ACUPUNCTURE MERIDIANS, WHAT ARE THEY?

Over the past several decades, various research groups have attempted to pinpoint the exact physical location of the acupuncture meridian system. Although this matter has yet to be totally resolved, the most widely held view is that the meridians actually exist within the framework of the fascial network. The fascia surrounds all organs, muscles and bones and is made up of a single, integrated and connected sheath that extends from the brain (where it lies between the two cerebral hemispheres) to the feet.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory holds that the 12 principal meridians act as circuits through which energy flows to all parts of the body. Each meridian is connected to an organ system and each extremity is served by 3 Yin (front) meridians and 3 Yang meridians which are along the posterior  aspect of the body.

If the acupuncture meridians do in fact exist within the fascia, then how does the energy or "chi" move though the area? There are several mechanisms mentioned to explain this energy transfer. The most widely held is that "chi" movement results from mechanical forces. Specifically, as the fascial interfaces glide together during all movements including normal respiration, a type of friction is produced which has been described as a form of peizoelectricity.  This mechanical energy produces heat. According to TCM theory, this may represent the actual "chi" energy that acupuncturists attempt to enhance.