Modern Medical Science and the TCM Meridians and Acupoints

One of the core components of TCM theory is that of the meridians and acupoints. TCM theory suggests that throughout the body, a system of channels exist, facilitating the flow of Qi (vital energy). These are the meridians, along which acupoints exist: acupoints are used in acupuncture, to stimulate the flow of Qi during times of illness.

The theory of the meridians has come to pose quite fundamental questions in the modern medical profession – in particular, whether these meridians actually exist. Studies using contemporary methods have recently found that the theory of the meridians of TCM correlate with results in studies in medical science. In particular, studies of human bioelectricity, blood vessels, neural segmentation, and the CNS have revealed consistencies between what is detailed in TCM theory in regard to the meridians, and these modern approaches to medical theory.

Data from the observation of resistance of electric current on the skin shows regularity between differences in electric resistance at the acupoints. It is observed that there is a distribution of points whereby which there is a higher magnitude of current generally correspondent with the acupoints, in addition to such observances also being found along linear paths of the skin, corresponding with the meridians.

Investigations into the location of blood vessels along the human body reveal correlations between acupoints and the locations of the arterial trunks and veins. These studies verify the idea that the meridians and acupoints are closely related to the system of blood vessels; however, the blood vessels not the meridians themselves.

Research on the neural segments and the CNS shows likenesses between what is documented in ancient Chinese TCM medical books in regard to the meridians and modern findings on the nerves. Such regularities have led some researchers to conclude that the meridians of TCM are indeed the system of nerves of modern medical science; however, although the meridians are very closely relevant to the nervous system, the nerves, again, are not actually the meridians themselves.

Through the many thousands of years of established and successful clinical practice done on the basis of the meridians and acupoints, it can be generally concluded that the meridians do exist. In addition, these definitively existent correlations, particularly in the experiments testing electrical resistance, further support the idea that the meridians exist. However, examinations through autopsy have consistently failed to find a physical medium, such as the CNS, blood vessels, etc. that correspond exactly with the meridians, as detailed in TCM theory.

This is because the nature of Qi is that it only exists while the body is alive and functioning. Qi is vital energy – it is not a substance that is carried through a physical medium. Just as a jetliner flies through a certain path, yet there is no evidence to indicate that the path exists, Qi flows through the path of the meridians, yet the meridians do not exist as a physical medium, and as such, there is no physical evidence to show that it exists – physically.