Understanding Meridians: How Energy Flows in the Body

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), health is viewed as a balance of energy — known as Qi — flowing throughout the body. When this energy moves smoothly, we feel healthy and emotionally balanced. But when it's blocked or disrupted, acupuncture theory teaches that illness or discomfort may arise. One of the key pathways for this energy is through the meridian system.

What Are Meridians in Acupuncture?

Meridians are energy channels that run throughout the whole body, forming a network that connects your organs, muscles, fascia and tissues. In acupuncture, there are twelve primary meridians, each linked to a specific organ system — such as the Liver, Heart, Stomach, or Kidneys — and each with its own pattern of flow.

Along these channels lie the acupuncture points I use during treatment. Stimulating these points with single use sterile needles helps restore the smooth flow of Qi, it reduces symptoms, and supports your body’s natural healing response and corrects how energy flows in the body.

How Does Energy Flow in the Body?

According to Chinese medicine, Qi flows in a continuous cycle through the meridians, supporting the body’s functions and maintaining health. Each meridian has a peak time of activity during the 24-hour body clock — for example, the Lung meridian is most active between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

When Qi flows freely, you feel well. But stress, trauma, diet, or lifestyle imbalance can create blockages or imbalances in energy flow, leading to symptoms like:

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• Hormonal imbalance

• Anxiety and stress

• Digestive issues

• Sleep disturbances

How Acupuncture Supports Energy Flow

Acupuncture treatments use very fine needles to gently stimulate points along the meridians. This can:

• Release stagnation or blockages

• Tonify (strengthens) weak areas

• Calm overactive systems

By supporting healthy energy flow through the meridians, acupuncture helps address the root cause of imbalances — not just the symptoms.

Whether you're receiving acupuncture for back pain, fertility support, or anxiety, I will select points based on your unique meridian pattern, traditional diagnosis and individual needs.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Understanding how meridians in acupuncture work reveals how connected our body systems truly are. For instance, points on the hand or feet might be used to help headaches, or the shin to aid digestion — because of how energy flows through the meridian network.

This holistic model is what makes traditional Chinese medicine so effective and deeply supportive for long-term wellbeing.

Want to learn more about how acupuncture and meridian therapy could help you?

Contact me, Brahmani at Pure Acupuncture to book a consultation or ask any questions — I'm here to support your journey to better health.