Explanation
The meridians are a concept of Ancient Chinese Medicine, and can be thought of as the energy network of the body. Life force energy, or Qi, along with blood and other body fluids flow along these pathways throughout the whole body.
- This energy flow creates balance within the body, helping our organs and other body parts to get what they need in order to function optimally, energetically and physically.
- The 12 Main Meridians are located symmetrically on both sides of the body (left and right), and each is linked to an internal organ.
- Each meridian also has a collateral channel, an extension of the meridian, which is located on the opposite side of the body. Imbalances often affect the collateral channel first, then the meridian, then the related organ or any other parts along the meridian. Imbalances in organ, meridian or collateral channel may manifest outwardly in the area of the collateral channel (e.g. rashes or discomfort).
- A meridian may become imbalanced, usually when the energy flow is weakened or blocked by an associated imbalance. When imbalanced, any associated body parts located along that meridian may be impacted.
- Each meridian has a Yin-Yang counterpart, listed below. Each meridian and its counterpart are most active at certain times of the day or night—this is listed below as well as on the Diurnal Cycle chart (see Circuit or System Section). Imbalance in a meridian may create a disturbance in organ function, energy level, mood, or sleep during its most active time.
The spleen meridian governs the flow of Taiyin (greater Yin), and runs from the foot, along the inner side of the leg, crossing the front of the chest and abdomen, and continuing up to the head.
- Organ/Gland Connection:
- Spleen
- Yin-Yang Counterpart:
- Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot
- Peak Diurnal Activity:
- 9-11 AM
- Element:
- Earth
- Symptoms of Imbalance:
- Physical problems in the organ such as:
- Nutrient malabsorption or lack of utilization
- Fatigue
- Immune issues
- Excess negative emotional energy generated by the organ (see Chart of Emotions)
- Diabetes
- Weight issues
- Imbalance in appetite— overeating, lack of appetite, lack of protein intake
- Weakness
- Dementia
- Stress
- Bloating
- Edema
- Bruising
- Dizziness
- Pale, weak, sluggish and cold
- Excess phlegm
- Physical problems in the organ such as:
Decoding
Ask: Is the imbalanced meridian on the left side of the body?
- If yes, move to Association.
- If no, it is on the right. Move to Association.
Association
Ask: Is there an associated imbalance that needs to be decoded?
- If no (unlikely), move to Intention.
- If yes, return to the home page, decode and address any associated imbalance(s), then return here and repeat the above question.
Intention
Swipe three times with a magnet or your hand on any length of the governing meridian, while holding the intention to balance the energy flow of the meridian.
- To further rebalance this meridian, you could:
- Chew food thoroughly
- Relax while eating, eat the right amount
- Maintain a comfortable daily routine
- Eat light, easy to digest foods (e.g broths, steamed vegetables)
- Avoid sugar, caffeine and processed foods
- Relax, meditate daily, work on letting go of worries