Meridian (Chinese medicine)

'meridian and collaterals', also called channel network) is a pseudoscientific concept from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that alleges meridians are paths through which the life-energy known as "qi" (ch'i) flows.

[2] One historian of medicine in China says that the term is "completely unsuitable and misguided, but nonetheless it has become a standard translation.

The concept of meridians are first attested in two works recovered from the Mawangdui and Zhangjiashan tombs of the Han-era Changsha Kingdom, the Cauterization Canon of the Eleven Foot and Arm Channels (足臂十一脈灸經, Zúbì Shíyī Mài Jiǔjīng) and the Cauterization Canon of the Eleven Yin and Yang Channels (陰陽十一脈灸經, Yīnyáng Shíyī Mài Jiǔjīng).

The collateral system also incorporates a branching expanse of capillary-like vessels which spread throughout the body, namely in the 12 cutaneous regions as well as emanating from each point on the principal meridians.

Note that this method ignores the fact that the bulk of acupoints are bilateral, making the actual total 670.

Within Traditional Chinese medicine they are thought to bring about large functional and physiological changes within clinical practice.

[9] The eight extraordinary vessels are (奇經八脈; qí jīng bā mài):[10] Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence.