Meridian pathways (Qi regulation)

The meridian system is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describing a network of invisible channels or "meridians" through which Qi, interpreted as life force or energy, flows throughout the body[1][2][3][4][5]. Meridian pathways are said to connect various organs and tissues, and their regulation is believed to be essential for health, with imbalances or blockages resulting in disease or dysfunction[1][3][4]. There are traditionally twelve primary meridians and several "extraordinary" meridians, each associated with specific organ systems[1][3][4]. Although widely used in TCM diagnosis and therapy (especially acupuncture and related practices), the existence of meridian pathways and the flow of Qi have never been demonstrated in anatomical or molecular terms, and they are not recognized in biomedical science[5]. The concept remains important in TCM and is used as a model to guide therapeutic interventions, but it does not correspond to a distinct molecular or pharmacological target[5]. The notion of "Qi regulation via meridian pathways" is therefore best understood as a philosophical and medical framework from East Asian traditional medicine, not a molecular or therapeutic target in the biomedical sense[5][1][2][3][4].

Other names

Meridian systemJingluoChannel networkMeridian channelsMeridian-collateral system

Other (TCM therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, herbal medicine and qigong are said to restore or regulate Qi flow in meridian pathways, but these mechanisms are not molecularly defined)