
stomach and reddened by the functioning of the heart and lung, it is said that "Qi and
blood have the same source" and "the spleen-stomach is known as the origin of Qi-
blood". The kidney-essence can also be converted into blood, and body fluid may
complement blood when necessary.

The circulation of blood in the vessels is achieved by the functional cooperation of

many Zangfu-organs, including that blood circulation is impelled by the heart-Qi ,
promoted by the lung-Qi, adjusted by the liver-Qi , and controlled by the spleen-Qi. The
chief function of blood is to nourish all the organs and tissues. In other words, every
part of the body will function normally only if the supply of blood is sufficient. Secondly,
blood is considered to be the essential material foundation of the mind, and many
mental disorders would result if the blood supply' is short or circulation is disturbed. In
Chinese medicine, Yang is more connected with Qi, and Yin is more connected
with Blood. But everything has checks and balances.

Body fluid

Body fluid is a general term for all normal liquids in the body, with the exception of
blood. This includes various kinds of liquids existing in every organ and tissue of the
body as well as the normal liquid excretions. Body fluid performs the following four
functions. First, body fluid moistens and nourishes all the organs and tissues of the
body, because it contains and conveys a lot of water and nutritious components.
Second, it can supplement the volume of blood by permeating the minute collaterals
when necessary. Third, as an important part of Yin of the body, body fluid is frequently
used to adjust the body's Yin and Yang through different metabolic processes, which
maintain their dynamic balance. And fourth, it removes the wastes and even harmful
substances within the body by means of urination, perspiration, and other excretions of
body fluid. Traditionally, body fluid is divided into two categories. The thin fluid, Iin, is
dilute, more fluidic, and mainly distributed in the body's surface, such as the skin,
muscles and pores. The thick fluid, Ye, is dense, less fluidic, and generally distributed in
the bones, joints, brain, and Zangfu-organs.

The metabolism of body fluid in the human body is a complicated physiological process
and demands the functional cooperation and coordination of many Zangfu-organs. Body
fluid is derived from drink and food by means of the digesting-absorbing action of the
stomach and small intestine under the domination of the spleen-Qi. The spleen then
transports the body fluid to the lung, where it is dispersed outward to the body's
surface and downward through the San Jiao to the urinary bladder. The small intestine
also conveys a portion of the body fluid to the urinary bladder through the lower Jiao.
With the aid of the steaming action of the kidney-Yang, the kidney-Qi separates the
body fluid into two parts: the clear portion is sent upward to the whole body through
the San Jiao, while the residual turbid portion temporarily stored in the urinary bladder
is turned into urine. Finally, the metabolic products and the surplus of body fluid are
excreted out of the body through the urethra in the form of urine or released as sweat
through the pores as a result of the functions of the kidney and lung respectively. A
small amount of fluid may be released in the form of feces, expired gas, spittle, tears,
leukorrhea, and so on. In summary, the metabolism of body fluid is governed by the
kidney, managed by the lung, and restricted by the spleen. 'It is also related to the
functions of the other Zangfu-organs, e. g. , the liver's taking charge of the smooth flow
of Qi and the San Jiao ' s passing body fluid and primordial Qi.

Correlations among Qi, blood and body fluid

Since Qi belongs to Yang, blood and body fluid belong to Yin, and all three are
essential substances of the body, there must be mutual depending, serving, converting,
and restricting relationships among them. Qi can produce blood, propel blood
circulation, and control blood within the vessels. In turn, blood can generate Qi, provide
Qi with the material necessary for its activities, and circulate Qi throughout the entire
body. Thus there is a famous saying in TCM, "Qi is the commander of blood and blood is
the mother of Qi.". Qi can also promote the formation of body fluid, impel its flowing,
and conserve it within the body whereas body fluid can hold Qi, convey it to the whole
body, and be transformed into Qi. Both blood and body fluid have the identical origin,
namely, the nutrients from food and drink. They can also complement and transform
each other by using the interpenetration between the outside and inside of the minute
collaterals. Therefore, according to Neijing, "the patients who have lost profuse blood
shouldn't be treated by diaphoresis, and those who have sweated massively shouldn't
be treated by drastically consuming blood."

MERIDIANS

The meridians/channels are virtual ways of the qi (a life force) flowing in specific
patterns within the human body.

According to Chinese medicine, the invisible Qi circulates along a system of conduits,

the principal ones being the meridians or channels as well as through the Blood (Xue).
This Qi is the vital energy which gives life to all living matter. In a way, the Qi conduits
resemble those of the vascular or nervous system, since each has a network of main
channels and minor capillaries.

Meridians correspond to Zang-Fu organs. Each meridian controls a corresponding

functional system.

 Arm Tai Yin channel corresponds to the Lung

 Leg Tai Yin channel corresponds to the Spleen
 Arm Shao Yin channel corresponds to the Heart
 Leg Shao Yin corresponds to the Kidney
 Arm Jue Yin corresponds to the Pericardium
 Leg Jue Yin corresponds to the Liver
 Arm Yang Ming corresponds to the Large Intestine
 Leg Yang Ming corresponds to the Stomach
 Arm Tai Yang corresponds to the Small Intestine
 Leg Tai Yang corresponds to the Bladder
 Arm Shao Yang corresponds to the San Jiao
 Leg Shao Yang Channel corresponds to the Gall Bladder

The Chinese meaning of the word Meridian 

"Jing luo", the Chinese term for meridian has two interesting concepts which make up
the basic structural components of the Meridian System. These concepts date back
several thousand years and are reflected in the ancient Chinese medical text, Huang Di Nei
Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) , which says: Jing meridians act as the
interior. Those which branch off horizontally are luo meridians. Jing means to pass
through or pathway and refers to the vertical channels. Luo means network and refers
to the networks that branch off from the vertical channels (Jing).
Both Jing and Luo mean link or connection, and they are bound closely together to form
channels.

Understanding the Meridian System by water flow analogy 

Since qi and blood are mobile, it is easier to understand the concept of meridians by
comparing it to water flow. When water flows down a mountain or a slope, it flows
from a high to low ground. It will also follow the geographical terrain and collect in the
most stable area which is a river. Rivers maintain the natural laminar flow and kinetic
energy of the water. By avoiding turbulent flow, it provides the most efficient way of
transporting water downstream. As a result, the land surrounding the river is lush with
vegetation and life because of the steady supply of fresh water.
Qi works in a similar way to the flow of water in nature. By flowing from a high to a
low concentration, it follows the body's landscape and gathers in a meridian. Thus,
meridians provide a natural pathway for the flow of Qi and supply a constant source of
energy to different parts of the body in the same way a river supplies water to its
surrounding banks.
If a river is blocked, all areas relying on the water downstream will be affected. Due
to a lack of water, the ecosystem's balance and harmony are disturbed, and plants and
animals cannot survive. Similarly, if the Meridian System is blocked, the supply of qi to
different parts of the body will be interrupted, leading to organ disharmony and disease
even if the affected area is far away from the original blockage.

In order to restore balance and harmony, it is necessary to resume the optimal flow
of the river or qi. In the case of a river, the debris causing the blockage is removed and
the riverbed is strengthened. The harmony of the Meridian System is restored in our
bodies by stimulating particular acupuncture points. In this way, the flow of qi is
regulated, and qi energy is distributed efficiently throughout the body again. 

Meridians are not blood vessels 

Although meridians work as a channel system which carries and distributes qi and
blood, they are not blood vessels and have no anatomical channel structure. Many
meridian research projects have been carried out over the years testing different
hypotheses of how this system works. Physiological hypotheses such as nervous reflex
models have been put forward, but researchers have not yet come up with a definitive
model that can give a complete anatomical description of the Meridian System. 

Meridians are a collection of acupuncture points 

By connecting and uniting different parts of our body, meridians provide the transport
service for the fundamental substances of qi, blood, and body fluids. The flow of qi in
the Meridian System concentrates or "injects" in certain areas of the skin's surface.
These areas are very small points, otherwise known as "acupuncture points". Although
acupuncture points are located externally and superficially, they can affect the internal
functions of our body. There are 365 acupuncture points, and each point belongs to a
particular meridian channel that connects to specific organs. 

Classification of Meridians 
The Meridian System has 12 principal meridians that correspond to the yin and yang
organs and the pericardium. (Yin organs are usually those without an empty cavity, and
include the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. Yang organs are organs with an
empty cavity such as the gall bladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine and
bladder. In TCM, yin and yang organs are physiological functional units that incorporate
a much broader meaning then common western thinking.) Meridians linked with yin
organs are known as yin meridians; if they are linked to yang organs, they are known as
yang meridians. In addition to the12 principal meridians, there are eight extra meridians
and smaller network-like luo meridians. Among the eight extra meridians, the Governing
Vessel and the Conception Vessel are considered the most important channels, because
they contain acupuncture points which are independent of the twelve principal
meridians.

Meridian Abbreviation Abbreviation Yin/Yang The Location

(english) (french) number
of point
Upper Body
Heart HT C Yin 9 Hand
Large LI GI Yang 20 Hand
Intestine
Lung LU P Yin 11 Hand
Pericardium PC PC Yin 9 Hand
Small SI IG Yang 19 Hand
Intestine
Triple Heater TH TR Yang 23 Hand
Lower Body
Gall Bladder GB VB Yang 44 Leg
Kidney KD R Yin 27 Leg
Liver LV F Yin 14 Leg
Stomach ST E Yang 45 Leg
Spleen SP RP Yin 21 Leg
Urinary UB V Yang 67 Leg
Bladder
Supervising
channels
Conception CV Yin 24 Front of the body
Vessel
Governing GV Yang 28 Back of the body
Vessel
Extra poits EX Different

An influence of the impaired organ through meridian system

Disharmony of one organ can also affect other organs because of their interconnections
through the Meridian System. For instance, liver disharmony can influence the stomach,
and stomach disharmony can influence the spleen. Moreover, organ disharmony inside
the body will show pathological changes along the Meridian channel with which it is
associated. For example, liver disharmony can cause lower chest pain, because the liver
meridian passes through lower chest region. Kidney disharmony can cause groin pain,
because the kidney meridian crosses the groin area. Ulcers on the tip of tongue can
suggest heart disharmony since the heart meridian has branches at the tip of tongue.

12 principal meridians came from six long channels. 3 yin and 3 yang long channels:
Yang Ming (consist of Large intestine and Stomach), Shao Yang (consist of Triple Heater
and Gall Bladder), Tai Yang (Small Intestine and Urinary Bladder), Yin Ming (Lung and
Spleen), Shao Yin (Pericardium and Liver), Jiu Yin (Heart and Kidney).

Hand Leg

Large -Yang Stomach

Intestine Ming-

Triple Heater -Shao Gall Bladder

Yang-

Small -Tai Yang- Urinary

 Intestine Bladder

Lung -Yin Ming- Spleen

Pericardium -Shao Yin- Liver

Heart -Jui Yin- Kidney

Qi flows from the chest area along the three arm Yin channels (Lung, Pericardium, and
Heart) to the hands. There they connect with the three paired arm Yang channels (Large
Intestine, San Jiao and Small Intestine) and flow upward to the head. In the head they
connect with their three corresponding leg Yang Channels (Stomach, Gall Bladder and
Bladder) and flow down the body to the feet. In the feet they connect with their
corresponding leg Yin channels (Spleen, Liver, Kidney) and flow up again to the chest to
complete the cycle of Qi.

The energy flows in a specific direction from one channel to another. The energy enters
into enter points and exits from exit points. Contingently, the cicle starts with the Lung
channel. The direction of the energy flow with this points showen on the diagram below.
 Meridian Activity Times & Entry Exit Points

Diagnostic Application 
Because of the special properties of meridians, disharmony and imbalance in the body
can be diagnosed according to the meridian and its corresponding organ. Headaches,
for example, are classified according to their affected painful spots and the distribution
of the meridians in that area. Pain in the forehead indicates a Yang Ming Meridian type
headache, while pain in both sides of head indicates a Shao Yang Meridian type
headache. Back and neck pain is a Tai Yang Meridian type headache, and pain in the top
of head indicates the Jue Yin Meridian type headache. Such specific diagnoses help
tailor individual treatment plans allowing for the best outcome for relief of the
headache.
Another common example is the presentation of liver disharmony. Because the liver
meridian passes through the lower chest and lower abdomen, pain in those areas may
indicate problems in the liver and not other organs. When organ disharmony occurs,
usually the corresponding meridian and acupuncture points demonstrate morphological
changes, and it can feel painful when these points are pressed. All these Meridian-
related presentations and symptoms assist in TCM diagnosis.

Application in therapy 
Understanding the Meridian System and its relationship with the body's organs is
essential in guiding herbal treatment and acupuncture therapy. Chinese medicine
always aims to resume the harmony of yin and yang and maintain the flow of qi and
blood. Acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects by replenishing, balancing and moving
the flow of qi throughout the body so normal organ functions and harmony can be
resumed.
Meridian differential diagnosis is essential for both herbal treatment and acupuncture
therapy. In TCM, herbal medicines are chosen specifically for treating certain meridians
and their corresponding organs. Moreover, some herbs have meridian guiding
properties, which help potentiate the therapeutic effects of specific organs and
meridians. In this way, meridians allow for an individually tailor-made herbal treatment
plan according to a patient's disharmony pattern.
Similarly, understanding meridian selectivity is important for optimal therapeutic
outcomes with acupuncture. For example, a headache in the forehead region is
diagnosed as Yang Ming Meridian disharmony. Acupuncture points in Arm Yang Ming
Meridian such as Hegu (the depression on the dorsum of the hand between the first and
second metacarpal bones, at the level of the middle of the second metacarpal bone) can
be selected to treat this type of headache. Another common example is a stomach ache
(indigestion, dyspepsia). Since the stomach belongs to the Leg Yang Ming Meridian, the
corresponding acupuncture point of Zusanli (located: one finger-breadth lateral to the
anterior crest of tibia) can be chosen to relieve this pain. 

The arm and leg channels of the same name are considered to ‘communicate’ with each
other in Chinese medicine. Thus, problems in a given channel or organ can be treated by
using various points on the communication ‘partner’. As an example: a problem with the
lungs can be treated by using points on the Spleen channel as they are both Tai Yin
channels.

CUN MEASUREMENTS OF THE BODY

The system of using the cun is a genius way for acupuncture to measure and locate
acupoints on anyone's body. Since everyone's body is of a different size and shape, using
a person's inborn measurement system makes finding the points a snap. The process
starts with the measurement of one cun. This is done two ways: (a)using the width of the
distal inter-phalangeal joint of the thumb (first finger) or (b)using the distance between
the distal and proximal inter-phalangeal joints of the 3rd (middle) finger. All other
specific measurements are outlined in the diagrams below. When in doubt in measuring,
the thumb (1 cun) or the four finger method (3 cun) can always be used in a pinch.

It is found that there determined quantity of cuns in certains body parts. Locating
acupuncture points requires an understanding of anatomical landmarks. Once these
landmarks are located, the space between these landmarks is described in "cun" which is
a Chinese word that translates to "anatomical inch". There are always three cun from the
eyebrow to the forehead hairline. However, on a large headed person, those "cun" will be
longer than on a child. But because acupuncture points are located on the patient
according to the patient's unique anatomy, the ruler length between different people will
vary widely.
  

Head & Neck Cun Division

Body Part Cun Between

Top midline 12 The forehead hairline and the neck hairline.

Top midline 14 The glabella or eyebrow, and the occipital protuberance's

inferior border.

Forehead 9 The two forehead hairline corners.

width

Forehead 3 The glabella (eyebrow) and the forehead hairline.

height

Throat height 3 The clavicle medial end and the mandible angle, or
between the hyoid and the manubrium's superior border
(when the head is straight).

Neck width 9 The inferior ends of the two mastoid bones.

Neck height 3 The neck hairline and the seventh cervical (C7) spinous
process.

Torso Cun Division

Body Part (head Cun Between

& limb)

Front width 8 The two nipples.

Chest width 8 The front midline and the armpit (axillary) anterior end
(when the arms lie straight alongside the body).

Chest width 8 The front midline and the acromial tip.

Abdomen width 4 The front midline and the rectus abdominis muscle's
lateral border.

Upper abdomen 8 The umbilicus center and the xiphisternal joint.

height

Lower abdominal 5 The umbilicus center and the pubic symphysis superior
height border.

Back width 3 The back midline and the scapular spine's medial end
(when the arms lie straight alongside the body).

Lower back 3 The two PSIS (posterior superior iliac spines).

width

Arm Cun Division

Body Part Cun Between

Upper arm 9 The front end midline and the armpit axillary anterior end
length and the elbow (cubital) fold.

Lower arm 12 The elbow (cubital fold and the wrist (carpal) crease.
length

Back shoulder 3 The acromion and the armpit (axilla) posterior end (when
length the arms lie straight alongside the body).

Leg Cun Division

Body Part Cun Between

Thigh lateral 19 The femur greater trochanter superior border and the
length knee (popliteal) fold and joint.

Thigh lateral 18 The femur greater trochanter peak and the knee
length (popliteal) fold and joint.

Thigh medial 18 The pubic symphysis superior border and the femur
length medial epicondyle superior border.

Knee length 2 The patella superior and the inferior borders.

Lower leg lateral 16 The lateral ma tip and the knee (popliteal) fold and
length joint.

Lower leg medial 13 The medial malleolus and the tibial medial condyle
length inferior border.

Foot lateral 3 The lateral malleolus tip and the sole.

 height

Foot medial 3 The medial malleolus tip and the sole.

height

THE MERIDIAN
CLOCK

The Meridian clock is a very efficient tool for diagnosis of energy imbalances and
treatment.

Each of the 12 meridians flows in an up- or down-wards direction - one flows into
another. Keeping these lines/channels open is essential for good health. The energy of
each organ meridian is strongest for 2 hours in specific cycles, completing a 24 hour
cycle every day.

Each meridian comes into its highest action at a certain time of day. This is when its
paired meridian at it's lowest. 12 hours later, the change is complete. With what was
down, now at its peak!

The Meridians - General Overview

↓ Stomach Meridian (yang) 7am - 9am

Stomach problems, abdominal pain, distension, edema, vomiting, sore throat, facial
paralysis, upper gum toothache, nose bleeding, pain along the meridian

↑ Spleen Meridian (yin) 9am - 11am

Problems of the spleen and pancreas, abdominal distension, jaundice, general weakness
and sluggishness, tongue problems, vomiting, pain and swellings along the course of the
meridian
↑ Heart Meridian (yin) 11am - 1pm (13:00)

Heart problems, dryness of the throat, jaundice, pain along the course of the meridian

↓ Small Intestine Meridian (yang) 1pm - 3pm (15:00)

Pain in the lower abdomen, sore throat, swelling or paralysis of face, deafness, pain
along the meridian

↓ Bladder Meridian (yang) 3pm - 5pm (17:00)

Bladder problems, headache, eye diseases, neck and back problems, pain along the back
of the leg

↑ Kidney Meridian (yin) 5pm - 7pm (19:00)

Kidney problems, lung problems, dry tongue, lumbago, edema, constipation, diarrhea,
pain and weakness along the course of the meridian

↑ Pericardium Meridian (yin) 7pm - 9pm (21:00)

Poor circulation, angina, palpitation, diseases of the sexual glands and organs,

irritability, pain along the course of the meridian

↓ Triple Warmer Meridian - Gland Meridian (yang) 9pm - 11pm (23:00)

Diseases of the thyroid and adrenal glands, ear problems, sore throat, abdominal
distension, edema, swelling of cheek, pain along the meridian

↓ Gallbladder Meridian (yang) 11pm - 1am

Gall bladder problems, ear diseases, migraine, hip problems, dizziness, pain along the
meridian

↑ Liver Meridian (yin) 1am - 3am

Liver problems, lumbago, vomiting, hernia, urination problems, pain in the lower
abdomen and along the course of the meridian

↑ Lung Meridian (yin) 3am - 5am

Respiratory diseases, sore throat, cough, common cold, pain in the shoulder and along
the meridian

↓ Large Intestine Meridian (yang) 5am - 7am

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, sore throat, toothache in the lower gum, nasal
discharge and bleeding, pain along the course of the meridian

Governing Vessel

Spinal problems, mental disorders, fever, nose problems, headaches

Conception Vessel

Diseases of the urogenital system, hernia, cough, breathing difficulties, breast problems

3. Questions for self-preparation:

3.1. The definition of meridian.

3.2. Correspondence of each meridian to certain organ.

3.3. Abbreviations of the meridians.

3.4. Meridian classification.

3.5. Realtion to yin or yang of each meridian.

3.6 Six long channels.

3.7. Entry-exit points of each meridian.

3.8. Individual сun.

3.9. Anatomical cun.

3.10. Function principle of the Meridian clock.

3.11 The definition of Qi and its origin.

3.12. Function of Qi.

3.13. Five types of Qi.

3.14. The idea of “blood” from TCM viewpoint.

3.15. The idea of “body fluid” from TCM viewpoint.

3.16. Correlations among Qi, blood and body fluid.

4. Structure and the occupation maintenance:

The roll call of students (5 min). The control of knowledge level by the test control
or interrogation on the topic (20 min). Response analysis and discussion on topic
according questions (55 min).

5. LITERATURE:

5.1. Manual for students “The basics of reflexotherapy”.

5.2. Lecture on the topic.