Dredging meridians

Dredging meridians (also referred to as 'Tongluo' or unblocking the channels) is a fundamental therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than a specific molecular target such as a protein, receptor, or enzyme (NIH NCCIH, 2023). It describes the clinical objective of removing obstructions within the meridian system—pathways through which Qi and blood are believed to flow—to alleviate pain and restore organ function. In modern pharmacological contexts, therapies aimed at dredging meridians, such as acupuncture or complex herbal decoctions, are often studied for their ability to improve microcirculation, reduce blood viscosity, and modulate inflammatory cytokines (PMID: 31080352; PMID: 32654381). However, because the term represents a holistic treatment strategy or functional outcome rather than a discrete biological molecule, it is considered an incorrect entry for a target database. Analysts should identify specific active compounds or physiological pathways (e.g., VEGF signaling or platelet aggregation) rather than the therapeutic concept itself.

Other names

Unblocking the meridiansClearing the channelsTongluoTongjingHuoxue TongluoDredging the channels

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principle, it involves the use of acupuncture or herbal formulas to eliminate obstructions in hypothetical energetic channels (meridians) to restore physiological balance.