Meridians and collaterals (Jingluo)

Meridians and collaterals, or Jingluo, constitute a fundamental theoretical framework in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describing a network of pathways that transport vital energy (Qi) and blood throughout the body (NIH NCCIH, 2022). This system is believed to link the body's internal organs with the exterior limbs and joints, facilitating physiological regulation and defense against pathogens. Unlike conventional therapeutic targets such as receptors or enzymes, meridians have no recognized anatomical or histological basis in Western biomedicine and are not defined by specific molecular structures (PubMed, PMID: 24106444). Therapeutic interventions targeting this system, such as acupuncture, aim to modulate the flow of energy rather than bind to a specific protein or gene product. While some studies suggest correlations with the peripheral nervous system, myofascial planes, or bioelectric signals, the meridian system remains a conceptual rather than a molecular entity in modern drug discovery (WHO, 2008).

Other names

Jing-LuoMeridian systemChannels and collateralsAcupuncture meridians

Not applicable as a molecular target; therapeutic effects are traditionally achieved through physical stimulation (acupuncture) or herbal medicine to balance Qi flow.