The Meridian Network: Understanding the 12 Primary Meridians and 2 Central Channels
Adapted from the Meridian Network chapters of A Life Full of Light.
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes the body through a network of channels called meridians. In the framework used throughout the book, there are 12 primary meridians together with two central channels: the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel.
These are traditional energetic pathways, not anatomical nerves or blood vessels.
The 12 Primary Meridians
- Lung (LU)
- Large Intestine (LI)
- Stomach (ST)
- Spleen-Pancreas (SP)
- Heart (HT)
- Small Intestine (SI)
- Bladder (BL)
- Kidney (KI)
- Pericardium (PC)
- Triple Warmer / San Jiao (TW/SJ)
- Gallbladder (GB)
- Liver (LV)
The Two Central Channels
The Governing Vessel (GV) and Conception Vessel (CV) form two central pathways frequently used in traditional acupressure systems.
A Network, Not Isolated Lines
The important principle is that the meridians are treated as one continuous functional network. A point is therefore understood not only by its local position, but by the pathway to which it belongs.
Why Point Location Matters
Before using any point, identify it through clear anatomical landmarks. The book’s Meridian Maps use bones, joints, muscles and visible landmarks to make location practical and repeatable.
Related Reading
Medical Note
The meridian model is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It should be used as a complementary framework and not as a substitute for medical anatomy, diagnosis or treatment.