Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Seven

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Seven

Meridians are pathways of “healthy” Qi as well as pathways for pathogens (“evil” or “pathogenic” Qi).

Wind is a common pathogen that can enter a meridian that is lacking in Qi. Once the Wind enters, it will travel along the pathway of the meridian. Clients will often trace the path of the meridian as they describe where their pain is. Following the path of their concern is one way we access which meridian is affected.

This is similar to the Western notion of referred pain patterns.

Therapists use their knowledge of meridian pathways to access the condition and treat it. By specifically focusing on the meridian, the therapist moves the Wind out of the meridian to make space for the return of healthy Qi. To accomplish this, the therapist will work with the whole meridian, with specific points on that meridian, and with points on other meridians associated with the issue.

For example, Wind in the Gallbladder meridian may arise as a pattern of pain from the hip and down the outside of the same leg. In Western medicine this condition may be termed “sciatica.” Chinese medicine may classify it as Wind blocking the Gallbladder meridian. To resolve this pain we would massage specific points on the Gallbladder meridian to encourage the release of Wind out of the meridian and the return of flowing Qi. When the Wind is released and the Qi is once again flowing, the “sciatica” pain will disappear.

Meridian Massage

What is Meridian massage actually doing? When you realize that a meridian is not really a “thing” but a pathway for energy, it is kind of funny to consider massaging one. Thousands of years ago meridians were somehow discovered and mapped out. The course of time has proven the reality of meridians and Qi, and the wisdom of working with them.

Meridians and points can be treated in many different ways. Chinese medicine uses needles, massage, herbs, exercise, moxibustion (heat), cupping, meditation, and diet and lifestyle adjustments to affect the Qi in the meridians.

Meridian Massage is not a formal method of Chinese medicine. It is a modern hands-on approach to working with the Qi. When we “massage” meridians, we are focusing on the energy, the Qi of our client. The ultimate intention of Meridian Massage is to support abundant, free-flowing, harmonized Qi. Abundant, free-flowing, and harmonized Qi is the energetic basis of physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.

Using the meridians as pathways, we support our clients’ increased awareness of their inner worlds and Qi. It is within this inner world that each of us “meets our self.” These meetings, or meeting points, provide the possibility for integrating Yin and Yang, right brain and left brain, conscious and unconscious, masculine and feminine, body and mind, form and formless. As our energies are literally unblocked and reconnected with each other, our Qi flows, the Organs are nourished and function optimally. We enjoy vitality, energy, strength, and flexibility in our body-mind-emotions-spirit.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black