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 heart meridian governs the flow of Shaoyin (lesser Yin), and runs from the chest, along the front arm and continues down to the hand.
- Organ/Gland Connection:
- Heart
- Yin-Yang Counterpart:
- Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian of Hand
- Peak Diurnal Activity:
- 11 AM to 1 PM
- Element:
- Fire
- Symptoms of Imbalance:
- Physical problems in the organ such as:
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Circulatory system problems
- Excess negative emotional energy generated by the organ (see Chart of Emotions)
- Fever
- Frequent sweating, night sweats
- Insomnia
- Pale, cold and tired
- Restlessness
- 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:
- Do regular meditation, work to stay focused
- Keep your diet simple and balanced
- Work on emotional health
- Cultivate a safe and friendly environment with good friendships
- Avoid sugars and spicy foods