…many systems call the meridians “channels” and their secondary support conduits the “collaterals.” On the meridians lie xue, or “holes”: entryways into the meridians. Contemporary practitioners usually call these acupuncture points or acupoints.

The meridians are energy pathways for chi, the true foundation of the traditional Chinese system. Chi is vital energy and analogous to the prana, mana, maya, and orgone of other systems, as well as the ki of the Japanese healing world. It is also spelled “qi” in many traditional systems. Chi is the force that animates and informs everything.

There are twelve major meridians, which are also called the major trunks. These twelve meridians form a network of energy channels throughout the body for the distribution of chi, thereby controlling all bodily functions and connecting all parts of the body to each other. Each of these pathways is linked to a specific organ or organ system, therefore revealing the body as a circle of interdependent parts, not a collection of separate pieces.

The chi passes through the body in a regular, twenty-four-hour pattern; therefore, these twelve major meridians participate in every facet of life’s daily metabolic and physiological processes. The twelve standard meridians run on the surface of the body, either on the chest, back, arms, or legs. They are: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart (sometimes called the Pericardium or Heart Protector), Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Warmer (sometimes called the Triple Heater or Three Heater), Gallbladder, and Liver. These terms refer to biological functions and not structural organs; however, all but the Triple Warmer and Heart meridians are connected to a specific organ system. The Triple Warmer is thought to govern the chi level of the entire body, as it controls the distribution of all types of chi. The Heart meridian works with the Triple Warmer to control the body’s overall energy level, but is also vital to the functioning of the heart.

In addition to the major meridians there are eight extraordinary channels, also called vessels. They are: the Du, the Ren, the Dai, the Chong, the Yin Chiao, the Yang Chiao, the Yin Wei, and the Yang Wei meridians.

The eight vessels are first formed in utero and represent a deep level of energetic structure. They store and drain chi, also serving as reservoirs that ferry chi and blood along the twelve regular channels. These secondary meridians are not associated with specific organs or meridians; rather, they connect the main meridians, serving as the means through which the main meridians connect with the organs and other parts of the body. The most important of these extra meridians are the Governor vessel, which runs along the middle of the back, and the Conception vessel, which courses along the front of the body. Some modern practitioners consider these two vessels as equal to the main twelve, and so count fourteen main meridians.

In all, there are three meridian groups associated with the regular meridians, each with twelve meridians. The divergent meridians rise from one of the twelve main meridians and pass through the thorax or shown on the meridian illustrations. Each organ system carries its own brand of chi, which allows it to perform certain unique physical as well as energetic functions. Western medicine specializes in analyzing the physical functions of an organ, such as the production of enzymes by the liver. Eastern medicine adds an understanding of the energetic functions of an organ and the system of that organ— the particular and holistic roles it plays within the complete self.
Dale, Cyndi. The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Kindle Locations 3337-3340). Sounds True. Kindle Edition.

I have pulled the above directly from Cyndi Dale’s Book, The Subtle Body Encyclopedia as she says it so well. An understanding of the energetic system is essential to begin to allow the access of the whole body. Once you become friends with your extended anatomy then you are able to get underneath symptomologies to find the root information to bring resolution to the dis-ease, movement of energy releasing. This is a powerful step in being able to monitor and maintain one’s own vitality and health, an essential element of the original design that has been whitewashed over for far too long.

Tools that can measure subtle energies are verifying these invisible energy lines. Kirlian photography has shown the auric energey field and how it is an oscillating field based on your own inner state of balance and health. Learning to familiarize yourself with and eventually trust this will change your in body life drastically, releasing your fear based dependence on Western medicine techniques that too often, compromise our systems.

The function of the meridians is a subject of ongoing scientific research. For now, trust that the system is there and start to build relationship with it.

The sum of this research is that the meridians (along with other subtle energies) might in fact organize our physical bodies. Etheric in nature, they are also physical, composed of a complex interweaving of chemicals, electricity, and electromagnetic forces that carry chi— a physical and etheric energy— that feeds our bodies, minds, and souls.
Dale, Cyndi. The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Kindle Locations 3653-3655). Sounds True. Kindle Edition.

Nadis

The nadis: Subtle energy streams or conduits that interact with the chakras and the physical body. These convey prana, or subtle energy, to cleanse the physical body and invite the kundalini upward through the chakras. In scientific terms, these could be seen as force-motion lines. (See “Nadis: Channels of Energy”.) The primary nadis involved in the kundalini rising are the Sushumna, or nadi central, in the spine; the Ida, which is on the left side of the spine and represents feminine energy; and the Pingala, which is on the right side of the spine and signifies male energy. As the kundalini arises through the Sushumna, the Ida and Pingala— coiled around the nucleic seven chakras— activate the chakras and result in a continual rising of the kundalini.

Dale, Cyndi. The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Kindle Locations 4607-4612). Sounds True. Kindle Edition.

This is an introduction, bits at a time to be integrated and explored through reflection and awareness. As you know, the more you tune then the more that gets revealed. The gifts come to the intent laden seeker. Ask for guidance and insight into your own energy system. Go where you are called and keep in mind that you are so much more than you seem as you engage your particular moments of living.