Topic 1
Jing Luo (Meridians and Collaterals)
1.General knowledge of Jing Luo
Jing Luo refers to the system of meridians and collaterals.Generally, this system includes twelve meridians, eight extraordinary vessels, twelve meridian divergences, twelve meridian sinews, twelve cutaneous regions, and fifteen collaterals, as seen in Fig.1—1.
Fig.1—1 A brief table of the system of meridians and collaterals
Among the meridians and collaterals, the twelve meridians are the main trunk, which “pertain to the zang-fu organs internally and connect with the limbs and joints externally”, thus linking the internal and external parts of the body.The twelve meridian divergences are important branches of the twelve meridians, located in the chest, abdomen, and head.They strengthen the connections between the exteriorly-interiorly related meridians and facilitate communication between the meridians and the zang fu organs.The fifteen collaterals are external branches of the twelve meridians in the limbs and the anterior, posterior, and lateral trunk; they connect the exterior with the interior and pour qi and blood.The eight extraordinary vessels follow unique pathways to govern and connect meridians, regulating the excess and deficiency of qi and blood.Tendons, muscles, and skin are divided into twelve meridian sinews and twelve cutaneous regions based on the distribution of meridians and collaterals.The theory of the eight extraordinary vessels was not completely developed in the Huangdi’s Inner Classic ( Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng, 黄帝内经) (“ The Inner Classic ”) and is not covered in this section.It will be introduced in Topic 3.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Huangdi’s Inner Classic ( Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng , 黄帝内经)
Huangdi’s Inner Classic , is also called The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic .It is important to note that“Yellow Emperor” is only the literal translation of “Huang Di (黄帝)”.“Huang Di” was not an emperor,but actually the name of a leader of an ancient tribe in China, and “黄帝” can also refer to the name of the tribe itself.
This book is usually referred to simply as The Inner Classic, which in pinyin is Nèi Jīng and in Chinese characters is 内经.
The Inner Classic is a book on the basic theory of TCM, mostly focusing on acupuncture and moxibustion.This book has a complicated history, and is generally believed to have been compiled by a group of authors over an extended period of time, with its final form completed during the middle and late Western Han Dynasty.Now the book is divided into two parts: The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū , 灵枢) and Basic Questions ( Sù Wèn , 素问), each consisting of 81 chapters, typically presented in a question-and-answer format.
Ling Shu is sometimes translated as The Miraculous Pivot , while Su Wen can be translated as Plain Questions .Some scholars now suggest Elementary Questions as an alternative translation.
2.The origins and development of Jing Luo
■ 2.1 Mai, Jing and Luo
The theory of meridians and collaterals was meticulously recorded in The Inner Classic and The Classic of Questioning ( Nàn Jīng, 难经).Since then, scholars have explored the formation and development of the theory of meridians and collaterals based on these two classics.In the 1970s, silk books of The Classic of Moxibustion on Eleven Vessels on the Feet and Arms ( Zú Bì Shí Yī Mài Jiǔ Jīng , 足臂十一脉灸经) (“ Feet and Arms version”) and The Classic of Moxibustion on Eleven Vessels of Yin and Yang ( Yīn Yáng Shí Yī Mài Jiǔ Jīng , 阴阳十一脉灸经) (“ Yin and Yang version”) were unearthed from the Mawangdui tombs of the Han Dynasty in Changsha, Hunan Province.These texts include details on the circulatory pathways, indications and moxibustion techniques for the 11 vessels of the human body.In the 1980s, a bamboo-slip book named The Book of Vessels ( Mài Shū , 脉书) was discovered in a Han Dynasty tomb at Zhangjiashan, Jiangling City, Hubei Province, and some of its contents were largely consistent with those found in the Yin and Yang version.These unearthed documents play an important role in the analysis of the development of the meridians and collaterals.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Classic of Questioning ( NànJīng , 难经)
The Classic of Questioning is traditionally attributed to Bian Que, whose real name is said to be Qin Yueren, though this attribution is questionable.The book is dated to the Eastern Han Dynasty.It is commonly believed that the 81 chapters in the book aim to clarify dificult issues in the Nei Jing .However,some scholars argue that certain issues or ideas may not originate from Nei Jing but from other sources.
The book is also known by several other names, such as Huangdi ( Yellow Emperor ) ’s Classic of Eighty one Dificult Issues , The Classic of Eighty - one Dificult Issues , or simply The Classic of Dificult Issues .The character “难” is polyphonic, pronounced both nán and nàn.When pronounced as nán, the character“难” means “difficult”, whereas when pronounced as nàn, it means “questioning”.According to the content of this book, where “难” is understood to mean “questioning”, a more accurate translation for the book is The Classic of Questioning.The number 81 refers to the total number of chapters in the book, each of which contains one or two questions along with their answers.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Mawangdui Tombs of the Han Dynasty
The Mawangdui tombs of the Han Dynasty (马王堆汉墓), located in Changsha City, Hunan Province,China, are the burial site of the marquis of Dai, Li Cang, and his family, who lived during the early Western Han Dynasty.There’re 3 tombs, numbered 1 through 3 in chronological order, containing the remains of Li Cang’s wife, Li Cang himself, and Li Cang’s son, respectively.
In tomb No.1, an almost perfectly preserved body of Xin Zhui, also known as Lady Dai, was discovered.In tomb No.3, dated to the 12th year of Emperor Wen (168 BCE), several silk manuscripts were excavated in 1973.These manuscripts include the previously mentioned medical texts, as well as others such as the Methods of the Vessel ( Mài Fǎ , 脉法).
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: CULTURE
Silk books, bamboo-slip books
Silk books, silk texts, or silk manuscripts (帛书), refer to works written on silk.They’re usually discovered in ancient tombs in China.
Bamboo-slip books (简书) refer to works written on bamboo slips.Bamboo slips (简) and wooden slips(牍) were the primary writing materials before the advent of paper in ancient China.Bamboo-slip books are also found in ancient tombs.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Classic of Moxibustion on Eleven Vessels on the Feet and Arms ( Zú B ì ShíYī Mài JiǔJīng , 足臂十一脉灸经)
This refers to one of the silk books unearthed from the Mawangdui tombs of the Han Dynasty.
Dated back to the pre-Qin period, the book outlines circulatory pathways, indications, and moxibustion techniques for 11 vessels named after the foot or arm.
The Classic of Moxibustion on Eleven Vessels of Yin and Yang ( YīnY áng Shí YīMài JiǔJīng , 阴阳十一脉灸经)
This refers to one of the silk books unearthed from the Mawangdui tombs of the Han Dynasty.
Dated to the pre-Qin period, the book introduces circulatory pathways, indications, and moxibustion techniques for 11 vessels named yin or yang.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Zhangjiashan Tombs of the Han Dynasty
The Zhangjiashan tombs of the Han Dynasty (张家山汉墓) are located in Jiangling County, Hubei Province,China.Tomb number 247 belonged to a low-level oficial who was skilled in law, proficient in calculations,interested in medicine, and practised daoyin—a form of physical exercise.The occupant of this tomb died in the 2nd year of Empress Lyu’s reign, which corresponds to 186 BCE or shortly thereafter.
In this tomb, more than 1,000 bamboo slips were excavated in 1983—1984, and they could be categorized into various books.One of these books is The Book of Vessels , the bamboo-slip book mentioned earlier.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Book of Vessels ( Mài Shū , 脉书)
This refers to one of the bamboo-slip books unearthed from the Zhangjiashan tombs of the Han, dated to the 2nd year of Empress Lyu’s reign (186 BCE), discovered in Jiangling City, Hubei Province in 1984.
Dated to the pre-Qin period, the book consists of five sections, which some scholars considered to be medical texts.The sections or books don’t have titles.Since three of the five sections correspond to diferent ancient versions of silk books from the Mawangdui tombs, they are typically referred to by the names of these silk books, such as The Classic of Moxibustion on Eleven Vessels of Yin and Yang (Version C) and Methods of the Vessel (Version B).
In the Feet and Arms version and the Yin and Yang version, all meridians are named using the character “Mai (vessel,脉)” or another ancient Chinese character for “Mai” (“温”), such as “arm Taiyin vessel”, “shoulder vessel”, “tooth vessel”, etc.In The Inner Classic , “vessel” is also used to name meridians, such as “the lung vessel of hand Taiyin”.“Vessel”, one of the five tissues categorized as “skin, muscle, vessel, tendon, bone”, originally referred to blood vessel.It denotes “blood-containing and multi-branched lines travelling inside the body (血理分斜行体者)”.The use of the character “脉”reflects that ancient understanding of blood vessels were closely linked to the development of meridian and collateral theories in traditional Chinese medicine.
The term “Jing (meridian)” and “Luo (collateral)” emerged later than “Mai (vessel)”.In The Inner Classic , “Mai” is categorized into “Jing Mai (meridian vessel, meridian)”, “Luo Mai (collateral vessel,collateral)” and “Sun Mai (minute vessel, minute collateral)” based on their varying sizes and depths.Meridians and collaterals can be further classified into “deficient meridian”, “excessive meridian”,“yin meridian”, “yang meridian”, “yin collateral”, “yang collateral”, “big collateral”, “small collateral”and “superficial collateral”, depending on the deficiency or excess of qi and blood and their diferent distribution of yin and yang.
■ 2.2 Eleven vessels, twelve meridians and other meridian theories in the early stage
2.2.1 Eleven vessels and twelve meridians
The Feet and Arms version and the Yin and Yang version are works from the pre-Qin period, whereas The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jīng Mài , 灵枢·经脉) was completed later.There’s an intrinsic relationship among the meridian theories presented in these three books.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The pre-Qin period
The pre-Qin (先秦) period refers to the time before the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE—206 BCE) in Chinese history.
In a broad sense, the period spans over 1,800 years and includes various ancient stages, namely the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty, and the Zhou Dynasty (which can be further divided into the Western Zhou Dynasty and the Eastern Zhou Dynasty).During this time, the ancient Chinese developed a rich and significant civilization.In an even broader context, the pre-Qin period may also extend back to the Paleolithic Era.
In a narrower sense, the pre-Qin period specifically refers to the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, spanning from 770 BCE, when the Eastern Zhou Dynasty began, to 221 BCE, when the Qin Dynasty was established.
The Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty (秦朝、秦代), the first imperial dynasty in China, was established in 221 BCE and lasting until 206 BCE.Its founder, Ying Zheng (嬴政), is more commonly known by his title, Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇), which literally means “the First Emperor of the Qin”.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot (Líng Shū·Jīng Mài, 灵枢·经脉)
The 10th chapter of the Ling Shu .It primarily addresses the names, starting and ending points, routes,symptoms, signs, and therapeutic principles of the 12 regular meridians and 15 collaterals.
There are 11 vessels recorded in the Feet and Arms version, including six “foot” vessels in the lower limbs: foot Taiyang, foot Shaoyang, foot Yangming, foot Taiyin, foot Shaoyin and foot Jueyin.Additionally, there are five “arm” vessels: arm Taiyin, arm Shaoyin, arm Taiyang, arm Shaoyang, and arm Yangming.
In the Yin and Yang version, a total of 11 vessels are recorded: 6 yang vessels, which include the foot Ju(Tai)yang, foot Shaoyang, foot Yangming, shoulder vessel (similar to the arm Taiyang vessel), ear vessel (similar to the arm Shaoyang vessel), and tooth vessel (similar to the arm Yangming vessel); and 5 yin vessels, which include the foot Ju(Tai)yin, foot Jueyin, foot Shaoyin, arm Ju(Tai)yin, and arm Shaoyin.
In The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot , 12 meridians are recorded: the lung meridian of hand Taiyin, the large intestine meridian of hand Yangming, the stomach meridian of foot Yangming, the spleen meridian of foot Taiyin, the heart meridian of hand Shaoyin, the small intestine meridian of hand Taiyang, the bladder meridian of foot Taiyang, the kidney meridian of foot Shaoyin, the pericardium meridian of hand Jueyin, the Sanjiao meridian of hand Shaoyang, the gallbladder meridian of foot Shaoyang, and the liver meridian of foot Jueyin.
It’s generally believed that the Feet and Arms version was produced earlier than the Yin and Yang version.However, from the viewpoint of content, the Feet and Arms version offers a more detailed distribution of the 11 vessels compared with the Yin and Yang version, and it also includes additional branches.In addition, the vessels in the Feet and Arms version were named according to three yin and three yang categories, whereas the names in the Yin and Yang version are more primitive, such as “shoulder vessel”, “ear vessel”, and “tooth vessel”.These differences indicate that the two books originated from diferent sources.However, there are commonalities between the 11 vessels recorded in both books, such as:
● The vessels generally run towards the center, starting from the hand (wrist) or foot (ankle) and running towards the chest, abdomen, or head along the four limbs.However, in the Yin and Yang version, the “shoulder vessel” and the foot Ju(Tai)yin vessel run from the head or abdomen towards the tips of the four limbs.
● The courses of the vessels are relatively simple: some are merely connecting lines between the starting point and the end point, with few branches.In the Feet and Arms version, only the foot Taiyang and foot Shaoyang vessels each have two branches.
● The courses of the vessels are generally distributed on the surface of the body, with only a few running into zang-fu organs.For example, in the Feet and Arms version, the arm Taiyin “reaches the heart” and the foot Shaoyin “goes out of the liver”.In the Yin and Yang version, the arm Ju(Tai)yin meridian “goes into the heart”, the foot Shaoyin “links to the kidney”, and the foot Taiyin “covers the stomach”.
● There’re no established links among the vessels in general.However, in the Feet and Arms version, it is noted that only the foot Jueyin vessel “intersects with the Taiyin vessel after ascending for 8 cun”.
● Regarding to the order of the vessels, in the Feet and Arms version, the “foot” vessels precede the“arm” vessels.In contrast, in the Yin and Yang version, the “yang” vessels come before the “yin”vessels.
In The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot , the courses of meridians are more systematized by incorporating interior-exterior relations between meridians, based on the distinctions of “hand”, “foot”,“yin”, “yang”, and the characteristic of meridians “internally pertaining to the zang-fu organs and externally linking the limbs and joints”.Compared with the 11-vessel system, the 12-meridian system in The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot has the following characteristics:
● The courses of the meridians run either upstream or downstream.
● Meridians include both an internal part that connects to the zang-fu organs and an external part that distributes to the body surface.The nomenclature of meridians also incorporates the related zang-fu organs.
● There’re interior-exterior relations between meridians.
● Meridians are listed according to the order of three yin and three yang circulations.
The inheritance and development relationships between the 11-vessel and 12-meridian theories are illustrated in Table 1—1.It should be clarified that in the table, the arm Taiyin in the Feet and Arms version and the arm Juyin in the Yin and Yang version can’t be directly equated to the hand Taiyin meridian in The Spiritual Pivot .However, from a nomenclature perspective, there’re definite inheritance and development relationships.In the 11-vessel system, the arm Taiyin and arm Jueyin are described as “reaching the heart” and “entering the heart”, with symptoms including “heart pain, vexation in the heart, and sighing” or “severe pain of the heart”.These descriptions show more similarities with the hand Jueyin meridian than with the hand Taiyin meridian.After a comprehensive analysis of the routes and symptoms of the two vessels in the silk books, it suggests that the missing vessel in the silk books should be either the later lung meridian of hand Taiyin or heart meridian of hand Shaoyin.Further analysis of the route of the arm Shaoyin in the silk books reveals that both the arm Tai(Ju)yin and arm Shaoyin vessels contain elements of the hand Jueyin meridian from later periods.That is to say, during the era of the silk books, the content of the three yin vessels of the hand were mixed, and they were not clearly classified until later periods.
It’s possible that the shift from the 11-vessel theory to the 12-meridian theory was influenced by cultural factors.In the pre-Qin period, there was a concept of “Heaven 6 and Earth 5”.For example, in Records of Melody and Almanac of The History of the Former Han ( Hàn Shū·Lǜ Lì Zhì, 汉书·律历志), it is stated that “6 corresponds to Heaven and 5 corresponds to Earth, and these numbers are constant.Heaven has six qi, which can descend and produce five flavours...The number 11 summarizes the principles of Heaven and Earth”.In the 11 vessels, there were 6 yang vessels and 5 yin vessels,reflecting these numbers.The concept of “Heaven 6 and Earth 5” is also evident in the 25 points in the yin meridians (5 times 5) and 36 points in the yang meridians (6 times 6), as well as in the five zang and six fu organs in the theory of zang-fu organs.Later, the concept of circulation emerged in meridian theory.The number 12, originating from the Book of Changes ( Yì Jīn g, 易经) and signifying circular movement, more accurately reflects this theory.As a result, the number of meridians was adjusted from 11 to 12.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty (汉朝、汉代) was the second imperial dynasty of China, beginning in 206 BCE and ending in 220 CE.This dynasty is divided into two periods: the Western Han (or Former Han), which lasted from 206 BCE to 9 CE and the Eastern Han (or Latter Han), which spanned from 25 to 220.
The Han Dynasty is regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in Chinese history.The majority ethnic group in China refers to themselves as the “Han group” and the Chinese script is known as “Han characters”.
Table 1—1 Relations between the 11-Vessel System and the 12-Meridian System
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Records of Melody and Almanac of The History of the Former Han ( Hàn Shū·Lǜ Lì Zhì, 汉书·律历志)
The History of the Former Han , also known as Qián Hàn Shū (前汉书) or the Book of (the Former) Han (( Qián ) Hàn Shū -(前)汉书), is a historical work primarily compiled by Ban Gu (32—92) during the Eastern Han Dynasty.This history covers the Western Han Dynasty, from the reign of its first emperor,Emperor Gao, beginning in 206 BCE to the fall of Wang Mang of the Xin Dynasty in 23.
The Records of Melody and Almanac section introduces the theory of musical tones and almanac.
Book of Changes ( Yì Jīng , 易经)
Book of Changes , or I Ching , also known as Scripture of Change , is regarded as the first of the five classics of Confucianism.Originally a book of divination, it later evolved into a work of both philosophy and divination due to the explanatory appendices from the Confucian school.The book can be traced back to as early as the late Shang Dynasty and the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BCE) and was composed by a group of authors over time.
2.2.2 Other meridian theories in the early stage
In addition to the 11-vessel/12-meridian theory, there were other schools of thought existed in the early stage of meridians.One instance is the carved lacquerware depicting human meridians, which was unearthed in 1995 from Tomb No.2, a wood cofin tomb dating to the Western Han Dynasty, located in Shuangbaoshan, Yongxing Town, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province.The wooden figure was painted with 10 meridians, which can be categorized as three yin meridians of the hand, three yang meridians of the hand, three yang meridians of the foot, and the governor vessel according to the meridian theory in The Inner Classic .Although there are similarities in circulation with the 11/12 meridian system, there’re significant diferences.The meridian system depicted on the wooden figure for acupuncture use is an independent system.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Shuangbaoshan tombs of the Han Dynasty
The Shuangbaoshan tombs of the Han Dynasty (双包山汉墓) are located in Yongxing town, Mianyang city, Sichuan province, China.Among these tombs, Tomb No.2 is believed to have been occupied by a chief executive of the local authority, possibly a descendant of the high nobility of the state of Chu.The tomb dates to the year before the fifth year of Yuan Shou (118 BCE) during the reign of Emperor Wu, the 7th emperor of the Western Han Dynasty.A lacquered figure of meridians was unearthed from this tomb.
In 2013, a lacquered figure depicting meridian points was unearthed in Laoguanshan, Tianhui town,Chengdu city, Sichuan Province.The figure features 22 red, thick lines on both sides of the body, which are bilaterally symmetrical and vertically distributed.Among the 11 red lines on each side, there’re 5 on the front, 4 on the back, and 2 on the side.While 9 of these lines have running courses similar to the three yang meridians of the hand, three yang meridians of the foot, and three yin meridians of the foot as recorded in The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot , the 2 red lines on the medial side of the upper limbs are diferent from any of the three yin meridians of the hand recorded in the same text.Besides, there’re 29 white, thin lines carved in intaglio on the lacquered model, including 3 horizontal lines encircling the body and 26 vertical lines.Among the horizontal lines, the one at the level of the lower ribs is similar to the belt vessel described in The 28th Issue of The Classic of Questioning ( Nàn Jīng·Èr Shí Bā Nàn , 难经·二十八难).Of the 26 vertical lines, 11 are on the front and 15 on the back and sides.The anterior middle line closely resembles the conception vessel mentioned in The 28th Issue of The Classic of Questioning. The remaining 25 vertical lines are all on the sides of the body, with most of them being bilaterally symmetrical.Some of the vertical white lines overlap with the red lines, and some also exhibit characteristics of the meridian courses recorded in The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot .Certain sections resemble those of the three yin meridians of the hand, the three yang meridians of the hand, the three yin meridians of the foot, the foot Yangming meridian, and the foot Taiyang meridian.
In addition to the lacquered figure of meridian points, Part 2 of The Book of Vessels ( Mài Shū·Xià Jīng , 脉书·下经) was also unearthed from this Han tomb in Tianhui town. Part 2 of The Book of Vessels is currently the earliest known written literature recording the meridian courses and symptoms of “the vessel of the heart master” and the “twelve regular meridians”.Its meridian course direction is consistent with that in the Feet and Arms version, which is running in a single direction towards the center without showing the trends or characteristics of the circulation of the twelve meridians.However,there’re 3 single branches: “foot Da(Tai)yang vessel”, “foot Yangming vessel”, and “foot Da(Tai)yin vessel” which share names with the regular meridians.The book also records the 9 extra vessels, such as “the Jianbiezan vessel”, which are significantly diferent from those twelve vessels previously mentioned in Part 2 of The Book of Vessels .Therefore, the contents of “the Jianbiezan vessel” is likely older than the twelve vessels, or even the Feet and Arms version and the Yin and Yang version.This suggests that there were multiple systems of meridians and collaterals at that time.These contents may reveal the early development of the meridian theory and are crucial for exploring of nature and origins of meridian concepts.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Laoguanshan (Tianhui) tombs of the Han Dynasty
The Laoguanshan tombs of the Han Dynasty (老官山汉墓), also known as the Tianhui tombs of the Han Dynasty (天回汉墓), refers to the 4 tombs located in Tianhui town, Chengdu city, Sichuang province,China.Tomb No.3 dates back to the reign of Emperor Jing (157 BCE—141 BCE) and Emperor Wu (141 BCE—87 BCE) of the Western Han Dynasty.
In 2012—2013, a lacquered figure of meridian points and several medical texts written on bamboo slips were excavated from Tomb No.3.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The 28th Issue of The Classic of Questioning ( Nàn Jīng·Èr Shí Bā Nàn, 难经·二十八难): This is the 28th issue of The Classic of Questioning .It explains the courses of the eight extraordinary vessels.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Part 2 of The Book of Vessels ( Mài Shū·Xià Jīng , 脉书·下经)
This refers to a section of the bamboo slips unearthed from Tomb No.3 of the Tianhui tombs of the Han Dynasty.This section was once divided into and named as 4 separate books.In earlier journals, it might be referred to by diferent names depending on the topic discussed.
The book contains 258 bamboo slips, mainly focusing on meridians and diseases.The 12-vessel theory,rather than 11-vessel theory, is already evident in this book.
■ 2.3 Fifteen collaterals and the collaterals
In the classic literature on meridians and collaterals from The Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot ,in addition to the 12 meridians, there are 15 collaterals.These include the collaterals of the three yin and three yang of the hand and foot, as well as the collaterals of the conception vessel, the governor vessel, and the major collateral of the spleen.In the original text, except for the major collateral of the spleen, all other 14 collaterals were referred to as “Bie (branch, 别)”.Although 15 collaterals were also mentioned in The Classic of Questioning , the collaterals of the conception vessel and governor vessel are replaced by the yang collateral and yin collateral.
In addition to the collateral names mentioned above, The Inner Classic also describes zang-fu collaterals with properties similar to the “major collateral of the spleen”.For instance, “the major collateral of the stomach is named Xu Li”.However, both The Inner Classic and The Classic of Questioning list 15 collaterals, which may be related to the number “27”.In Nine Needles and Twelve Yuan - Source Points of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jiǔ Zhēn Shí Èr Yuán , 灵枢·九针十二原), it is stated by “there’re 12 meridians and 15 collaterals, totaling 27 qi”.Yang Shangshan interpreted the number 27 as “3 times 9”, which means “nine stars in the sky, nine districts on the earth, and nine orifices in the human body”.This reflects the concept that “humans are an integral part of nature”.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Nine Needles and Twelve Yuan - Source Points of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jiǔ Zhēn Shí Èr Yuán , 灵枢·九针十二原): The first chapter of the Ling Shu .It mainly introduces the nine needles, the 12 Yuan source points, needling techniques for reinforcing and reducing, and various therapeutic principles.
In current textbooks, when introducing the Jing Luo system, it is noted that it consists of meridians and collaterals, typically mentioning only 15 collaterals as part of the Jing Luo system.However, in The Inner Classic , in addition to the 15 collaterals, there’re also other collaterals, such as “the major collateral of the stomach” and minute collateral, which are also referred to as minute Mai.For example,in The Length of Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Mài Dù , 灵枢·脉度), it is stated that“the Jing Mai is in the interior, their deviated routes are called Luo, and the branches of Luo are called Sun (minute)”.So, the term “collateral” has a broad connotation.It may refer to the 15 collaterals, or the internal “Mai” connecting the zang-fu organs, such as “the major collateral of the stomach”, or the minute branches of Jing Mai, including minute collaterals and blood collaterals, etc.In a word,the concepts of Jing and Luo are relative and can denote diferent structures depending on the context.Therefore, the “Luo” in ancient literature should not be automatically equated with the 15 collaterals.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Length of Meridians of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Mài Dù , 灵枢·脉度): The 17th chapter of the Ling Shu .It introduces the length of the meridians.
■ 2.4 Twelve meridian divergences
The theory of the 12 meridian divergences is presented in The Meridian Divergences of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jīng Bié , 灵枢·经别).In this text, all the meridian divergences are referred to as the principal divergences (Zhèng, 正) of the three yin and three yang meridians of the hand and foot.At the beginning of the chapter, a question is posed: “The twelve meridians are involved in human life, disease occurrence, treatment, the origin of disease, the beginning of learning, and the goals of excellent doctors.This is the aspect that less skilled doctors may overlook, but experienced doctors will find challenging.Could you explain their separating, joining, resurfacing, and entering?” Qi Bo answered this question with an explanation of the 12 meridian divergences.From this, it is understood that the 12 meridian divergences are still considered part of the category of the 12 regular meridians.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Meridian Divergences of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jīng Bié , 灵枢·经别): The 11th chapter of the Ling Shu .It mainly introduces the pathways of the 12 divergent meridians.
The meridian divergences branch of from the 12 regular meridians, a process known as “separating(or divergence)”, followed by “entering” which means to enter the thoracic or abdominal cavities,“joining” which involves circulating with the corresponding interiorly-exteriorly related meridian divergences, and “resurfacing” which refers to emerging from the head and neck.The 12 meridian divergences form six pairs and circulate together to distribute through the chest, abdomen, and head.They can communicate within their pairs of interiorly-exteriorly related meridians, thereby strengthening their connections with the zang-fu organs.
The 12 divergent medians extend to areas that the 12 regular meridians don’t reach, thereby broadening the indications for meridian points.For example, although the anus is not on the route of the bladder meridian of the foot Taiyang, points like Chengshan (BL57) on this meridian can still be used to treat hemorrhoids.This application of BL57 and similar points can be explained by the route of the foot Taiyang meridian divergence entering the anus, which enhances the theory of acupoint indications.
■ 2.5 Twelve meridian sinews
In The Meridian Sinews of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jīng Jīn , 灵枢·经筋), the 12 meridian sinews are described and are categorized into the sinews of the three yin and three yang meridians of the hand and foot.According to Elucidations of Script and Explications of Characters ( Shuō Wén Jiě Zì , 说文解字), “ Jin ” is defined as “muscles that can produce strength”.In contrast, in The Inner Classic , the character “ Jin ” has various meanings, including tendons, muscles, superficial veins, and nerves.In The Meridian Sinews, “ Jīng Jīn ” primarily refers to muscles and tendons.These tendons and muscles form the 12 meridian sinews according to the distribution of the regular meridians.In The Classifed Classic ( Lèi Jīng , 类经) by Zhang Jiebin, a Ming Dynasty physician,the general distribution of the meridian sinews is summarized as follows: they all originate between the fingers and toes of the four limbs, become prominent at the supporting bones, connect at the elbows and wrists, link with joints and muscles, ascend to the neck and nape, and ultimately terminate at the head and face.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
The Meridian Sinews of The Spiritual Pivot ( Líng Shū·Jīng Jīn , 灵枢·经筋): The 13th chapter of the Ling Shu .It primarily focuses on the pathways of the 12 muscular meridians.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Elucidations of Script and Explications of Characters ( Shuō Wén Jiě Zì , 说文解字)
Elucidations of Script and Explications of Characters is the first Chinese dictionary organized by components.It systematically analyzes the structure of Chinese characters and explores their origins.The book was compiled by Xu Shen, who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The Classified Classic ( Lèi Jīng , 类经)
This book was compiled by Zhang Jiebin in 1624 during the Ming Dynasty.Zhang Jiebin, also known as Zhang Jingyue, used Jingyue as his literary name.
The author classified the contents of The Inner Classic into 12 categories in this work.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: CULTURE
Name, Courtesy name, Literary name
In traditional Chinese naming conventions, typical names consist of a family name (姓, xìng) followed by a given name (名, míng).The family name comes first, and the given name follows.Historically, besides the family and given names, individuals would also have a courtesy name (字, zì).
The courtesy name, or style name, is given during a coming-of-age ceremony, typically at the age of 20 for males and 15 for females.The courtesy name, usually bestowed by parents or respected elders, is often connected in meaning to the given name.After the coming-of-age ceremony, an individual is regarded as an adult, and others will use the courtesy name to show respect.However, superiors or elders will still address him by his given name.The person himself will use his given name to display modesty.
In addition to the given name and the courtesy name, some people also have a literary name (号, hào),which can be used by themselves and others to address them.The literary name is typically chosen by the person himself but can also be bestowed by others, such as seniors or even the emperor.
In history, for some famous and respected ones, neither their courtesy names nor their literary names were used in reference to them.Instead, people would use their official titles, their birthplace, the locations where they had served as oficials, or notable features of their residences to address them.
Take Zhang Jiebin (张介宾) as an example: his family name is Zhang (张), his courtesy name is Hui qing (会卿), and his literary names include Jingyue (景岳) and Tong Yi Zi (通一子).
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: HISTORY
The Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty (明朝、明代) ruled China from the 14th century to the 17th century and is the second to-last imperial dynasty in Chinese history.
The Meridian Sinews proposes a therapeutic principle for treating diseases of the meridian sinews:“Select the tenderness as the point”.This principle is still commonly applied in the treatment of muscle and tendon issues today.
■ 2.6 Twelve cutaneous regions
The cutaneous regions are the areas on the body’s surface where the 12 regular meridians and their collaterals are distributed.The concept is primarily discussed in the Discussion on the Cutaneous Regions of Basic Questions ( Sù Wèn·Pí Bù Lùn , 素问·皮部论).Since the nomenclature and diagnostic methods of the meridians with the same name are identical, the 12 cutaneous regions are also referred to as the 6-meridian cutaneous regions, resulting in only 6 distinct names (Table 1—2).
Table 1-2 6-meridian cutaneous regions
In the names of the 6-meridian cutaneous regions, “害 (He)” is interchangeable with “阖”.“关(Guan)”, “阖(He)” and “枢 (Shu)” refer to the latch, the leaf, and the pivot of a door, respectively.These terms not only denote specific areas on the body surface but also reflect the progression of the disease and changes in condition.Consequently, they provide insight into the analysis of 6-meridian diseases and mechanisms.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Discussion on the Cutaneous Regions of Basic Questions ( Sù Wèn·Pí Bù Lùn , 素问·皮部论): The 56th chapter of the Su Wen .It mainly introduces the cutaneous regions.
The cutaneous regions can be used for diagnosis.Practical methods involve observing the superficial collaterals based on their distribution and color to determine the afected meridians and the nature of
the disease.Specifically, “a predominance of blue indicates pain, black suggests bi syndrome, yellow red points to heat, white signifies cold, and the presence of all five colors indicates a combination of cold and heat.” Meanwhile, pathogenic evils can enter through the cutaneous regions: “When the evil is retained in the skin, it causes the muscular interstice to open.As a result, the evil can enter and invade the collaterals.Once the collaterals are filled, the evil will flow into the meridians, and when the meridians are full, it will get into the fu organs and zang organs.Therefore, the skin is divided into regions corresponding to the twelve meridians.If diseases in the regions are not cured, they can lead to more serious conditions.”
In Discussion on Inconsistent Needling of Basic Questions ( Sù Wèn·Miù Cì Lùn , 素问·缪刺论) ,the efects of the cutaneous regions in treatment are discussed.The text states, “...If there’s pain without disease in the meridian, apply inconsistent needling techniques.Thus, locate the blood collaterals in the cutaneous region and treat them all.” This principle has led to the development of techniques such as cutaneous needling and collateral pricking, which are based on the theory of cutaneous regions and inconsistent needling—a specific needling method for conditions in which the collaterals rather than the meridians are afected.
KNOWLEDGE DATABASE: LITERATURE
Discussion on Inconsistent Needling of Basic Questions ( Sù Wèn·Miù Cì Lùn , 素问·缪刺论): The 63th chapter of the Su Wen .It introduces the technique of inconsistent needling—a specific needling method and addresses related issues.
3.Note
The ancient understanding of blood vessels evolved to the concept of “Mai (vessel)”, which was later followed by the notion of “Jing Luo (meridians and collaterals)”.In literature, the terms “blood vessels” and “meridians-collaterals” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they carry slightly diferent connotations.Generally, blood vessels often refer to perceptible vessels and the blood within them, while meridians-collaterals are more often used in functional descriptions such as connections and reflection within the body.
Jing Luo is an abbreviation for Jingmai (meridians) and Luomai (collaterals).The components of Jing Luo can vary across diferent treatises throughout history.Generally, Jing Luo consists of 12 regular meridians and 15 collaterals.Specifically, “Jing” typically refers to the 12 meridians, while “Luo”usually denotes the 15 collaterals.In some literature, the term “Jing Luo” is also used more broadly to refer to meridians.
■ Reflections
Compare the arm yin vessels and hand yin meridians across the 11 vessels of Yin and Yang version,the Feet and Arms version and the 12 meridians, and analyze the diferences and similarities in their pathways and associated symptoms.
Terms and Synonyms
(1) History, culture and people
(continued)
(2) Meridians and points
(3) Book names
(continued)
(4) Chapters of The Inner Classic
The Spiritual Pivot
(continued)
Basic Questions
(5) Issues of The Classic of Questioning
