Have you ever felt pain in one part of your body, only to be told that the source lies somewhere else entirely? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this idea makes sense—because our body is connected by a network of meridians that carry Qi, or life energy, throughout. These 12 main meridians of the body are named after organs, but they do much more than just affect those organs. Each one influences different body systems, emotions, and even how we feel on a daily basis.
For example, tension in the neck might be linked to the gallbladder meridian, which you might not expect at first. That’s because, in TCM, health is seen as a balance of energy, with each meridian playing its part in keeping the body and mind in harmony. Whether yin or yang, warm or cool, each meridian follows its own path, connecting organs, muscles, and emotions together.
When these pathways are disrupted, our Qi may not flow well—leading to symptoms that show up in areas far from the root cause. So how do these 12 meridians of the body work, what are the functions of the 12 meridians, and what happens when one of them gets blocked?
The 12 Principal Meridians
The body has 12 main meridians, each connected to an organ and running along both the left and right sides of the body. And as mentioned, these meridians act like energy channels that help Qi flow smoothly. While most are named after organs like the heart or liver, there’s one called the Triple Warmer Meridian, which plays a role in balancing your body temperature and fluid distribution.
In addition to these 12, there are other important vessels like the Conception and Governing Vessels. Together, they form a network of energy pathways that influence not only your body, but also your mind and emotions.
1. The Heart Meridian
In TCM, the heart is often called the “king of the organs.” It governs the blood and vessels and is believed to house the mind. A well-balanced heart meridian supports good circulation, clear thinking, and defence against disease. If imbalanced, it may lead to mental and emotional issues, speech impediments, or being mute. The meridian starts from near the armpits, runs down the inner side of the arm, and ends at the tip of the little finger.
2. The Lung Meridian
The lung meridian supports breathing, immunity, and skin health. It works with the heart to move blood and energy around the body. In TCM, the lungs are sometimes called the “Prime Minister” because they help manage the body’s protective energy. Blockages in the lung meridian can lead to breathing issues, skin problems, and emotional distress, like sadness or anxiety. The pathway starts at the front of the shoulder and travels down the inner arm to the corner of the thumbnail.
3. The Stomach Meridian
The stomach meridian plays a big role in digestion and absorbing energy from food. It works with the spleen to move nutrients through the body. A blocked stomach meridian may lead to symptoms such as digestive issues or confusion and anxiety. The pathway starts under the eye near the nose, travels along the jawline, down the throat, chest, and stomach, and continues down the front of the legs to the outside of the big toe.
4. The Kidney Meridian
The kidneys are called the “Root of Life” in TCM. They store vital energy passed down from our parents and are linked to brain function, memory, and growth. The kidney meridian also affects hearing and bone health. If blocked, it may cause back pain or poor memory. The pathway begins at the sole of the foot, travels along the inner leg, up the torso, and ends at the inner collarbone.
5. The Large Intestine Meridian
This meridian manages the movement of solid waste and helps balance fluids in the body. It works closely with the lung meridian to support sweating and breathing. A blockage here might show up as constipation, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort. It can also be linked to emotional issues like depression. The pathway starts at the outside of the index fingernail, runs up the arm, over the shoulder, and ends just under the nose.
6. The Small Intestine Meridian
The small intestine is known in TCM as the “Minister of Reception.” It separates the pure from the impure—absorbing water and nutrients, and passing on the rest. This meridian also works closely with the heart, affecting both digestion and emotions. When out of balance, it may lead to abdominal pain, restlessness, and poor reasoning. It starts at the little finger, travels up the arm, zig-zags behind the shoulder, moves along the neck, cheek, and ends at the front of the ear.
7. The Liver Meridian
The liver plays many important roles, including transforming nutrients, detoxifying the blood, and supporting the tendons and nerves. Liver imbalance may lead to hypertension, tension in the muscles, or emotional issues like anger. This meridian begins at the inner side of the big toe, runs up the inside of the leg, dips around the genitals, and moves up the body to end at the chest near the nipple.
8. The Bladder Meridian
In TCM, the bladder is known to eliminate liquid waste and help balance the autonomic nervous system. This is because its meridian runs along the spinal cord, which connects to the nerves. When blocked, one may experience urinary issues, back pain, or fearfulness. It begins at the inner corner of the eye, goes over the head, travels down the back, hips, and legs, and ends at the outside of the baby toe.
9. The Gallbladder Meridian
The gallbladder meridian supports digestion and clears lactic acid from the body’s lymphatic system. It is also tied to muscle strength and decision-making. When imbalanced, you may feel stiff, struggle with judgment, or experience insomnia. This meridian starts at the outer corner of the eye, loops around the head, moves down the side of the body, legs, and ends at the outer edge of the fourth toe.
10. The Spleen Meridian
The spleen, together with the pancreas, is part of digestion. It extracts nutrients and regulates the amount and quality of blood in the body. It also helps with logical thinking and memory. When the spleen meridian is blocked, you may feel tired, have digestive issues, or experience mood swings. It starts at the big toe, goes up the inner leg, moves through the stomach, and ends below the front of the shoulder.
11. The Pericardium Meridian
Although not a major organ, the pericardium is a physical sac around the heart. In TCM, this meridian protects not just the heart, but also the emotional and mental states. It supports blood flow and connects emotions like love to physical intimacy. Imbalances can cause chest tightness, heart discomfort, or emotional stress. This meridian begins in the centre of the chest, runs through the diaphragm and arm, and ends at the tip of the middle finger.
12. The Triple Warmer Meridian
The Triple Warmer Meridian, also known as Triple Burner, has no physical organ but controls metabolism, digestion, and waste elimination. It’s divided into three parts: upper (controls intake), middle (handles digestion), and lower (manages waste removal). Blockages can affect temperature regulation or cause hormonal imbalances. This meridian starts at the ring finger, travels up the back of the arm, over the shoulder, and ends at the collarbone.
Recognising the Signs of Blocked Meridians
Each meridian connects to different organs, muscles, and systems, so the signs and symptoms of blockage will differ. If you experience certain recurring issues, according to TCM, it may be a sign that the related meridian needs attention to restore proper energy flow. Refer to the blocked meridian symptoms below to determine if you need to unblock any of your 12 meridians.
Stomach Meridian Blockage
A blockage in the stomach meridian can affect digestion and emotional stability. You may experience acid reflux, bloating, or frequent stomachaches. Other signs include sinus issues, sore throat, bags under the eyes, and even weight problems. Some also notice neck pain, nervous tension, or mouth sores when this meridian is not flowing smoothly.
Spleen Meridian Blockage
When the spleen meridian is not working well, the body may feel weak and sluggish. Common signs include allergies, anaemia, and blood-related disorders. Swelling in the limbs (oedema), frequent infections, and low immunity can also be linked. In some cases, issues with fertility, varicose veins, or weight imbalance may also point to a spleen meridian that needs support.
Heart Meridian Blockage
When the heart meridian is blocked, you may experience issues related to blood flow and emotional balance. Some common signs include chest pain, angina, or blood pressure that is too high or too low. Poor circulation, bleeding gums, swollen glands, dizziness, eczema, and trouble sleeping may also point to a heart meridian that is not functioning properly.
Heart Meridian Blockage
A blockage in the small intestine meridian can lead to abdominal discomfort and weakness in the lower body. Signs may include pain in the abdomen, knee, or shoulder pain, and issues like beer bellies or sluggish digestion. Some people also notice ear problems such as ringing (tinnitus) or a general feeling of weakness in the legs.
Heart Meridian Blockage
When the heart meridian is blocked, you may experience issues related to blood flow and emotional balance. Some common signs include chest pain, angina, or blood pressure that is too high or too low. Poor circulation, bleeding gums, swollen glands, dizziness, eczema, and trouble sleeping may also point to a heart meridian that is not functioning properly.
Small Intestine Meridian Blockage
A blockage in the small intestine meridian can lead to abdominal discomfort and weakness in the lower body. Signs may include pain in the abdomen, knee, or shoulder pain, and issues like beer bellies or sluggish digestion. Some people also notice ear problems such as ringing (tinnitus) or a general feeling of weakness in the legs.
Bladder Meridian Blockage
The bladder meridian runs along the entire back and connects with the nervous system. When blocked, you might feel pain or weakness in the ankles, lower back, or calves. Other possible signs include flat feet, arthritis, joint pain, sciatica, headaches at the front of the head, or even hair thinning. Issues with posture, like scoliosis, can also be related.
Kidney Meridian Blockage
A blockage in the kidney meridian may show up as pain or weakness in the lower back or issues related to the ears. You may also notice problems like acne, bone pain, swollen ankles, or gum disease. For some, imbalances here could affect fertility, cause impotence, or even lead to eyesight problems or water retention.
Pericardium Meridian Blockage
The pericardium meridian protects your heart and emotional well-being. When blocked, you may experience hormonal imbalance, impotence, or prostate-related concerns. Other symptoms might include pain in the buttocks and sacrum or discomfort in the breast or nipple area.
Triple Warmer Meridian Blockage
This meridian affects your body’s overall regulation. If it’s blocked, you might feel too hot or too cold or face hormonal problems like PMS or menopause symptoms. Conditions such as adrenal fatigue, asthma, allergies, or mood swings may also appear. Some people also report issues like diabetes, weight fluctuation, or sudden hives.
Triple Warmer Meridian Blockage
This meridian affects your body’s overall regulation. If it’s blocked, you might feel too hot or too cold or face hormonal problems like PMS or menopause symptoms. Conditions such as adrenal fatigue, asthma, allergies, or mood swings may also appear. Some people also report issues like diabetes, weight fluctuation, or sudden hives.
Liver Meridian Blockage
Signs of liver meridian blockage can appear in the eyes, nails, or skin. You may experience blurry vision, eye infections, or thick, discoloured toenails. Other related symptoms include PMS, menopause, hypertension, and even fungal issues like candida. For men, a low sperm count may be a concern when the liver meridian is affected.
Gallbladder Meridian Blockage
When this meridian is blocked, you may notice problems along one side of your body. This includes migraines, jaw tightness, hip pain, or leg discomfort. Other signs can be gallstones, high blood pressure, arthritis, or even grinding of the teeth. A bitter taste in the mouth may also indicate gallbladder meridian imbalance.
Lung Meridian Blockage
The lung meridian is linked to breathing and the skin. When it’s not flowing smoothly, issues like frequent coughs, chest infections, shortness of breath, or flu may occur. Skin problems, such as rashes, can also be signs. More serious symptoms might include bronchitis, pneumonia, or even tuberculosis in chronic cases.
Large Intestine Meridian Blockage
A blocked large intestine meridian can lead to stomach or bowel discomfort. Some common signs include constipation, diarrhoea, or haemorrhoids. You may also experience hip problems, toothache, herpes outbreaks, or mineral deficiencies. Some people with blockages here also report frequent nose issues or colic pain.
Unblocking Meridians with Acupuncture
When your Qi cannot flow smoothly through the meridian line, it can lead to pain, discomfort, or illness. This is where acupuncture for meridian blockage can help. Acupuncture is a key part of TCM that helps to clear blocked meridians and bring your body back into balance.
By inserting needles at specific meridian points on the body, acupuncture helps to unblock stuck energy and restore circulation. These points are carefully chosen based on your symptoms and the affected meridians. For example, if you often feel tired, have poor digestion, or experience body aches, the acupuncturist may stimulate related acupressure meridians to guide your energy back into proper flow. Sometimes, light stimulation such as gentle twirling of the needles may be used to further activate the Qi.
Unblocking Meridians with Tuina
Tuina massage, another core practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine, can also help unblock meridians through targeted massage and manual techniques. By applying pressure along specific meridian pathways, Tuina massage promotes Qi circulation, relieves tension, and supports the body’s natural healing process.
If you’re wondering how to clear blocked meridians, it is best to get proper advice rather than try to fix it yourself. Every person’s body is different, and the TCM approach must be tailored. At Sin Kang TCM, our MOH-registered practitioners are trained to assess your condition and apply acupuncture in Singapore safely and effectively.
Book a consultation today to learn more about your body’s meridian system.
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