Qigong Master Zhao Shihua often said, “take care of the little problems before they turn into big problems”. This is a very wise thing to do. One of the things he said to do on a daily basis was massaging the ends of the fingers and toes and top of the foot. This of course has everything to do with keeping your body’s meridian pathways strong.
Meridians in your body are energy channels ‘transporting’ life energy (Chi/Qi) throughout the body. It is only because of the existence of this energy in our body that we can move, breathe, digest food, think and even feel.
The energy flow (or lack of) along these meridians affects how we feel, how we think, and the overall condition of our health and wellbeing. When the body’s life-force energy becomes blocked, various imbalances will result.
If there is blockages, this can lead to a lack of energy supply to certain areas of the body, or a surplus of energy in other areas.
Energy blockages, or surplus can be the result of stress, an injury or trauma, or unhealthy habits (diet, habits/addictions, lack of exercise) and can be the underlying cause of all health (physical/mental/spiritual) problems.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the flow of energy through the 12 meridians (6 yin and 6 yang meridians) is highest for a two-hour period every day at each organ, Each organ is associated with a major meridian.
hand and feet meridians
Repeated tiredness at a certain time of day or waking up at a regular time throughout the night can be an indication of an imbalance in an organ.
Proper diagnosis by a professional TCM practitioner to determine any problem areas is always essential.
But understanding that every organ has a repair/maintenance schedule to keep on a daily basis gives you the opportunity to learn how to treat yourself for improved health and well-being.
Remember what Master Zhao said, for simple daily self care practice, massage the ends of fingers and toes while relaxing in the evening or taking a break throughout the day. This goes along way to supporting your incredible energy system.
STOMACH MERIDIAN (YANG) 7 AM TO 9 AM)
The best time of day to eat as the energy is the strongest to digest your food. This meridian is responsible for digestive problems such as indigestion, distension, vomiting but can even be the culprit for fluid retention, sore throat and toothaches.
SPLEEN MERIDIAN (YIN) 9 AM TO 11 AM
The spleen meridian is the source of problems of the spleen and pancreas, abdominal distension, jaundice, general weakness, tongue problems, vomiting, pain and swellings along the path of the meridian.
HEART MERIDIAN (YIN) 11 AM TO 1 PM (HAND SHAOYIN)
The heart meridian is the source of heart problems, throat dryness, jaundice, and pain along the path of the meridian.
SMALL INTESTINE MERIDIAN (YANG) 1 PM TO 3 PM (HAND TAIYANG)
Here we find the source of lower abdomen pain, sore throat, facial swelling or paralysis, deafness, and discomfort along the path of the meridian.
BLADDER MERIDIAN (YANG) 3 PM TO 5 PM (FOOT SHAOYANG)
This meridian serves as the location for diagnosing and treating bladder problems, headache, eye diseases, neck and back problems, and pain along the back of the leg.
KIDNEY MERIDIAN (YIN) 5 PM -TO 7 PM (FOOT SHAOYIN)
The kidney meridian is the source of kidney problems, lung problems, dry tongue, lumbago, edema, constipation, diarrhea, pain and weakness along the meridian’s path.
PERICARDIUM MERIDIAN (YIN) 7 PM TO 9 PM (HAND JUEYIN)
The pericardium meridian is the source of poor circulation, angina, palpitation, diseases of the sexual glands and organs, irritability, and pain along the pathway of the meridian.
TRIPLE BURNER MERIDIAN (YANG) 9 PM TO 11 PM (HAND SHAOYANG)
Here is the source of diseases of the thyroid and adrenal glands, ear problems, sore throat, abdominal distension, edema, swelling of cheek, and pain along the meridian pathway.
GALLBLADDER MERIDIAN (YANG) 11 PM TO 1 AM (FOOT SHAOYANG)
This meridian is the location for diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder problems, ear diseases, migraine, hip problems, dizziness, and pain along the meridian.
LIVER MERIDIAN (YIN) 1 AM TO 3 AM (FOOT JUEYIN)
This meridian is the focal point for liver problems, lumbago, vomiting, hernia, urination problems, pain in the lower abdomen and along the pathway of the meridian.
LUNG MERIDIAN (YIN) 3 AM TO 5 AM (HAND TAIYIN)
Is the seat of grief and sadness. The lung meridian is the source of respiratory diseases, sore throat, cough, common cold, pain in the shoulder, and pain and discomfort along the meridian pathway.
LARGE INTESTINE MERIDIAN (YANG) 5 AM TO 7 AM (HAND YANGMING)
Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, sore throat, toothache in the lower gum, nasal discharge and bleeding, pain along the course of the meridian.
Always remember, proper diagnosis by a qualified TCM practitioner is necessary to determine the root cause of any problems.
