What are the Acupuncture Meridians?
This has been a bone of contention among researchers for some time. Anatomical studies have not revealed any unique or distinct structures to the meridians although there have been some claims to the contrary. The most revealing area of research has come from doctors Darras and DeVernejoul in France (See “https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:20003257” and “”https://www.facebook.com/EmperorsCollege/posts/fascinating-new-research-in-vivo-visualization-of-the-pericardium-meridian-with-/10158633103973371/”.). They injected a radioactive tracer dye (Technitium99) into an acupuncture point (they started with LV3) and then into a nearby blood vessel and then into a nearby lymph duct to see where the dye went and what the differences might be. It turned out that each was distinctly different, and the dye injected into the acupuncture point traced out the traditional path of the meridian that point was on! You can “see” the meridians on the Gamma camera pictures or CT scan (see Figures below)! Now they could only trace the meridians in the arms and legs and not into the trunk since the channels dive deeper in the trunk and the radiation is absorbed by the tissues. But
Figure 24 –
Figures above are from the article “Cytologic Assays in Acupuncture” by Jean Claude Darras, M>D. found in “Energy Fields in Medicine” published by the John E. Fetzer Foundation,9292 West KL Avenue, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49009, 616-375-2000.
Look at the pictures. Does it look like they are visualizing the channel? If they are that wide, don’t you think if there was a structure associated with it it would have been found? An they are much larger than the Bonghan Corpuscles and Ducts. Two conclusions can be drawn from this: the meridians take advantage of existing biological structures and are associated with the circulation of extracellular fluid. This should be obvious. What other explanetion is there? These are significant findings in several ways. Most importantly, extracellular fluid is the medium of exchange of nutrients and waste products between inside the individual cells and outside the cells. This circulation must be effective for the cells to function properly. In Western medicine, it is thought that this circulation is mediated solely by the lymphatic system. Drs. Darras and DeVernejoul’s research proves that there is a second system that assists the lymphatic system in its work. Since the lymphatic system’s fluids are circulated mainly by the mechanical pumping action of physical activity (which is one reason exercise and stretching (like yoga) are so good for you), the acupuncture meridians can best be thought of as assisting in the circulation of extracellular fluid especially during periods of rest and inactivity. They provide a baseline of circulation, whereas, the lymphatics provide extra circulation to meet the demands of the body when we are active. Now recently, I have been studying “structured Water” a 4th phase of water between ice and liquid water. It turns out that the separation of charge that happens with the creation of structured water (H3O) is the source of flow in the meridians and also helps the flow in the lymphatics also.So both the meridians and the lymphatics help with extracellular fluid circulation. This correlates with the TCM concept that the Qi of the meridians moisten and nourish the tissues of the body! So, think of the acupuncture meridians as consisting of the spaces between the cells (only ~5 microns by 15 microns in size) organized into channels or pathways. Not that the meridians are that small. Looking at the Figures, it is obvious that the extracellular fluid is traveling up a larger pathway. That is nice to know because it means needle placement does not have to be that precise (at least when trying to influence the flow in the meridian) . Looking at the pictures, we probably have ¼-3/4” wide meridians if not wider. Now for the autonomic effects, we still need o get adequate Qi which usually means stimulating the parasympathetic nerves deeper in the muscle. That may require more exact placement of the needle. But to influence the circulation of extracellular fluid we have a little more leeway. They also take advantage of “seams” between muscle groupings as a careful review of where the meridians are suggests. This can also explain why you can get pain from major traumas or surgeries, especially when the damage crosses the meridians. If as a part of the trauma or healing the meridians aren’t lined up properly, the ability of the affected cells to get proper nourishment or get rid of their wastes is impaired. That can result in pain or disruption of normal function. It can be thought of as a blockage in TCM. That is why needling a scar can sometimes help. I have found that doing electro-acupuncture along the channels affected works well. This is probably because the electric field causes the walls of the channels to line up in the direction of the electric field. I have also noticed that if this circulation is impaired in muscles it will typically result in achy pain (kind of like the achy pain you get from overexertion causes an achy pain from the build-up of lactic acid in the tissues. if nerve tissue is affected, it usually results in burning pain instead.
The only problem with my view is that it has yet to be duplicated any where yet. And it has been over 30 years. So I am currently trying to write a research proposal to replicate and extend their work. The next step is to find funding. So stay tuned. I’m doing what I can but the schools have to do their part too.
There are other aspects of their research which are equally revealing. For one, the dye always migrates from the periphery towards the center of the body. I asked them about this at a symposium I attended in the mid 80’s and they said that the dye was an “external pathogen” and according to TCM, “external pathogens” always travel from the peripheral to the center of the body (the heart). Well if the meridians are associated with the circulation of extracellular fluid, then indeed that flow will eventually return to the heart where it mixes again with the blood to continue its journey throughout the body. It doesn’t have anything to do with being an “external pathogen” but more to do with how extracellular fluid circulates. But to be fair, the lymphatic system does have a significant role to play in the workings of our immune system. And external pathogens can travel deeper into the body through this circulation system.
Another TCM concept associated with Qi circulation in the meridians is the direction of Qi flow in the individual meridians. For example, the Stomach channel is said to normally flow from the stomach down to the foot. When you have nausea or vomiting, it is said that you probably have “rebellious Stomach Qi” or Qi flowing in the wrong direction. So, it is understandable that that for channels like the Stomach or Lung (ex. Coughing) the normal flow of Qi could mistakenly be thought of as flowing from center to periphery based on those conditions. In addition, there is the TCM thought of the circulation of Qi through all the meridians in a 24-hour cycle with periods of energetic maximum and minimum. This has been established by careful observation and should be more correctly thought of as related to the diurnal (day-night) cycle of the autonomic nervous system and not of the Qi flow in the meridians. It should more properly be thought of as the strength of the flow and not its direction. Here we have a TCM concept that is largely correct but misinterpreted. This diurnal cycle does exist and can be measured as an ebb and flow of conductivity of key acupuncture points over the course of the day.
Another phenomenon observed with this technique was the occasional “jump” of the dye from one channel to an adjacent channel. This correlates with the idea in TCM of a “blockage” in the channel interfering with normal Qi flow. In TCM it is thought that stagnant or blocked Qi can cause pain. This pain usually manifests as an achy pain in clinical practice. With our new understanding of the nature of the acupuncture meridians (channels or pathways), this makes perfect sense. Interfering with the circulation of extracellular fluid will cause a buildup of the waste products of metabolism inside the cells and a lack of new nutrients for the affected cells. Much like overusing muscles causes a buildup of lactic acid inside the cells and makes your muscles ache, stagnant or blocked channels can also cause an achy pain.
Yet another interesting phenomenon observed by doctors Darras and DeVernejoul was the change in the rate of dye migration when the associated organ suffered from an inflammatory or degenerative condition. It was observed that if the associated organ was suffering from an inflammatory condition, the rate of dye migration was faster than normal. Alternatively, when the associated organ was suffering from a degenerative condition, the rate of dye migration slowed down or stopped completely. They also observed that needling or laser stimulation of another point on the same channel also affected the rate of migration in both the channel that was needled and the same channel on the opposite side of the body to a somewhat lesser extent. In TCM it is widely recognized that needling one side of the body can affect both sides of the body. So here we have an observed phenomenon that may explain in part how treating one side can affect both sides.
But what causes the change in dye migration or even the migration itself? It certainly isn’t residual pressure from the vascular bed since then the rate of migration in the acupuncture meridians and the lymphatic ducts should be about the same and they’re not. There is one possible mechanism that most people, even MD’s aren’t familiar with. It’s called electro-osmosis. It was discovered by the renowned Swedish Radiologist Bjorn Nordenstrom. It reveals that an electric field in a tissue matrix (not in a bucket of water) will cause water to migrate to the negative pole of the field and away from the positive pole. He also ascertained that inflammatory conditions have an accumulation of negative charge (and Robert Becker showed that regenerative processes are also electro-negative) compared to surrounding tissues and degenerative conditions are electro-positive compared to surrounding tissues. This correlates very well with change in migration rate with inflammatory and degenerative conditions.
Local – Distal Point Treatments
Have you ever wondered why we are taught to use local-distal pints in our treatments? What could be the scientific reason for doing so? I have never even heard a TCM explanation (At least I don’t remember hearing one when I was in school). Well let’s look at the problem and see what we can learn. There are a number of factors we have to take into account. First let’s look at the question of what kind of problem we might be dealing with. If it’s an organ problem, we know that inflammatory problems accelerate the flow of extracellular fluid back to the heart. In this case needling a distal point would help slow the flow and help bring it back towards normal. Both points will slow the return flow to the heart and organ and will help cancel the electro-negativity in the organ. So in this case we can say that local-distal treatments would be helpful. What about degenerative problems in the organ which we know has the opposite charge and slows or even can stop the return flow? Here obviously needling a local or distal point in a limb would aggravate the problem and would not be helpful at least with the return flow of extra cellular fluid. But a local point near the organ could in theory help increase the charge at the organ. But if the point chosen helps the problem through its influence on the nervous system then that would be good. So in this case, the effect of the distal point depends on the function of the point’s effect on the nervous system and being a distal point itself is not helpful. Now let’s look at tissue level problems such as an injury. First the injury itself does things such as an injury current and the start of an inflammatory process. Now a certain amount of negative charge is good and is even necessary for tissue regeneration and healing. The amount of charge I believe is the difference between regeneration and inflammation. But if you remove too much charge, you can actually start a degenerative process. The best way to treat this kind of problem is by using electro-acupuncture as discussed elsewhere or just shallow needling to start a slight anti-inflammation response. First let’s look at the effect of the injury on the circulation of extracellular fluid in the area of the injury. You will usually get a “current of injury” at the site of the injury, especially if the skin is punctured. Or you will get inflammation at the injury site deeper such as a tendon or nerve root etc. So now let’s look at what local-distal needling can do here. First if you needle shallowly over an inflamed injury, you can trigger a slight ant-inflammation effect. But if you needle deeply (and especially if you needle directly into the injury) you can cause more injury or put more negative charge into the inflamed area. Either way you are making the problem worse, not better. Now let’s look at the needle’s influence on the flow of extracellular fluid if the local point is not in a meridian. In this case the primary effect is to draw water to the needle. If the needle is also on a meridian it will also have an influence on the flow in the channel. Since it will draw fluid towards the needle, it will accelerate the flow upstream (distal to) of the needle and decrease the flow downstream (proximal). Now what happens when you insert a distal needle into a point that is on a channel that passes through the injured area and is distal to the injury? It will more than cancel the increase in flow of the proximal needle and further slow the return flow between the needles and in the whole channel except distal to the distal needle where it is accelerated. Now we must remember that increasing the flow generally increases the nutrition and removal of waste products and toxins from the cells. But if it is too fast then the nutrients can’t linger at the cell wall long enough to be sucked into the cell.
So after looking at this question scientifically, I can now state with some certainty several conclusions on this subject. First, Local-Distal Treatments are definitely worth doing if it is an organ problem and is an excess condition of the organ (and probably is inflammatory in nature). Here, both points will help to slow down the accelerated flow caused by the organ inflammation. A local point can help the healing process at the injured site with the exact effects depending on the type of needling or point treatment used. So using a local point is almost always indicated. Now the distal point is a totally different matter. A distal point is indicated generally only if the distal point has an autonomic effect that would be helpful to the problem. And if you think about it, pretty much all distal points used are points like this. The only real exception to this is if the local problem is inflammatory in nature. Here, like an inflamed organ, the distal point would help slow down the accelerated flow distally in the channel due to the injury thus helping the healing process. Although the flow more proximal from the injury site will be slowed down both by the injury and the distal needle. So with inflamed injuries, I would check to see if there are any problems proximal or distal to the injury to tell you whether you need to use another needle either distally or proximally to the injury.
The Source of the Flow in the Meridians
It is my belief that the source of the flow of extracellular fluid in the meridians is due to structured water forming on the cell walls of the cells that line the meridians. The cell walls of most cells in the body are hydrophilic surfaces. As such, they will naturally form structured water on their surface. This is driven by infrared energy (heat) which is abundant in the body. As a result of structured water formation, you get a separation of charge with the structured water itself becoming negatively charged and the surrounding extracellular fluid becoming positively charged as the extra hydrogen goes into the extra cellular space and attaches to a water molecule to become H3O+. The meridian forms a hydrophilic tube. The accumulated charge in the extracellular fluid will have two forces that will create flow in the tube. First, is the desire to even out the concentrations between inside the tube and outside the tube. second is the attractive force of attraction between the positive charge in the extracellular fluid and the negative charge at the brain and spinal column witch then pulls the fluid towards the chest. Also there is a pushing force from the positive charge at the hands and feet. The flow is maintained by the infrared energy of the body.
New Treatments
This effect on the flow of extra-cellular fluid also suggests new treatment approaches for the treatment of diabetic and drug induced peripheral neuropathy and neuralgias (especially in the lower legs/feet), and as an aid in the treatment of gout and edema (and my own clinical experience has born this out). In most of these cases an accumulation of toxins in the tissues is suspected and logic tells us that stimulating the return flow of extracellular fluid should help the problem. For example, I have treated several patients with these types of problems in the feet and lower legs and there was clearly no problem with the blood circulation. By needling points around the knees on the channels affected by the problem, significant improvement of their condition was observed thus further validating this theoretical construct. One patient had seen another acupuncturist 8 times with no effect on her problem. But with using this new approach, we saw noticeable improvement even after just the first treatment! In another case the patient had burning pain in her left foot that her doctors couldn’t figure out why. MRI’s didn’t show any physical abnormality. Her foot was warm to the touch and not discolored. To me, this looks like a classic case of poor circulation of extracellular fluid. So, I explained my diagnosis to her and told her we’d see improvement right away if I’m right. Sure enough, she got 50% improvement after the 1st treatment! Just more evidence that my theory is probably right! Can you think of another explanation?
I have recently had the opportunity to see whether needling nearer to the problem area or needling where there is more charge on the skin made the most difference. I had a patient w who had facial surgery and had edema on one side of her neck and jaw. So I added LI16 to the treatment to draw the fluids down and away from the area. That helped. So then I added LI4 to see how that helped. And we got more help. The next treatment I needled LI11 instead of LI4 and got even better results. So it seems I have my answer. Distance matters more. And that makes sense. Electro-osmosis is not that strong an effect and effects nearby fluids more (mostly because of the effect the tissue matrix plays). So the effect diminishes with distance (CCoulombs Law). The results I saw prove that out. I saw this with another patient as well. She had pain in her calf after joint replacement surgery on her knee. So I needles points all around her mid thigh to stimulate extra cellular fluid circulation. And that helped. Then I added UB40 to the treatment and that helped a lot more. Sometimes I have had to add points on other channels between the channels like the Germans found with Dr. |Volls research. And it worked too(Yes, there are more channels than you were taught-the Chinese don’t know everything). Further proving my understanding of the phenomenon is accurate. So I do “research” on my patients when the opportunity presents itself. I could do much more if I had the money.
There is one other thing I should mention when treating these types of problems. Always assess whether the problem is blood circulation. Because if you guess wrong and treat it as a blood circulation problem and needle points like the ba feng points to dilate the blood vessels you will probably make the problem worse not better. So if you’re are not sure what kind of problem it is, do no harm and treat it like it is a problem with the extracellular fluid first. That way if you are wrong, you won’t make it worse.
There is one more issue associated with what the channels are that should be addressed now. And that is the existence of channels between the traditional channels found in TCM. These are well known and accepted in German electro-diagnostic techniques such as EAV, BFD, and Vega Testing. They even give them names (See Figure below).
The meriidians used in EAV, VEGATESTING and German electro-acupuncture.
In my own practice, I have observed several patients whose conditions strongly suggested their existence. Two of them had massive leg trauma with shattered bones and some tissue torn out. That massive trauma, and even the surgery to repair it left the tissues with significant disruption of the circulation of extracellular fluid. There was pain along the areas in between the Stomach and Gall Bladder channels and between the Gall Bladder Channel and the Urinary Bladder Channel that was not responding to treatment just along the traditional channels. Palpation revealed local ahshi points that “felt” just like typical acupuncture points and which also fell into the typical grid-like pattern found with acupuncture points throughout the body. Electro-stim along all the channels (both traditional and non-traditional) gradually opened the circulation (I’ll as I mentioned earlier) and relieved the chronic pain these patients were suffering from. I have occasionally observed a similar situation with lateral epicondylitis. One patient, had pain not at points along the San Jiao and Large Intestine channels (typical) but along a pathway between the two (in addition to pain at the tendon of course). The pain is due to the muscle tension in the muscles in the dorsal forearm which is typical in lateral epicondylitis. This is why heat helps (which you wouldn’t expect with inflammation). Anyway, there was a local ah shi between SJ9 and LI10 and distally lateral to and a bit more distally than SJ5. Treating them like any other local-distal point combination worked just like the more traditional points usually do. (This was an Inflammatory condition.) It would be very interesting to see the French research applied to these channels as well. When I was doing Therapeutic Touch a lot when I was in Acupuncture school, and I noticed that if I was assessing someone who had a cold or the flu, I could “feel” the Large Intestine channel and to a lesser degree the Lung channel! I believe that some ancient practitioners could have done this too, and that could have played a role in the development of the idea of “channels”. I have found this skill valuable at times in my practice. There are also some other things I’ve noticed that are worth sharing as well. When I was first learning how to needle points, I used my ability to “feel Qi” to locate the point and where to put the needle. But I wound up hitting blood vessels a lot. Eventually I figured out that the “Qi” at the point I should needle (the center of the dent) had a different and more subtle feeling. I have since also noticed that points of inflammation had a similar feeling as where I was feeling the blood vessels! To me, this probably means that what I was feeling is probably associated with either a current (and possibly the magnetic field they produce) or charge.
So now you know what the meridians really are and how they function in the body and how acupuncture can affect that function. My experience in the clinic proves these concepts are correct as well as them making perfect sense. It took an engineer to put the pieces together and to prove it’s clinical worth. It surprises me that this wasn’t obvious to people before and no one has yet reproduced the French research. Even the French researchers themselves haven’t realized the implications of their work.
Formation of the meridians themselves
As I think about it, it occurred to me that the EZ formation (structured water or H3O2) may even be responsible for the formation of the meridians themselves. Let me explain how this can be possible, even probable. You heard it first here. First, let us assume that cellular structure occurs at random. Unless some ordering process is at work, the boundaries between the cells would occur randomly. Now, no matter how the cell to cell boundaries are organized, they all are mostly made up of hydrophilic surfaces. Thus, they will build EZ layers and produce H3O+ in the process which will accumulate in the extra-cellular spaces. Being of like charge, they will repel from each other, producing a pressure pushing the cells apart. The electric charge potential of the whole body pulls the positive charged H3O molecules towards the center of the body (inside the body, the charge distribution is opposite of that on the surface). Those combined forces can possibly make the spaces between the cells to form into channels. Building EZ layers between the cells would further increase the process. And, Wala, acupuncture meridians. The lymphatic ducts may even form starting with this process. Alternately, as the cells are dividing, the repulsive forces and the attractive forces would combine to form the channels as the tissues are growing. The body naturally provides a way to circulate the extracellular fluid so the cells can get the nutrients they require and get rid of the wastes of metabolism. This just points to the genius of the self organizing principle of the body, and the role something as simple as water has to play in that process.
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