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[Terminology investigation on "Jingmai binghou"]
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
|September 15, 2025
Summary
The term "meridian symptoms" is modern; ancient texts describe meridian disorders more broadly. A new term, "meridian-collateral dominated disease," may better capture these complex conditions.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Acupuncture
- Medical Terminology
Background:
- The term "meridian symptoms" (Jingmai binghou) is a modern coinage in acupuncture teaching materials.
- It originates from concepts of diseases affecting meridians (jingmai) as described in the Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot).
- Its introduction is linked to textbook writing trends and TCM policy in China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the historical scope of meridian disorders in ancient TCM texts.
- To evaluate the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the term "meridian symptoms."
- To propose a more suitable terminology for meridian-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Collation and analysis of ancient Chinese medical literature.
- Comparative study of historical terminology and modern definitions.
- Linguistic and conceptual analysis of meridian disorder descriptions.
Main Results:
- Ancient texts describe a wider range of conditions than the modern term "meridian symptoms" implies.
- Meridian disorders encompass zangfu disorders, conditions along meridian pathways, collateral disorders, and exterior-interior meridian imbalances.
- The current term inadequately represents the full spectrum of meridian-related pathologies.
Conclusions:
- The term "meridian symptoms" is an oversimplification of complex meridian pathologies.
- A more comprehensive term is needed to accurately reflect the scope of ancient descriptions.
- "Meridian-collateral dominated disease" is proposed as a potentially more fitting expression for terminology normalization.
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