Triple Warmer Meridian

General Information:   This meridian takes the form of three "heats", the heat of metabolism, maintaining body "heat", and the heat of the "fight or flight" or life passions. The function is associated wit various interactions of gland secretions involved in our various human passions. The adrenal glands  function in concert with other hormonal glands, particularly in fighting or running away in a monument of crisis, or recovery from injury, illness, malfunction and generalized stress.

Four of the muscles that are related to this meridian function are muscles involved in running, pushing off, or getting on your toes, all essential fight or flight / passion muscles.  The pituitary gland  works in concert with other endocrine glands that have functions related to the heat of life passion, procreative activity and sexual pleasure, life and death circumstances, cause worth suffering no dying for, etc.

This meridian is a somewhat mysterious one in that it is aid to have organ function in the Chinese energy system, yet it is not associated with a specific organ. It is said to have function, but no form, or it is alternatively defined as having its function through the interactions of three different groups of organs found in the thoracic, upper and lower abdominal areas.

Functions:  Regulates transformation and transportation of bodily fluids.

Physical Branches:  Blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion

Emotion:  Joy, Love and Hate

Sound:  Laughing

Season: Summer

Associated Element:  Fire

Color:  Orange red

Meridian Type:  Yang

Time of Day:  9 - 11 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Teres Minor, Sartorius, Gracillis, Soleus, Gastrocnemius

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from end of ring finger, up back of hand and arm, across shoulder and around back of ear ending at the eyebrow

Watch the Video Here 

Circulation / Sex Meridian

General Information:   This meridian pertains to the many functions that are intimately associated with the hormones and chemical messengers related to all reproduction whether it be appropriate balance in cell production or sexual recreation. It has to do with the nourishment of nes cells and the preparation for cell reproduction. It involves the menstruation cycles, ovarian, and uterine functions and prostate and testicular functions. This include the pleasures of sexual love. It also has to do with passing on genetic, cultural and personals heritage.

The Circulation-Sex Meridian is sometimes called the Pericardium Meridian and related to the muscular function of the heart and blood vessels, that which keeps the beat steady and appropriate for the external and internal environments.

Functions:  Protects the heart

Physical Branches:  blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion

Emotion:  Joy, Love and Hate

Sound:  Laughing

Season:  Summer

Associated Element:  Fire

Color:  Purple red

Meridian Type:  Yin

Time of Day:  7 - 9 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Gluteus Medius, Adductors, Piriformis, Gluteus Maximus

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from the outside nipple down the middle of the inside of the arm to the end of the thumb side of the middle finger

Watch the  Video Here 

Kidney Meridian

General Information:  This is involved in controlling the volume, composition, and pressure of fluids in all the cells as well as the whole Soul and it important in growth, development and reproductive functions. Blood flows through the kidneys at its highest pressure, toxins are filtered out, and nourishing materials are directed to where they are needed.

Water is symbolic of mystery, emotional and spirit. Kidney Meridian Function is involved in the balance of these aspects of life. In Chinese medicine the Kidney is also said to be a storehouse of life force and has a strong spiritual aspect.

Functions:  Stores prenatal essence, filters the blood

Physical Branches:  Ears, bones, urine, head and pubic hair, brain, marrow

Emotion:  Fear and Anxiety

Sound:  Groaning

Season:  Winter

Associated Element:  Water

Color:  Light flame blue

Meridian Type:  Yin

Time of Day:  5 - 7 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Psoas, Upper Trapezius, Illiacus

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from the ball of the foot, around the ankle, up the inside of the leg past the inside of the knee, past the edge of the pubic bone, up the abdomen and chest to the inside end of the collarbone.

Watch the Video Here 

Bladder Meridian

General Information:  The function is to store waste liquid before elimination, not only in the urinary bladder but also in all of the cells and throughout the Soul. In the Chinese system, the Bladder is said to be a storehouse of emotions. and so the Bladder Function is involved in the water balance / emotional balance in the whole Soul. Water is eliminated as it reaches excessive volume, or when waste material is highly concentrated.

The urinary bladder is always "full" since the muscles expand or contract as more liquid is received from the kidneys. By drinking more pure water, the bladder is actually strengthened through exercise of the expanding bladder muscles. Water is a potent symbol for emotion and mystery in life. When we are able to accept more of a vast mystery of existence, and allow our emotions to flow, we find our tolerance and flexibility increase.

Functions:  Stores and eliminates urine

Physical Branches:  Autonomous nervous system

Emotion:  Fear and Anxiety

Sound:  Groaning

Season:  Winter

Associated Element:  Water

Color:  Deep blue

Meridian Type:  Yang

Time of Day:  3 - 5 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Peroneus, Sacrospinalis, Anterior Tibial, Posterior Tibial

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, first channel from the inside corner of the eye, over the head and down the back and out along the crease of the buttocks. Go back to the original line at the shoulder for Second Channel. Go outside of the original line, past the buttocks, down the back of the leg to the end of the little toe.

Watch the Video Here 

Small Intestines

General Information:  It is primarily related to absorption of nutritious substances and the separation of waste material. These same functions take place on the cellular level, and in the Soul as a whole. It is the assimilation of influences and stiff from outside the Soul. The small intestine winds for 23 feet and has three main parts, the Duodenum, the Jejunum, and the Ileum.

Throughout the small intestine, various secretions from other organs are added to the liquefied food, which aid in the absorption of nutrients. Bacteria make up a large amount of the contents of the small intestine, also acting upon the materials that enter so that they can be absorbed.

Functions:  Absorbs nutrients, digestion and elimination

Physical Branches:  Blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion

Emotion:   Joy, Love and Hate

Sound:  Laughing

Season:  Summer

Associated Element:   Fire

Color:  Pink

Meridian Type:  Yang

Time of Day:  1 - 3 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Quadriceps, Abdominals

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from outside end of little finger up outside of arm halfway down shoulder blades, up to neck, across cheek towards nose and end in front of ear

Watch the Video Here 

Heart Meridian

General Information:  This involves the cycling of the blood as well as electrical communication with the rest of the cells of the whole Soul. The heart is in constant communication with all of the organs and muscle to determine their blood / oxygen needs from moment to moment. The heart generated 5000 times more powerful electrical messages throughout the Soul than the brain.

In the Chinese belief system, the heart is also strongly associated with mental processes, while in the West we have the traditional metaphor of the heart as an emotional center and center of wisdom. On Chinese medicine, the heart is called "sovereign ruler" which direct action with clear insight.

Functions:  Pulse/circulation, house of the spirit

Physical Branches:  Blood, tongue, throat, sweat, facial complexion, adrenals, thyroid, prostate, pituitary

Emotion:  Joy, Love and Hate

Sound:  Laughing

Season:  Summer

Associated Element:  Fire

Color:   Red with slight blue tint

Meridian Type:  Yin

Time of Day:  11 AM - 1 PM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Only one - Subscapularis

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from armpit down inside of arm to thumb side of little finger nail. (We never trace the Heart backwards)

Watch the Video Here 

Spleen Meridian

General Information:  This serves a very important function. While the stomach receives raw material, the spleen function to transform them into useable forms and to distribute them.  It is a moment in the cycle to assimilating what is appropriate and identifying toxic or harmful elements to be eliminated. The Spleen function also related to immune function, purifying the blood, increasing power of the white blood cells and removing the damages and dead red blood cells.

Pancreas function is also related to the Spleen Meridian and is involved in sugar metabolism, particularly, and digestion in general, breaking things down into manageable parts.

Functions:   Cleanses and 'modifies' the blood, houses the body's Yi (wisdom mind)

Physical Branches:  Muscles, lips, mouth, saliva, lymphatic system

Positive Emotions:  Trust, honesty, openness, acceptance, equanimity, balance, and impartiality

Negative Emotions:  Worry, excessive thinking, pensiveness, obsessiveness, remorse, regret, obsessions, and self-doubt

Emotion:  Empathy and Sympathy

Sound:  Singing

Season:   Late Summer

Associated Element:  Earth

Color:  Orange Yellow

Meridian Type:  Yin

Time of Day:  9 - 11 AM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, Opponens Pollicis, Triceps

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, from the medial side of the big toe, up leg and body to arm crease and down side seem to 9th rib.

Watch the Video Here: 

Stomach Meridian

General Information:  Involves receiving potential nutrients and initiating the digestive functions. The 35 million cells in the stomach have multiple functions besides taking in new material and new ideas. It also mixed and temporarily stores them for further assimilation. It is a moment in the cycle of seeing what is available and tagging it for use in other functions of the Soul. The Stomach Meridian is associated with the mouth as the beginning of the digestive system and involves the sense of smell, vision, etc.

Digestion truly begins in the brain and the Stomach Function has a strong mental / emotional component as well as a dietary component.  We come into first contact with potential nutrients and new ideas through what we see, smell, hear and digestion occurs best when it involves a full appreciate with five senses. Sometimes we don't see what we're taking in (watch what we eat), or we swallow something without chewing, or without realizing that it's poison. We need to be aware of what we're taking in whether it's a food, a feeling, a thought, etc.

Functions:  Digestion, absorption of postnatal energy

Physical Branches:  Muscles, lips, mouth, saliva

Emotion:  Empathy and Sympathy

Sound:  Singing

Season:  Late Summer

Associated Element:  Earth

Color: Deep Yellow

Meridian Type:  Yang

Time of Day: 7 - 9 AM

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Pectoralis Major Clavicular, Levator Scapulae, Anterior Neck Flexors, Posterior Neck Extensors, Brachioradialis

How to Trace:  Bilaterally, start below the eye, go down the jaw, around the cheek to the Frontal Eminences, over the eye, down the jaw and front of the neck, out slightly along the collar-bone, down the chest and abdomen, across the front of the hip, down the outside of the front of the leg, to the end of the 2nd toe.

Watch the Video Here: 

Governing Meridian

General Information:  This meridian is connected with all the other meridians including the Central. It is a storage vessel for excess or used energy before this energy is released with the breath. Prior to using the other muscles as indicators of imbalances in the Soul, it is important to uncover / release this stored energy by considering the burdens that a person is literally or figuratively carrying. This is associate with the function of standing and Spine function. It may also be related to Pineal Function that relates to the day / night cycles of light and darkness.

Emotion:   No general emotion attached

Associated Element:   None

Meridian Type:  Yang

Time of Day: No Time of Day

Muscles Associated with Meridian:   Only one - Teres Major

How to Trace:  From the tail bone, up the spine over the top of the head and down the face to just above the middle of the top lip.

Watch the Video Here:  

Central Meridian

General Information:  Sometimes known as the Conception Meridian. The Central and Governing Meridians relate to the balance of energy in terms of utilized amount of Soul compared to the amount of energy retained and stored for future use. This meridians are closely associated with he Lung Meridian for their similar functions of intake and release of energy and sir are draw into and released form the Soul.

Emotion:  No general emotion attached

Associated Element:  None

Meridian Type:  Yin

Time of Day:  No Time of Day

Muscles Associated with Meridian:  Only one - Supraspinatus

How to Trace:  In an upward direction, from the center of the pubic bone, up the center of the body to the bottom of the lip.

Watch the Video Here

Hering's Law of Cure

Hering's Law of Cure is the basis of all healing. This is the way the body heals or cures itself. "All cure starts from within out, from the head down and in the reverse order as the symptoms have appeared or been suppressed." We don't catch diseases, we create them by breaking down the natural defenses according to the way we eat, think, and live." Hering's Law of Cure is a very important law to understand and remember. It is imperative to follow this law in order to allow the body to eliminate toxins created daily.

The definition of Hering's Law of Cure is as follows:

"We heal from within out." This means we must allow the body to cleanse. In order for the body to eliminate toxins, it must be allowed to do so by not suppression any kind of discharge. Most over-the-counter medication and prescriptions do suppress discharges. This is not good as these toxins can go deeper into the body and create other weaknesses. The body must be allow to cleanse itself in whatever manner it needs to without interruption by synthetic suppression techniques.

"We heal from the head down." This means that before we can begin to heal we must believe we can heal. We must be mentally prepared and strong in order to allow the body heal. We must not doubt the body's ability to heal itself.

"We heal in the reverse order as the symptoms have appeared or been suppressed." This means that most of the time the last problem someone has is the first problem to be dealt with by the body in the reversal process. For instance, let's say the last illness you had was a sinus infection and a suppressive medication was used to stop any sneezing, coughing, dripping nose, or sinus discharge. In order for the body to heal itself it must eliminate these toxins and mucous that were suppressed at this time. Since it was the last illness it is the easiest for the body to heal. The body may stimulate the Immune System to create a fever to burn out the toxins, the toxins may be eliminated through the Lungs and bronchioles causing a large amount of phlegm to exit these areas, it might eliminate them through the skin causing breakouts or it could eliminate them through the Colon in which case mucous, old feces, and food that hasn't been eaten for quite a while may be eliminated. These are just a few ways the body heals itself.

Unfortunately, Hering's Law of Cure is not used today in the Orthodox medicine. Orthodox medicine generally believes that because symptoms are suppresses the problem is cured, or by removing the organ, which is not functioning correctly, it can cure the problem. Perhaps this is why no one knows what a "Cold" is today. A "Cold" is the body's way of eliminating toxins, which it does by increasing the mucous from the mucous membranes in order to free the toxins, Toxin elimination is imperative in order for the body to stay healthy. Disease reversal is also imperative in order for the body to "cure" a disease.

Arcus Senilis

The mark of old age is usually found in the uppermost portion of the iris , in zone 7, in the brain area and  on the periphery. It has the appearance of being a portion of a sodium ring. Anatomically, it is portion of the sclera coming over the edges of the cornea. This is an indication of cerebral anemia. It appears as an arc, white and often fuzzy at the edges. It makes the iris look almond shaped or oval.

When blood oxygenation and circulation are poor, the brain tissues are not getting what they need in nutrition. Metabolic waster is not being removed as quickly as it should. Often time there is an associated dulling of the cerebral abilities and functions; things aren't as clear as they should be.

This condition is being found more and more in young people. Proper and vigorous exercise are needed to get the blood moving and to give the brain the oxygen it needs.

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The 14 Major Meridians

For this post I am simply going to list the 14 major meridians in the body with just a few notes for each. A more complete blog posting will follow featuring each meridian,

Each of the 14 meridians have an associated muscle. This muscle when tested will (to some extend) indicate the activity or lack of activity of that particular meridian. Here, I will list the meridian with each associated muscle. Each meridian is also associated with a time of day, the major 12, each representing a 2 hour block of time.

The basic Touch for Health session that I provide will test all 14 muscles, hence, the 14 meridians.

There are 2 meridians, Central and Governing, that are not part of the "body" 12 meridians.
Central - associated muscle Teres Major, and Governing - associated muscle Supraspinatus.

Since the 12 meridians represent 2 hours each or the full 24 hour day, when traced one after the other are "linked" together. This simply means that where one ends the next one starts relatively close, until the last one will end close to where the first starts. If there is an energy blockage anywhere in the flow, it can affect the other meridian "down stream".

So here is the list of the 12 meridians, in order with each associate muscle.
Stomach - Pectoralis Major Clavicular
Spleen - Latissimus Doris
Heart - Subscapularis
Small Intestines - Quadriceps
Bladder - Peroneus
Kidney - Psoas
Circulation / Sex - Gluteus Medius
Triple Warmer - Teres Minor
Gall Bladder - Anterior Deltoid
Liver - Pectoralis Major Sternal
Lungs - Anterior Serratus
Large Intestines - Fascia Lata

The meridians are divided into 2 sections: Yin and Yang and each has special  qualities:

Oriental medical philosophy recognizes an energy that is magnetic, having a north and south pole, expressed in the body as positive and negative polarized. The positive energy is called "yang" or male, and the negative energy is called "yin" or female. Generally speaking, the yin energy flows from the feet to the head, and the yang energy from the head toward the feet. The body in whole and part has both the positive within the negative, and the negative with the positive.

Yin                                                                      Yang
Female                                                                 Male
Solid                                                                    Hollow
Cold                                                                     Hot
Moon                                                                   Sun
Inside                                                                   Outside
Dark                                                                     Light
Deep                                                                    Superficial
Up                                                                        Down
Hard                                                                     Soft 
Always working                                                  Work and Rest

Maybe in later blog post, a description of each of these qualities may be discussed. But for now, a general list is provided. 

As you can see by this list, it covers every major system of the body, and by balancing the meridians, the body is affected.

What to do next, (like local) go to this web site and contact me for an appointment to have your system balanced. What are you waiting for?