Also called the ren meridian, the conception meridian is associated with the yin aspect of the body and is believed to be responsible for the regulation of the reproductive and digestive systems. It is also thought to play a role in the overall circulation of qi throughout the body. The

The gallbladder meridian begins just outside the outer corner of the eye, loops down and up to the forehead just within the hair line, and descends behind the ear to the corner of the skull. It then returns to the forehead above the center of the eye and contours the

The governing meridian (also called the du meridian) is believed to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) throughout the body and is associated with the function of the brain and nervous system. It is also thought to play a role in mental and emotional balance. There are 28 points

The heart meridian is energetically connected to the small intestine and belongs to the Fire element, which means that it is often associated with warmth and laughter. It is also believed that due to its connection with the tongue, the heart meridian controls our speech. Furthermore, the heart meridian is

The kidney meridian is believed to be the body’s most important reservoir of energy, supplying essence to all of our organs. Because of this, it is often referred to as the “Minister of Power” or the “Root of Life.” The kidney meridian and the kidney system are involved in blood

The large intestine meridian governs the absorption of fluids and elimination of solid wastes. It is thought to be tied to the emotions of sadness, grief, and worry. An energetic imbalance in this meridian may result in physical weakness, irritability, depression, distress, or apathy. There are 20 points on the

Along with controlling the filtering, detoxifying, replenishing, and storing of blood, the liver meridian is believed to govern the free flow of qi (vital energy) in the body. The liver is related to the emotions of anger, irritability, and frustration. Its positive attributes are kindness, compassion, and generosity. Suppressing emotions

Like the heart, the pericardium meridian is part of the Fire element. Known as the “heart protector” or “circulation-sex” meridian, it constricts the heart to shield it from emotional distress. According to TCM, extreme emotional outbursts disrupt the balance in the body. Over time, this may lead to disease. The

According to TCM, the small intestine meridian influences mental clarity, judgment, and discernment. Functionally, it controls digestion and elimination. It is also thought to influence the pituitary gland, which controls immunity, metabolism, sexuality, and endocrine function. In total, there are 19 points on the small intestine meridian. The meridian starts

The spleen meridian is connected to the spleen and pancreas, which are responsible for cleansing the blood and providing the digestive enzymes and energy required by the stomach. Weak limbs and muscular atrophy are believed to be indications of deficient spleen energy. According to TCM, the spleen meridian houses the

The stomach meridian is the yang partner of the yin spleen meridian. It is responsible for providing the entire body with energy from the digestion of food and fluids. In addition to digesting foods and liquids and moving them to the small intestine for extraction and assimilation, the stomach also

The triple warmer not only transports, but also assists in transforming fluids and solids so they can be used or eliminated by the body. Additionally, this meridian is believed to play an important role in circulating qi, or vital energy, throughout the body. Emotionally, the triple warmer is strongly connected

Known as the “Minister of the Reservoir,” the bladder is responsible for storing and excreting urinary waste fluid passed down from the kidneys. As an energy system, the bladder meridian influences the function and balance of the autonomous nervous system. The bladder meridian is associated with the emotion of fear,