Meridian channel

Meridian channels are conceptual constructs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), described as invisible "channels" or "energy highways" thought to carry vital energy (qi) throughout the body[1][2][3][4][7][8]. The meridian system is said to consist of twelve principal meridians, corresponding to internal organs (as defined in TCM), and several additional channels such as the eight extraordinary meridians[5][4]. Meridians are the basis for acupuncture and several related therapies, as they are believed to connect acupuncture points along pathways through which qi flows[2][5]. In the TCM model, blockages or imbalances in meridian channels are associated with illness or pain, and treatment aims to restore the proper flow of qi[8]. Despite their central role in TCM theory and practice, meridian channels have no established anatomical or molecular correspondence in conventional Western medicine or scientific anatomy. They are not recognized as physical structures such as receptors, proteins, or signaling molecules, and no scientific evidence supports their existence as material entities[3][5][6]. Modern anatomical research suggests some correlations between connective tissue (fascia) and meridian pathways, but this remains speculative and is not evidence of meridians as molecular or anatomical targets[5][6]. Meridian channels are therefore not considered therapeutic targets in the sense used in modern pharmacology (e.g., receptors, enzymes, transporters), and any reference to them as molecular entities is incorrect[3].

Other names

meridianchannelenergy channelenergy highwayJing Luomeridian systemmeridian network