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Unraveling the Mystery of the Meridians


abstract painting with pyramid shaped form

Ancient human civilizations left behind mysteries that we have yet to detangle. How did they construct the pyramids? Why did they build Stonehenge? And, how did they map the meridians?


The Meridians

For thousands of years practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) referenced illustrations of the meridian system to identify insertion points for acupuncture needles. The meridians are purported to transport life force energy, or qi (pronounced chi) throughout the body.

ancient drawing of human figure showing acupuncture points

On models like the one shown below, lines depict the meridians while the dots represent the acupuncture points. Inserting a hair-thin needle into a acupuncture point clears blockages restoring flow in the meridian. Acupuncture points are also used in tapping, which we explored in a recent blog post.

A 3D model of the human body showing the meridians and acupuncture points
Lines represent the meridians while dots depict acupuncture insertion points

Western interest in acupuncture emerged in the mid 20th century as research demonstrated that acupuncture was indeed effective. Experiments with simulated needles or needles inserted in random locations (aka sham acupuncture) disputed claims that results were attributable to the placebo effect; in other words, people felt better because they expected to feel better. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports the use of acupuncture to treat several types of pain as well as irritable bowel syndrome, seasonal allergies, fibromyalgia, incontinence and nausea associated with surgery or chemotherapy.

A 3D model showing acupuncture points on the face

Discovery of the Primo Vascular System

In 2002, scientists resurrected the research of North Korean Dr. Bong Han Kim who disappeared in 1965. Kim had discovered a thread-like system of vessels and nodes distinct from nerves or the channels that carry blood or lymph. Kim named his discovery the Bonghan system.


Using tracer dyes, CT scans and dissection, scientists determined that as these vessels loop through the the fascia or connective tissue, they intersect with various organs, travel beside blood vessels, weave in and out of lymphatic vessels, and meander along the spinal column.

While Kim's work was the most extensive, other scientists had also stumbled upon these unknown structures. Various names were introduced across the medical literature. For purposes of continuity, scientists standardized the terms primo-vascular system (PVS), primo-vessel and primo-node in 2010. The primo-vessels follow routes consistent with the meridians while the primo-nodes correlate to the location of acupuncture points.


A microscopic photo showing a primo vessel and primo node
The blue stain in this image reveals a primo-node (BHC) in a primo-vessel (BHD)

Primo-vessels carry electrical signals and fluid that contains hormones, amino acids, lipids, sugars and hyaluronic acid (a natural moisturizer for skin, eyes and joints). The fluid also contains progenitors of multipotent stem cells, which transform into organ-specific cells as needed to replace damaged or dying tissue. Evidence of a PVS has been found in birds, fish, amphibians, and several mammals including mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, cows and humans.

One Mystery Leads to Another

Anatomical evidence of the meridians provides rationale for the location of points used in acupuncture—as well as acupressure and tapping. But solving one mystery opens the door to others.


Given that modern science has only recently mapped the PVS, isn’t it curious that the founders of TCM not only documented it but also understood its healing capabilities over 3,000 years ago? What leads to blockages in the primo-vessels and why does stimulation of the primo-nodes restore the flow? Is there a relationship between stem cells and qi? It is a gentle reminder that despite our wealth of knowledge, there are still mysteries to unravel—even within our own bodies.


References


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