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Empirical evidence from 3,000 years of documented history in Chinese Medicine suggests that there are channels of communication, known as meridians, that travel between the organs of the body. Though these channels are not detectable with conventional imaging or anatomical dissections, they have been observed over the years to respond dramatically to outside stimulation such as acupuncture, pressure, temperature and massage.
Though unassociated with more perceivable channels of communication such as nerves, experience has established fairly consistent results that correlate precisely with expectations.
Chinese Meridians. Photo from Wikipedia
The energy that pulsates along these channels is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). It is sometimes describes as water in a river, blood in a vein or light in a fiber optic cable. It is detectable with diagnostic instruments that pick up electrical impulses.
There are 12 primary meridians in the human body. Along these meridians there are about 365 points on each side of the body that, when stimulated with needles or pressure or temperature, cause a response in their associated organs. For instance, you could press on a point between your thumb and forefinger and relieve a headache. Or, you could press on a point above your wrist and relieve nausea.
It is interesting to note that similar organ based points have been identified clustered at different sites in the body. This phenomenon would explain how some practitioners are able to assess any organ of the body by perceiving their associated points located in the tongue, in the hands, in the feet, ears and even in the eyes. This is the foundation of iridology and reflexology.
Accessing these channels has proven helpful in the diagnoses and treatment of multiple ailments. It has been especially useful with some of the more difficult to diagnose conditions. This apparently is due to the fact that ailments precipitate an inflammatory response that manifests along the meridians that are associated with different organs, much as pain or numbness or dysfunction in a limb could signal a lesion in the brain.
When a person is stressed, whether it be an emotional stress or a physical trauma or a disease process or toxic exposure, the body has an inflammatory response. This response can be detected along meridian channels and can be treated along those same meridian channels in order to regain health.
There is an interesting treatment protocol for Multiple Sclerosis that uses bee venom injected into specific meridian points. It is truly remarkable to see the direct “cause and effect” results from such seemingly eccentric methods. More common uses of the meridian points include pain relief through acupuncture treatments, sea sickness wrist bands and various massage techniques.
The diagnostic value of studying meridians should never be underestimated. If the study of signals from meridian points suggests the possibility of ill health, it is prudent to investigate. I’ve seen this play out many times. It is extremely valuable to get a jump start on any ailment.
Dr. Miles is a naturopathic physician practicing at the Catalina Clinic of Integrative Medicine in Catalina.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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