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[Analysis on Correlation Between Meridians and Viscera in Book The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic].
Wei-Bo Zhang1, Yan-Ping Wang2, Hong-Yan Li1
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research
|August 11, 2018
Summary
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) links meridians and Zangfu-organs. Research suggests meridian blocking correlates with visceral disorders, potentially involving neurohumoral pathways and negative feedback regulation.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Acupuncture Research
- Visceral Physiology
Background:
- Meridians and Zangfu-organs are foundational systems in TCM, with origins possibly in the Han Dynasty.
- Analysis of the "Miraculous Pivot: Meridians" reveals over half of meridian disease manifestations align with meridian pathways.
- Existing research on meridians and viscera predominantly focuses on visceral aspects, particularly the stomach and heart.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between meridians and visceral disorders within TCM theory.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying meridian-viscera correlations, including neurophysiological aspects.
- To identify future research directions for meridian studies using physical index measurements and mathematical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Classification of meridian disease manifestations from classical TCM texts.
- Chronic experiments involving meridian blocking to observe effects on visceral pathology.
- Exploration of neurophysiological relationships between acupuncture, meridians, and visceral control.
- Consideration of physical index measurement and mathematical analysis for pattern verification.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of meridian disease manifestations correlate with the anatomical course of meridians.
- Approximately 10% of meridian disorder symptoms correlate with Western-named viscera, while 30% correlate with TCM-defined viscera.
- A complex relationship exists between acupuncture effects, nerve segments, and visceral control, characterized by "multiple meridians controlling one viscus."
- Meridian blocking experiments indicated a link between meridians and visceral pathologic manifestations.
Conclusions:
- Meridian functions are associated with visceral health and pathology in TCM.
- Negative feedback regulation, potentially involving neurohumoral pathways and meridian tissue fluid channels, may underlie visceral stability.
- Acupuncture stimulation may trigger signals transmitted via neurohumoral relays, activating "negative feedback channels of meridians" for bidirectional regulation and potentially causing "sensation propagated along the meridian."
- Further research utilizing physical measurements and mathematical analysis is warranted to explore meridian-physical appearance patterns.