Jingluo: The Meridian System and the Circulation of Energy

1. Overview of Jingluo

Jingluo is the network of channels through which energy communicates and circulates throughout the body. It connects the internal organ systems with superficial tissues and different regions of the body, establishing communication between the interior and exterior.

The principal functions of Jingluo include:

Distributing and communicating energy throughout the body.

Connecting internal organ systems with superficial tissues.

Establishing relationships among different regions of the body.

Providing pathways through which external physical and energetic influences may enter and affect the body.

Integrating the body's tissues, organs, and functions into a coordinated whole.

Jingluo extends throughout the entire body. According to the energetic understanding presented in this theory, its nature extends beyond ordinary physical perception and may be perceived through spiritual awareness, consciousness, or inner sensitivity.

Each internal organ system is associated with a primary Jingluo channel and its corresponding secondary channels. An energetic imbalance in an organ system may therefore influence different areas connected through its channels.

For example, the Bladder channel is associated with the little toe, lateral foot and ankle, posterior leg, buttocks, sacroiliac region, back, occiput, vertex, frontal region, and inner corner of the eye. Understanding this pathway provides a means of relating manifestations such as eye discomfort, occipital headaches, lower-back pain, and calf muscle spasms.

Similarly, the Heart channel extends from the axillary region along the inner arm toward the little finger. Its internal pathways connect with the Heart and other related structures.

2. Distribution of the Jingluo Network

Jingluo consists of primary channels and associated secondary networks distributed at different depths throughout the body.

The Conception Vessel, Governing Vessel, and Chong Mai are described as originating from the Kidney system. The remaining extraordinary vessels establish relationships with the primary channels.

Secondary Jingluo networks help maintain normal functions and support adaptation to environmental changes. Such adaptations may occur without significantly disturbing the circulation of energy through the primary channels.

[Original Illustration 1 — Distribution of the Jingluo Network]

3. The Channels of Acupuncture

In acupuncture theory, the internal organ systems are interconnected through Jingluo pathways distributed throughout the body.

These channels connect tissues, organs, and functional systems, bringing them together as an integrated organic unit. They participate in the regulation of normal functions and provide a theoretical basis for understanding energetic disturbances and their manifestations.

Jingluo is understood here as an energetic network that is not limited to ordinary physical dimensions. The theory describes its existence as extending into dimensions associated with energy and spirit.

The 72 Channels of Therapeutic Importance

The original classification identifies 72 channels of therapeutic significance:

Among these, the twelve primary Jingluo and two extraordinary vessels—the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) and the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)—are particularly important in energy circulation and acupuncture practice.

Ren Mai is present in both males and females. Although it has extensive relationships with the female reproductive system and is frequently applied in gynecological treatments, its functions are not limited to women.

The twelve primary channels follow predominantly longitudinal pathways. They are bilateral, with corresponding channels on the left and right sides of the body.

For example, the Lung channel has a pathway on each side of the body, as do the other eleven primary channels. Their acupuncture points generally appear in corresponding locations on both sides.

Ren Mai and Du Mai differ from the twelve primary channels. They are singular, rather than bilateral, and follow the anterior and posterior midlines of the body.

[Original Illustration 2 — Acupuncture Channel Summary]

4. Classification of the Twelve Primary Jingluo

The twelve primary channels may be classified according to their Yin-Yang properties, their locations on the hands or feet, and their relationships with corresponding organ systems.

Yin and Yang Channels

Each Yin channel is coupled with a corresponding Yang channel. These pairings establish relationships between the associated organ systems and their channels.

Hand and Foot Channels

Six primary channels are associated with the upper limbs, beginning or ending at the fingers. The remaining six are associated with the lower limbs, beginning or ending at the toes.

Classification by Yin-Yang and Direction of Circulation

These four groups establish the general circulation pattern of energy throughout the twelve primary channels.

5. The Horary Cycle of Energy

In Jingluo theory, energy circulates continuously from one primary channel to the next in a fixed sequence.

Each primary channel has a two-hour period during which its associated organ system reaches its maximum energetic activity. The complete circulation cycle lasts twenty-four hours.

This pattern is known as the Horary Cycle, or the biological clock of energy circulation.

The theory also describes a corresponding minimum-energy period approximately twelve hours opposite a channel's maximum-energy period.

For example, the Lung channel reaches its maximum energetic period between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM, while the Bladder channel reaches its maximum between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

According to this model, energy begins entering the Lung channel at approximately 3:00 AM, reaches its greatest concentration around 4:00 AM, and proceeds into the Large Intestine channel at approximately 5:00 AM.

The Horary Cycle provides a framework for understanding the changing energetic conditions of the channels throughout the day and for selecting appropriate times for acupuncture treatment.

The theory also relates adjustments in the body's daily energetic rhythm to changes in time zones.

Biological Clock of Energy Flow Through the Primary Jingluo

The cycle begins with the Lung channel and proceeds through the remaining eleven channels, ending with the Liver before returning to the Lung.

The traditional explanation for beginning with the Lung is associated with the first independent breath taken by a child at birth.

The flow passes between coupled channels and continues through successive pairs in a repeating daily rhythm.

[Original Illustration 3 — The Daily Cycle of Energy Circulation]

6. The Twelve Primary Jingluo in Classical Order

The twelve primary channels follow this sequence:

Hand Yin Lung Meridian (LU)

Hand Yang Large Intestine Meridian (LI)

Foot Yang Stomach Meridian (ST)

Foot Yin Spleen Meridian (SP)

Hand Yin Heart Meridian (HT)

Hand Yang Small Intestine Meridian (SI)

Foot Yang Bladder Meridian (BL)

Foot Yin Kidney Meridian (KI)

Hand Yin Pericardium Meridian (PC)

Hand Yang San Jiao Meridian (SJ)

Foot Yang Gallbladder Meridian (GB)

Foot Yin Liver Meridian (LV)

Two extraordinary vessels are commonly included in the broader discussion of the principal acupuncture channels:

Governing Vessel (Du Mai, DU)

Conception Vessel (Ren Mai, REN)

Yin and Yang paired channels connect at the extremities of the limbs.

The Yin channels of the Hand terminate at the fingers, while the Yang channels of the Hand begin at the fingers. The Yang channels of the Foot terminate at the toes, while the Yin channels of the Foot begin at the toes.

7. General Pathways of the Jingluo

The twelve primary Jingluo establish a continuous circulation pattern:

Chest → Hands → Face → Feet → Chest

The Yang channels generally follow the lateral aspects of the limbs and the posterior regions of the body. The Yin channels generally follow the medial aspects of the limbs and the anterior regions of the body.

The three Yin channels of the Hand carry energy from the chest toward the hands.

The three Yang channels of the Hand carry energy from the hands toward the head and face.

The three Yang channels of the Foot carry energy from the head toward the feet.

The three Yin channels of the Foot carry energy from the feet toward the chest.

This pattern describes the circulation of Qi throughout the body and the relationships among the primary channels.

Circulation Through the Upper Limbs

With the arms raised above the head and the palms facing forward, the Lung, Heart, and Pericardium channels carry energy from the chest toward the fingertips along the anterior and medial aspects of the arms.

The Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and San Jiao channels carry energy from the fingertips toward the face along the posterior and lateral aspects of the arms.

Circulation Through the Lower Limbs

The Bladder and Gallbladder channels descend from the head along the posterior or lateral regions of the body and legs toward the toes.

The Spleen, Kidney, and Liver channels ascend from the feet along the medial aspects of the legs, continue through the anterior abdomen, and reach the chest.

Exceptions to the General Pattern

The Stomach channel is a Yang channel, yet much of its pathway follows the anterior region of the body rather than the posterior region.

The Governing Vessel is also associated with Yang energy, but its principal direction of circulation is upward along the posterior midline.

These exceptions form part of the overall Jingluo circulation system.

8. Du Mai and Ren Mai

Du Mai — The Governing Vessel

Du Mai begins near the perineal region, ascends along the posterior midline of the body, follows the spine, passes over the head, and reaches the region of the upper lip.

It is associated with Yang energy and connects with the Yang channels throughout the body.

Du Mai plays an important role in the regulation and coordination of Yang energy and is frequently considered in treatments involving the body's Yang functions.

Ren Mai — The Conception Vessel

Ren Mai follows the anterior midline of the body, ascending from the lower perineal region through the abdomen and chest toward the mouth.

It is associated with Yin energy and contributes to the regulation of the body's Yin functions.

Together, Du Mai and Ren Mai establish two central longitudinal pathways along the posterior and anterior midlines.

Unlike the twelve primary channels, they are not bilateral. Both belong to the eight extraordinary vessels and have their own acupuncture points.

9. The Transformation of Yin and Yang Energy

The circulation of energy through the primary channels involves a continuous alternation between Yin and Yang.

Energy traveling from the chest toward the fingertips is predominantly Yin. As it approaches the extremities, its polarity gradually changes, allowing the transition into the corresponding Yang channel.

Energy traveling from the fingertips toward the face becomes predominantly Yang.

Likewise, energy traveling from the face toward the toes is predominantly Yang. As it approaches the lower extremities, the polarity gradually changes, preparing for its transition into the corresponding Yin channel.

Energy then returns from the feet toward the chest through the Yin channels.

The transformation is gradual rather than sudden. It occurs primarily in the regions between the elbows and fingertips and between the knees and toes.

These regions contain important acupuncture points used to influence the movement, regulation, and transformation of energy.

In the Horary Cycle, the circulation alternates between Yin and Yang channels in successive two-hour periods, producing a continuous daily rhythm.

The transitions between two Yang channels occur in the head and facial regions, while transitions between two Yin channels occur in the chest.

10. Internal and External Pathways of Jingluo

Acupuncture charts commonly represent Jingluo as thin lines connecting individual acupuncture points.

These drawings illustrate only a portion of the channel system.

Each primary channel has both external and internal pathways. The external pathways are commonly shown on acupuncture charts because they contain the acupuncture points used in needling.

The internal pathways connect with associated organs, tissues, and functional systems.

A two-dimensional drawing cannot fully represent the extent of a Jingluo channel. The illustrated line generally indicates the approximate central pathway of a broader field of energetic influence.

According to Jingluo theory, each channel connects with the tissues, organs, and functions associated with its acupuncture points, whether these relationships are local or distant.

Example: The Heart Channel

The Heart channel has nine principal acupuncture points along its superficial pathway, extending from the axillary region along the medial arm toward the little finger.

However, its connections are not limited to this superficial route.

Its internal pathway connects with the Heart and extends through additional branches to other associated structures.

One branch connects with the Small Intestine. Other internal relationships extend toward the head and are associated with the eye, tongue, and brain.

This example illustrates how the external channel pathway and its internal connections form a unified energetic network.

11. Understanding Jingluo as an Integrated System

Jingluo provides a framework for understanding the relationships among the body's internal organ systems, superficial tissues, limbs, head, and trunk.

The twelve primary channels, their secondary networks, and the extraordinary vessels together establish an interconnected system of energy circulation and communication.

Their relationships can be understood through several fundamental principles:

The connection between the interior and exterior.

The relationship between Yin and Yang.

The correspondence between organs and channels.

The circulation of Qi and Blood.

The daily rhythm of energy movement.

The transformation of energy at the extremities.

The relationship between internal pathways and external acupuncture points.

Understanding these principles provides the foundation for studying Jingluo pathways, acupuncture point selection, energetic regulation, and the relationships among different regions of the body.