Meridian lines, known as qi(chee)or energy highways, are invisible pathways within the body in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through which vital energy, blood, and fluids flow, connecting organs, tissues, and the mind.There are 12 principal meridians, each associated with a specific organ and divided into Yin and Yang groups, along which acupuncture points are located. These pathways are crucial for health, and imbalances in their flow can lead to illness, making them a primary focus for a acupuncture and other TCM therapies aimed at restoring balance.
Key Concepts

• Energy (Qi): Meridians are the channels for qi, the body's life force, and its associated functions. 
• Organ Systems: Each of the 12 principal meridians corresponds to a specific organ system, such as the Lung, Heart, or Kidney. 
• Yin and Yang: Meridians are categorized into Yin (associated with solid organs) and Yang (associated with hollow organs) groups. 
• Acupuncture Points: These are specific locations along a meridian that act as access points to the energy system. 

How They Work

• Energy Distribution: Meridians act like a complex network, transporting qi and essential substances to every part of the body. 
• Connection: The pathways connect internal organs with the external environment and link the body's physical components with the mind and spirit. 
• Holistic Health: The entire meridian system forms a cohesive whole, where blockages or imbalances in one area can affect other parts of the body. 

Modern Understanding

• While meridians are not physical structures in the Western medical sense, some research suggests a possible connection to the body's fascial network—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. 
• The pathways might transmit information through electrochemical signals within this connective tissue network.