The System of Meridians

The Chinese, in the 3rd millennium B.C., posited the existence of a vital energy which they called Chi (life force, life energy). All matter, animate and inanimate, is composed of and pervaded with this universal energy.

Same as we need blood to flow freely through our body's circulatory system we also need Chi to flow freely through our system of meridians. Simplified one can say that the meridians are the equivalent of our blood vessels but instead of transporting blood this system transports Chi or life energy. Sickness can occur when there is a blockage in the meridians and the Chi no longer can flow freely or when the yin and yang balance of the Chi is disturbed.

12 primary meridians
There are two systems of channels or meridians, namely primary and secondary meridians. Primary meridians pass through internal organs but secondary do not. There are 12 pairs of primary meridians with Chi flowing in continuous circulation through the following organs: lungs, colon, stomach, spleen, heart, intestines, urinary bladder, kidneys, pericardium, triple warmer, gall bladder and liver. The primary meridians are named by the organ they are connected to i.e. lung meridian, heart meridian etc.
Almost all points used in acupuncture and acupressure are situated along the primary meridians. Please note that just because the meridians are named according to the organs they pass through it does not mean that they only correspond to these organs and their functions. The meridians also consist of complex interrelated systems for the circulation of Chi.

Yin and Yang
This Chi contains two polar forces, the yin and the yang. When the yin and yang are balanced, the living system exhibits physical health; when they are unbalanced, a diseased state results. Overly powerful yang results in excessive organic activity. Predominate yin makes for insufficient functioning. Either imbalance results in physical illness. The ancient art of acupuncture and acupressure focuses on balancing the yin and the yang.

Reiki and the meridians
A Reiki treatment will balance the yin and yang and facilitate a smooth flow of Chi through the meridian system. Blockages in meridians can be dissolved by Reiki and help restore the body's healthy flow of Chi.