Preliminary Properties of Meridian System as Complex Network

The system of meridians and acupoints in the traditional Chinese medication (TCM) builds up a complex network. We analyze the features and properties of the system of meridians and acupoints as a complex network based on knowledge of TCM and mathematics. The system shows some important features of complex networks such as the small-world effect and the scale-free property. A preliminary discussion on the robustness of the meridian system as a complex network, and the biomedical functions of such robustness is also given.