Research on Meridians in China

The theory of meridian （it is interpreted as channels and collaterals, or meridian in English）, is an important theoretical kernel of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. TCM holds that meridian is a complicated system with the fourteen meridians as the main part, which distributes over the whole human body. Each meridian belongs to a corresponding viscus interiorly, and winds around the limbs and joints exteriorly. It functions to transport the qi and blood, regulates the balance between Yin and Yang, responses to the changes in the natural world. It is the pathway for transporting qi and blood. Accordingly, it is considered to be the connective, regulative and responsive system of the body. In comparison to the Western medicine and modem biology, it elucidates the vital process and regulation of the function of human body in a totally different way and involves many brilliant theoretical expositions. Therefore, it has been deeply concerned by many researchers in China and abroad. Once the essence of meridian is elucidated, it must vigorously promote the development of TCM as well as the whole medical science and benefit the mankind.