Riim Lagerwerf 
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the 12 primary meridians are pathways through which life energy, or “Qi,” flows. Each meridian is associated with specific physical and emotional functions. By understanding how lifestyle, food, and emotions can support or hinder these meridians, we can make informed choices to maintain balance and health. At the end of this blog please find a wonderful overview which Yin Yoga pose, Mudra and Marma helps balance the specific meridians and a table providing overview of the meridians linked to the subdoshas in Ayurvedic Medicine.
The 12 Primary Meridians
- Lung Meridian
- Physical Function: Governs respiration and energy distribution.
- Emotional Function: Linked to grief and the ability to take in and let go.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Deep breathing exercises, spending time in fresh air.
- Food: Warm, moist foods like soups and stews.
- Emotions: Practicing gratitude and acceptance.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Smoking, exposure to pollution.
- Food: Cold, dry foods.
- Emotions: Prolonged grief and sadness.
- Large Intestine Meridian
- Physical Function: Controls the passage and elimination of waste.
- Emotional Function: Associated with letting go of what is no longer needed.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Regular physical activity, maintaining a routine.
- Food: High-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Emotions: Embracing change and moving forward.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, irregular routines.
- Food: Processed and low-fiber foods.
- Emotions: Holding onto past grievances.
- Stomach Meridian
- Physical Function: Manages digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Emotional Function: Linked to worry and the ability to process experiences.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Mindful eating, regular meal times.
- Food: Warm, cooked meals with balanced flavors.
- Emotions: Cultivating calmness and trust.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Eating on the go, irregular meal times.
- Food: Overly spicy or greasy foods.
- Emotions: Excessive worry and stress.
- Spleen Meridian
- Physical Function: Supports digestion and blood production.
- Emotional Function: Associated with overthinking and nurturing.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Regular meals, adequate rest.
- Food: Sweet, nourishing foods like grains and root vegetables.
- Emotions: Practicing self-care and compassion.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Overwork, lack of sleep.
- Food: Cold and raw foods.
- Emotions: Overthinking and excessive mental activity.
- Heart Meridian
- Physical Function: Governs circulation and consciousness.
- Emotional Function: Linked to joy and emotional balance.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Social connections, laughter.
- Food: Bitter foods like leafy greens.
- Emotions: Cultivating joy and love.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Isolation, lack of social interaction.
- Food: Excessive caffeine and stimulants.
- Emotions: Emotional repression and lack of joy.
- Small Intestine Meridian
- Physical Function: Separates pure from impure substances.
- Emotional Function: Associated with clarity and discernment.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Clear decision-making, organization.
- Food: Light, easily digestible foods.
- Emotions: Embracing clarity and insight.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Cluttered environments, indecision.
- Food: Heavy, greasy foods.
- Emotions: Confusion and indecisiveness.
- Bladder Meridian
- Physical Function: Regulates the storage and excretion of urine.
- Emotional Function: Linked to fear and the ability to let go.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Staying hydrated, regular relaxation.
- Food: Warm, hydrating foods and drinks.
- Emotions: Practicing courage and release.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Dehydration, constant stress.
- Food: Excessive salt and caffeine.
- Emotions: Persistent fear and anxiety.
- Kidney Meridian
- Physical Function: Governs growth, development, and water metabolism.
- Emotional Function: Associated with willpower and fear.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Adequate rest, gentle exercise.
- Food: Warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews.
- Emotions: Building confidence and resilience.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Overexertion, lack of rest.
- Food: Cold and raw foods.
- Emotions: Chronic fear and insecurity.
- Pericardium Meridian
- Physical Function: Protects the heart and influences circulation.
- Emotional Function: Related to emotional expression and relationships.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Emotional openness, healthy relationships.
- Food: Cooling foods like cucumbers and melons.
- Emotions: Expressing love and compassion.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Emotional suppression, toxic relationships.
- Food: Overly spicy or hot foods.
- Emotions: Emotional isolation and suppression.
- Triple Heater (San Jiao) Meridian
- Physical Function: Regulates water metabolism and temperature.
- Emotional Function: Associated with balance and harmony.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Balanced routines, stress management.
- Food: Warm, balanced meals.
- Emotions: Cultivating harmony and balance.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Irregular routines, high stress.
- Food: Extreme temperatures in food and drink.
- Emotions: Emotional imbalance and chaos.
- Gallbladder Meridian
- Physical Function: Influences decision-making and courage.
- Emotional Function: Linked to decisiveness and judgment.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Clear goals, decisive actions.
- Food: Sour foods like citrus fruits.
- Emotions: Embracing courage and decisiveness.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Indecision, procrastination.
- Food: Fatty and greasy foods.
- Emotions: Indecisiveness and hesitation.
- Liver Meridian
- Physical Function: Regulates the smooth flow of energy and blood.
- Emotional Function: Associated with anger, planning, and creativity.
- Best Friends:
- Lifestyle: Creative expression, regular exercise.
- Food: Green, leafy vegetables.
- Emotions: Channeling creativity and planning.
- Enemies:
- Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, lack of creative outlets.
- Food: Excessive alcohol and fried foods.
- Emotions: Suppressed anger and frustration.
Table 1: Meridians and link to Yin Yoga Pose, Mudra and Marma point.
| Meridian | Yin Yoga Pose | Mudra | Marma Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lung | Melting Heart Pose | Gyan Mudra | Kshipra Marma (between thumb and index finger) |
| Large Intestine | Reclined Twist | Apana Mudra | Kurpara Marma (elbow) |
| Stomach | Saddle Pose | Prana Mudra | Indrabasti Marma (mid-forearm) |
| Spleen | Dragon Pose | Prithvi Mudra | Talahridaya Marma (center of palm) |
| Heart | Supported Fish Pose | Hridaya Mudra | Hridaya Marma (center of chest) |
| Small Intestine | Deer Pose | Surya Mudra | Ani Marma (above the wrist) |
| Bladder | Caterpillar Pose | Varuna Mudra | Gulpha Marma (ankle) |
| Kidney | Butterfly Pose | Shakti Mudra | Kurcha Marma (sole of foot) |
| Pericardium | Seal Pose | Padma Mudra | Manibandha Marma (wrist) |
| Triple Heater | Shoelace Pose | Ushas Mudra | Kshipra Marma (between thumb and index finger) |
| Gallbladder | Shoelace Pose | Dharmachakra Mudra | Apanga Marma (temple) |
| Liver | Sleeping Swan Pose | Anjali Mudra | Amsa Marma (shoulder) |
Explanation
- Yin Yoga Poses: These poses are designed to target the connective tissues and help balance the energy flow in the corresponding meridians.
- Mudras: Hand gestures that influence energy flow and can help balance the emotional and physical aspects of each meridian.
- Marma Points: Specific points on the body that, when stimulated, can influence the flow of energy and support the health of the associated meridian.
By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can help balance the energy flow in each meridian, promoting overall well-being and harmony.
Table 2: Meridians and link to Subdoshas in Ayurvedic Medicine
| Meridian | Subdosha in Ayurveda | Description of Subdosha |
|---|---|---|
| Lung | Prana Vata | Governs inhalation, life force, and mental functions. |
| Large Intestine | Apana Vata | Controls elimination and downward-moving energy. |
| Stomach | Pachaka Pitta | Manages digestion and transformation of food. |
| Spleen | Ranjaka Pitta | Influences blood formation and digestion. |
| Heart | Sadhaka Pitta | Affects emotions, intellect, and consciousness. |
| Small Intestine | Pachaka Pitta | Aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients. |
| Bladder | Apana Vata | Regulates elimination and excretion processes. |
| Kidney | Ojas | Represents vitality, immunity, and essence of life. |
| Pericardium | Sadhaka Pitta | Protects the heart and influences emotional health. |
| Triple Heater | Samana Vata | Balances digestion and distribution of nutrients. |
| Gallbladder | Ranjaka Pitta | Supports decision-making and clarity. |
| Liver | Ranjaka Pitta | Governs the smooth flow of energy and emotions. |
Explanation
- Subdoshas: These are specific aspects of the primary doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that govern particular functions in the body and mind.
- Meridian and Subdosha Links: Each meridian is associated with a subdosha that reflects its primary functions and influences in the body, providing a holistic understanding of how energy flows and is balanced.
By understanding these connections, practitioners can integrate Ayurvedic principles with Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance overall health and well-being.
Recommended Reading for Meridians, Mudra and Marma:
For those interested in deepening their understanding of meridians, mudras, and marma points, here are some recommended readings that provide comprehensive insights into these topics:
Meridians
- “The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine” by Ted J. Kaptchuk
- This book offers an in-depth exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the concept of meridians and their role in health and healing.
- “The Complete Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure” by Masaru Toguchi
- A detailed guide that covers the meridian system, acupuncture points, and techniques for balancing energy flow.
Mudras
- “Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands” by Gertrud Hirschi
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of mudras, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into daily practice for physical and emotional well-being.
- “The Healing Power of Mudras: The Yoga of the Hands” by Rajendar Menen
- An accessible guide to understanding and practicing mudras, with a focus on their therapeutic effects.
Marma
- “Marma Points of Ayurveda: The Energy Pathways for Healing Body, Mind, and Consciousness with a Comparison to Traditional Chinese Medicine” by Vasant Lad and Anisha Durve
- A detailed exploration of marma points, their significance in Ayurveda, and their parallels with acupuncture points in TCM.
- “Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind” by Harish Johari
- This book includes information on marma points and their role in Ayurvedic massage and healing practices.
Conclusion
Understanding the 12 meridians and their relationships to Ayurveda with lifestyle, food, and emotions provides a holistic approach to maintaining balance and health. By recognizing what supports or hinders each meridian, we can make informed choices that promote well-being and harmony in our lives.
Please note that the information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition
