In many countries such as Tibet, China, Japan, India and others, meridians are considered to be the energy highways of the body. Energy flows through meridians accessing all parts of the body. There are 2 center line meridians and 12 principal meridians in the body. The name of the meridian indicates which organ of the body that it is directly related to. Individual meridians have been mapped throughout the body. Meridians exist in corresponding pairs bilaterally in the body. They flow within the body, not on the surface. Each meridian has a Yin Yang pair (Yin being the passive female principle of the universe; Yang being the active male principle of the universe). Meaning each Yin organ is paired with its corresponding Yang organ e.g. The Yin Lung meridian corresponds with the Yang Large Intestine meridian.
Unlike orthodox medical systems e.g. the circulatory system, conventional anatomy and physiology has not been able to identify these pathways in a physical sense. It is more useful to consider the meridian system as an energetic distribution network that in itself tends towards energetic manifestation. Meridians can be best understood as a process rather than a structure.
Meridians and Your Healthcare
Most meridian based treatments are focused on pressure points. Pressure points are fixed points along a meridian channel that regulates energy flow to the structures of the body. An active pressure point indicates there is a problem with a structure. Active pressure points vary from mildly sensitive to extremely painful when pressure is applied to them.
Types of Treatment
Acupuncture: Acupuncture utilizes specific pressure points along a meridian channel to treat a wide verity of physical and mental disorders. Fine needles are inserted into active pressure points to re-regulate energy flow.
Massage: Many styles of massage incorporate the use and treatment of meridian pressure points. Specific styles that focus wholly on meridian channels are Shiatsu and Reflexology.
Physiotherapy: Many physiotherapy protocols of treatment incorporate the use and treatment of meridian pressure points. Dry needling is a specific protocol similar to acupuncture.
Both Massage and Physiotherapy, including dry Needling are available at Chevron Island Physio. Phone 5504 7000 to find out more.
By Simon Ayling
Chevron Island Physio
