What are the methods of meridian-based health preservation?

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Meridian-based health practices mainly involve stimulating painful points or acupoints along the meridians to regulate disharmonies in organ functions, thereby achieving therapeutic and preventive health benefits even in the absence of disease. Primary methods of meridian health care include massage (tuina), acupuncture, moxibustion, and others. For example, acupuncture at specific points such as Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), and Qihai (CV6) can produce significant health-promoting effects.

With the improvement of living standards today, some people prefer to maintain their health through meridian-based wellness practices. What are the methods of meridian养生 (meridian health保养)?

What Are the Methods of Meridian Health Maintenance?

Meridian health maintenance mainly involves stimulating painful spots or acupoints along the meridians to regulate organ dysfunction, thereby achieving therapeutic, fitness-enhancing, and preventive health benefits. Primary methods of meridian-based health care include massage (tuina), acupuncture, moxibustion, and similar techniques. For example, stimulating acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), and Qihai (CV6 through acupuncture can provide excellent health benefits.

Additionally, in daily life, gently tapping the body surface with hands or other tools can also have beneficial effects. The body's meridians connect external muscles with internal organs. Functional abnormalities in organs may trigger reactive points on the body's surface along the meridians.

Meridians help regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood. They link various organs and viscera throughout the body, connecting upper and lower, interior and exterior regions, and serve to guide and transmit physiological information. They are an essential part of the human body's structure. Within the meridian system, primary meridians, divergent meridians, eight extraordinary vessels, and fifteen collateral channels interweave extensively—penetrating inward and emerging outward, linking all organs together. Serving as pathways for the circulation of qi and blood, meridians deliver nutrients to every organ and tissue, nourishing internal organs, moistening tendons and bones, and ensuring smooth joint movement. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and a happy life!