A Study on the Properties and Functions of the Twelve Main Meridians: Focusing on the Relationships between the Internal Organs and the Meridians

Abstract

Objectives and Methods : This study is to understand the properties and functions of twelve meridians. It aims to understand the meaning of the meridian names, and to study the properties of the six qi and the method of movement of the meridians by analyzing the six qi of the three yin and three yang from a meteorological perspective. The functions of twelve meridians based on the relationship between the operation of the internal organs and the meridians are then examined. Results and Conclusions : (1) The three yin and three yang includes the properties of six qi at the meridians. (2) The fundamental qi at reverting yin meridian lesser yin meridian and greater yin meridian has the properties of wind, heat and dampness, respectively, which are yang qi, while the fundamental qi at lesser yang meridian, yang brightness meridian and greater yang meridian has the properties of ministerial fire, dryness and cold, respectively, which are yin qi. (3) In the circulation of meridian qi, yang qi ascends at yin meridians while yin qi descends at yang meridians. (4) Three yin meridians belonging to the viscera help the function of intestines, which saves essence qi and then makes it go upward, while three yang meridians belonging to the bowels help the function of converting foodstuff and making it go downward. (5) In the human body, the internal organs play the primary role, and the meridians serve as helpers of the functioning of the internal organs by controlling the six qi.