-
Journal of Integrative Medicine Mar 2022The term Jingluo, translated as meridian or channel, is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has played a fundamental role in guiding the clinical... (Review)
Review
The term Jingluo, translated as meridian or channel, is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has played a fundamental role in guiding the clinical practice of acupuncture for thousands of years. However, the essence of the meridian remains elusive and is a source of both confusion and debate for researchers. In this study, a "4D" systemic view on the essence of the meridian, namely substantial, functional, chronological, and cultural dimensions, was proposed based on a review of the ancient medical classics, recent research developments, and results from clinical practice. Previous studies have primarily focused on the substantial dimension of the meridian system, with scant interpretation about its functional domain. Neither systemic data nor evaluations have been adequately documented. Additionally, a limited but increasing number of studies have focused on the chronological and cultural dimensions. More investigations that embody the holistic concept of TCM and integrate the systemic modes and advanced techniques with dominant diseases of TCM need to be performed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the essence of meridians. The goal of this study is to yield useful information in understanding the essence of meridians and provide a reference and perspective for further research.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians
PubMed: 34896049
DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.11.006 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Feb 2022The meridian and collateral theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides practitioners with essential guidance about the complex network of meridians and... (Review)
Review
The meridian and collateral theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides practitioners with essential guidance about the complex network of meridians and collateral systems, as well as informing discussions on physiopathology, diagnoses, and treatments. Various translations have enabled nonnative Chinese to understand the intricacy of the meridian pathways. However, original meanings are easily lost in the text transcription and translation, leading to misinterpretation and confusion in the learning process. We set out to (a) review the standard glossary that describes the meridian pathways; (b) review English translations of the bladder meridian pathway in selected sources; and (c) propose more accurate English translations of both. Our proposed texts offer preliminary guidance on the standardization of the terminology describing the meridian pathways and remind us of the importance of being as precise as possible when translating TCM literature, so that the work retains its original meaning.
Topics: Asian People; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians
PubMed: 32088677
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Apr 2024
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Humans; Meridians; Acupuncture Therapy; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 38686427
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.2.45 -
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Jun 2013Meridian essence has been investigated through anatomy, electrophysiology, biophysics, and biochemistry. Various hypotheses of meridian essence exist, but no hypothesis...
Meridian essence has been investigated through anatomy, electrophysiology, biophysics, and biochemistry. Various hypotheses of meridian essence exist, but no hypothesis can truly reflect the internal character of Chinese medicine (CM). The research of meridian essence requires a holistic viewpoint and innovative awareness. Initially, any hypothesis regarding meridian essence should begin with observation of the human body. Secondly, the research should arise from the meridians' physical functions and pathological changes, so as to maintain the fundamental nature of the meridians themselves. Thirdly, the research should be based upon the theory of CM, yet coupled with the integration of modern techniques to deepen our understanding of the scientific contents of meridians. Fourthly, theoretical research should be combined closely with clinical practice, in order to test the achievements in actual conditions. Lastly, more attention should be given to negative results in studies to more accurately discover the real essence of meridians.
Topics: Biophysical Phenomena; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 23264000
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-013-1322-5 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Aug 2023Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the...
Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the essence of meridian-tendon, the concept that function of fascia could partially reflect the functions of meridian-tendons has reached consensus in the academic community. This article suggests that under the guidance of meridian-tendon theory, based on previous research foundation of fascia, focusing on adopting fascia research methods, the mechanisms of tender point hyperalgesia and abnormal proliferation related to meridian lesions should be adopted to explain (taking the worst painful sites of muscle spasm as the points), and the mechanisms of meridian intervention efficacy should be adopted to explain (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators). Furthermore, this article provides an analysis of the future trends in basic research of meridian tendons.
Topics: Humans; Meridians; Acupuncture Therapy; Acupuncture; Tendons; Pain; Research Design; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 37984925
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230329-0001 -
Medicine Sep 2022Acupuncture manipulation with needling direction is important for the therapeutic effect based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. However, there is controversy over...
Acupuncture manipulation with needling direction is important for the therapeutic effect based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. However, there is controversy over directional manipulation and therapeutic effect, despite some research showing that acupuncture manipulations may have something to do with therapeutic effect. Moreover, research usually focuses on the therapeutic effects on the acupoints and acupuncture time rather than exploring the manipulation method. This study applies a semiconductor analyzer to investigate the effects of acupuncture manipulation. 10 healthy participants were recruited for the study. We used a cross-over design to compare the effect of different manipulation on individuals. This study employed an Agilent B1500A semiconductor analyzer to investigate the electric characteristics of meridians under directional supplementation and draining manipulation. We measured the electric current of meridians under different manipulation, and compared the difference between supplementation and draining manipulation in healthy individuals. The electric current was significantly larger in supplementation manipulation compared to draining manipulation in the meridians (P < .001). The measured electric current in the same manipulation methods did not show a statistical difference between meridians (P = .094). The different directional manipulation result in different electric currents in humans. Our finding implies that the supplementation and draining manipulation may result in different therapeutic effects clinically as the description of traditional Chinese medicine theory. Therefore, directional manipulation may need to be taken into consideration in future acupuncture studies and clinical management.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians; Needles
PubMed: 36107585
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030338 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Oct 2021The "meridian theory" is the summary and sublimation of long-term medical practice of the Chinese ancient sages. Via reduction and reconstruction about the theoretical...
The "meridian theory" is the summary and sublimation of long-term medical practice of the Chinese ancient sages. Via reduction and reconstruction about the theoretical system, it has been put forward a doctrine of "binary structure" about the meridian and acupoints which, at the limbs, present a longitudinal arrangement, and those at the head-face and trunk present a horizontal distribution, being closely related to the "dematome" of the body. Centered on the ontogenesis of the embryonic "somite", a closely connected "structure-function unit" complex is formed with the development of the dermis-muscle-ogran-nerve within the homo-segment. This form constitutes the basic characteristics of pathological reaction rules and therapeutic effects of meridian acupoints.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Meridians
PubMed: 34698455
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20210790 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Feb 2022Based on the theory of "brain-gut communication" and "heart-stomach disease simultaneously", the thinking and method of treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) from...
Based on the theory of "brain-gut communication" and "heart-stomach disease simultaneously", the thinking and method of treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) from meridian were discussed. CFS is related to brain and heart. Based on the analysis of meridian circulation, - function and the indication characteristics of meridian, the indications of meridian are closely related to brain and heart, so it is proposed to start from meridian and use Chinese herbs combined with acupuncture to treat CFS, including the four methods of clearing away heat and moisturizing dryness, cooling blood and removing blood stasis, promoting to clear the organs, and strengthening and replenishing deficiency. It has certain guiding and reference significance for clinical treatment of CFS.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 35152588
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210106-0001 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Feb 2019This article provides a new definition of an acupuncture meridian. It suggests that a meridian consists of a distal tract of tissue that is affected by organ function....
This article provides a new definition of an acupuncture meridian. It suggests that a meridian consists of a distal tract of tissue that is affected by organ function. In the 1960s, Kim discovered the primo vascular system and regarded the superficial primo vessels as equating to the meridians. Instead, this article suggests that the superficial primo vessels merely underlie the meridians, in that they enable their creation, which is why some meridians are said to occur along the paths of superficial primo vessels. But the meridians themselves do not have a dedicated anatomical structure; instead they are merely tracts of tissue whose normal function is impeded when the related abdominal organ is stressed. It is hypothesized that the organ information is communicated in electrical waves that may travel through the connective tissue sheaths of the superficial primo vessels. Hence, the primo vessels serve as an inadvertent transport for this information, but the organ information is independent of the physiological purpose of the primo vascular system, as are the resultant meridians.
Topics: Abdomen; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 29758286
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.05.001 -
PLoS Computational Biology Nov 2019Plant-derived nature products, known as herb formulas, have been commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for disease prevention and treatment. The herbs have...
Plant-derived nature products, known as herb formulas, have been commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for disease prevention and treatment. The herbs have been traditionally classified into different categories according to the TCM Organ systems known as Meridians. Despite the increasing knowledge on the active components of the herbs, the rationale of Meridian classification remains poorly understood. In this study, we took a machine learning approach to explore the classification of Meridian. We determined the molecule features for 646 herbs and their active components including structure-based fingerprints and ADME properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), and found that the Meridian can be predicted by machine learning approaches with a top accuracy of 0.83. We also identified the top compound features that were important for the Meridian prediction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that molecular properties of the herb compounds are associated with the TCM Meridians. Taken together, the machine learning approach may provide novel insights for the understanding of molecular evidence of Meridians in TCM.
Topics: Forecasting; Humans; Machine Learning; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians
PubMed: 31765369
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007249