Science Finally Proves Meridians Exist!
Dear friends,
I have been a fan of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially acupuncture, for quite some time now. During my time in Malaysia, I have met a few TCM doctors specializing in acupuncture who have been very helpful and skilled in treating various ailments, from swellings to joint pains, muscular aches, headaches, migraines, and much more. They are always very kind and work patiently to alleviate as much pain as possible. Even if the problem returns, it is usually less severe the next time round and heals quicker.
I also encourage my students to receive acupuncture treatments for their health problems. Acupuncture, combined with western medicine and the correct diet and lifestyle can be very potent to relieve painful symptoms as well as the underlying medical problem.
I have come across people who do not believe in the effectiveness of acupuncture due to a lack of scientific proof. Yet, I fully believe in its effectiveness as meridians or “channels” along with the associated winds and drops also exist within Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, the esoteric practices of Tibetan Buddhism require the practitioner to move the winds around the body which, although not the main objective, promotes self-healing, emotional stability, wellness, etc. – benefits associated with balancing the energy in the meridians!
It is good to know that after many years of rejecting the concept of meridians, qi and nadis, scientists have finally proven their existence. This is wonderful news as acupuncture, along with many other alternative health treatments, is based on the meridians and energy channels. I hope this will encourage more people to try out these ancient healing techniques which can help them go through life with less pain and suffering.
For this reason, I hope to have a community of healers in Kechara Forest Retreat who can teach Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi gong, and do healing via acupuncture, ayurveda, Tibetan medicine and much more. I would very much like to create such a place of healing for the body and mind, where we can learn from them and get healed by them.
I hope you enjoy the article, and do let me know your personal experiences with your body’s meridians.
Tsem Rinpoche
Science Finally Proves Meridians Exist
For centuries the ancient wisdom keepers and healers in several traditions had a keen understanding of the energetic body. The healing traditions from China, India, Japan and Tibet, as well as other countries all spoke of energy channels, meridians or nadis along which the vital energy flowed.
Life was considered to be a bio-electrical and vibrational energy phenomenon and so health revolved around balancing energy through various means. Life existed because of life force and energy running through and animating the body, ensuring we can move, breathe, digest food, think and even feel.
Healing traditions all spoke of energy channels, sen, meridians or nadis
Energy Channels
This vital life force or chi, is composed of two kinds of forces, yin and yang, and flows along a sophisticated network of energy pathways, or highways, circuiting the body. Over 2000 years ago ancient cultures knew of the existence of these energy channels. They were called ‘sen’ in Thailand, ‘nadis’ in India, ‘meridians’, ‘channels’ or ‘vessels’ in China and Japan, and ‘channels’ in Tibet. In India, where many eastern healing arts developed, there were said to be 72,000 nadis or energy pathways. Disease is believed to be a blockage in the energy flow of these channels. A range of healing traditions, including acupuncture, acupressure, massage and yoga, are founded on the principle of the existence of energy channels or pathways, known as meridians, or nadis, running around the body in an expansive network.
While it may seem a little airy fairy to some to consider the energy body while we have flesh and bone, at source we are an energy field, embedded into another energy field. Our bodies are electromagnetic in nature and science has measured these frequencies with advanced machines, like EKG’s and MRI scanning, for many years. Numerous studies demonstrate these energy pathways and points conduct electricity even when needles aren’t used. And the massage technique of Shiatsu has been found to stimulate the same energetic effects. Similarly, Qigong,Tai Chi and the postures of yoga, have been found to increase electrical conductance at acupoints, yet science never believed in the existence of meridians until now.
A range of healing traditions are founded on the principle of the meridians
Scientific Research
Recently scientists at Seoul National University confirmed the existence of meridians, which they refer to as the “primo-vascular system.” They say that this system is a crucial part of the cardiovascular system.
Previously, North Korean scientist Kim Bong-Han proposed that he had found meridians in the early 1960s. Dr Kim Bong-Han showed over 50 years ago that new tubular structures exist inside and outside of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as well as on the surface of internal organs and under the dermis. He believed they were the traditional meridian lines. The meridians were called Bonghan ducts or channels, after his research, but now the existence of this system in various organs has been corroborated by further research.
The current Korean researchers now believe the primo-vascular system is in fact the physical component of the Acupuncture Meridian System. And it has also been suggested that this system is involved in channelling the flow of energy and information relayed by biophotons (electromagnetic waves of light) and DNA.
There may be a link between the meridians and energy and information relayed by DNA
The Korean scientists studying oriental medicine with biophysical methods injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians. By injecting the dye onto acupuncture points, they were able to see thin lines. These did not show up at non-acupuncture point sites where there are no meridians. The researchers discovered that the meridian lines are not confined to the skin, but are in fact a concrete duct system through which liquid flows, and that this liquid aggregates to form stem cells.
Previously, scientists used a combination of imaging techniques and CT scans to observe concentrated points of microvascular structures that clearly correspond to the map of acupuncture points created by Chinese energy practitioners in ancient times. In a study published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, researchers used contrast CT imaging with radiation on both non-acupuncture points and acupuncture points. The CT scans revealed clear distinctions between the non-acupuncture point and acupuncture point anatomical structures.
Scientists injected a special staining dye which coloured the meridians
The Meridian System
There are 12 primary paired meridians and two single mid meridians, six yang and six yin. The yang meridians run down the body and the yin meridians flow up the body. Each meridian is also related to an element. Each meridian is most active at a certain time of the day or night and each meridian is influenced by an element or season.
The nature of meridians, in their elemental structure, and as vessels for the life force, show the intricacy and profound connection of our body at a cellular level, to the universe. We are intimately connected by the elements, energetic structure and flow of energy, to all life, at a cellular, physical level. Our earth is also said to have energetic pathways or ley lines, akin to meridians.
The map was created by Chinese healing practitioners nearly 2000 years ago
How are Meridians Related to Health?
Our bodies need balance. A balanced flow or energy, not too much or too little, is conducive to good health. This is the same in the way we live our lives. Balance is paramount. Just enough food, water and a healthy balanced lifestyle. As the Buddha said: “middle way” or moderation in all things.
We can see this harmony and balance in life, as the balance between the energies of yin and yang – or more simplistically, masculine and feminine – the two opposing and catalyzing energies of the universe.
Our bodies need balance, not too much or too little.
Our health is vibrant if there is harmony and balance between these two forces in the body. If the balance is disturbed, and the flow of one of these forces becomes greater than the other then illness arises. These forces or energies flow through very definite channels in the body, or meridians, and these are the body’s healing energy pathways.
In traditional Indian medicine, the meridians are expanded upon. There are nadis found within the physical body and these nadis make up the nervous system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the lymphatic system, etc. Any blockages in these nadis can result in physical health conditions. Nadis can also be found in the subtle body where they carry thoughts, feelings, and nerve impulses. When these nadis are blocked, we lose our ability to feel, and connect deeply with others, the environment and ourselves. In the same way that veins and arteries are important for the body to function, nadis weave through our physical nerves and the matrix of consciousness that circuits the mind and self, supporting our physical expression from the otherworldly dimensions of existence.
Chi is made up of two kinds of forces, yin and yang
When the flow of energy is blocked, it causes low energy and illness. Practices like yoga and meditation work on these subtle energy channels, supporting the flow of energy through the body. According to some ancient indian texts there are 350,000 nadis or energy pathways in the body. In traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science, the energies of the physical body, the subtle body and the causal body are said to flow through the nadis. Within this framework, the nadis are said to connect at special points of intensity called nadichakras.
The three most important nadis are those running along the spine: ida, pingala and sushumna. The Sushumna is the central channel of energy in the human body and it runs from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and carries kundalini energy, which is the primal evolutionary force. Kundalini is awakened through yoga and meditation and is said to lie dormant at the base of the spine. Activation of the kundalini leads to higher consciousness states. The aim of yoga is to broaden the sushumna and to unite the pathways. Purifying all three nadis leads to overall health, and wellness of body and mind, as well as spiritual growth. Various Pranayama techniques aid in helping to keep these nadi channels open.
The three most important nadis are those running along the spine: ida, pingala and sushunma
If you are sensitive to energy and have had energy treatments, such as acupuncture, you may have felt streams of energy or a flow of cold or heat, for example, up the legs or arms. This is a freeing up of energy in the meridians and the flow of energy that is released when a blockage is removed.
There are many wonderful healing modalities based on the meridian system that support radiant health. By enhancing the flow of energy through the body, balance and health is achieved and we come in touch with our true selves. Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality used in China as early as the late stone age. It was used to treat all ailments affecting people. Acupuncture did not enter modern Western consciousness until the 1970s when China ended a period of isolation and resumed foreign political and cultural contacts.
The range of applications for acupuncture has grown slowly in the West, possibly because of the belief that it has no scientific basis. Perhaps now with the scientific proof of meridians, acupuncture will become more widespread for all ailments, along with other great healing modalities based on the energetics of the body, supporting more people to have vibrant health and wellbeing.
Source: http://www.corespirit.com/science-finally-proves-meridians-exist/
For more interesting information:
- Legends of Mount Shasta
- 10,000-year-old Rock Paintings Depicting Aliens and UFOs
- Kirlian Photography & Aura Healing – Science or Myth?
- A Beginning-less Universe?
- Mongolian Astrology and Divination
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The meridian system is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine . It was at the Seoul National University, scientists has confirmed that the prime –vascular system is a crucial part of our cardiovascular system.
Personally prefer traditional medical treatment as well, especially acupuncture and massage. These treatments focus on the root cause of the diseases rather than treating the symptoms.
Wow…. That’s great finally science has finally proves meridians do exist. I am doubtful about it until reading this article and google more of it, have opened my knowledge . The meridian system is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine . It was at the Seoul National University, scientists has confirmed that the primo –vascular system is a crucial part of our cardiovascular system. Our meridians span throughout our body and thus are linked to every major part of it. When there is harmony and balance within our body we are healthy and if its disturbed and unbalance , then illness will arises. Interesting read and there’s plenty for me to understand . Modern science is finally working hand in hand with ancient knowledge with tradition way of treating illness. That’s wonderful.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
This is an interesting article. Although I have never experienced TCM and acupuncture but i do really believe it helps through feedback from many friends. But i i grew up drinking chinese herbal soup from my grandmother and it is very beneficial. Thank you Rinpoche for this great explaination about Meridians. It will really help many people to understand how beneficial it is._/\_
Science has long held out against the belief that meridians do exist, despite the fact that ancient cultures of over 2000 years ago had known of these energy channels and made use of this knowledge to facilitate healing.
However, scientists in Seoul National University , after careful research , have now confirmed the existence of meridians. This will give more confidence to healers who are involved in alternative treatment methods ,like acupuncture, which works on the basis of meridians.
Meridians are energy channels that form a circuit around our body. These vessels of life force are divided into two kinds -the yin and the yang. These two need to be in balance and harmony to ensure a vibrant health. The more powerful discovery is that the meridians are intricately and “profoundly” connected from our body to the entire universe! We are intimately connected , by the meridians, to all life. Earth also as its energy pathways , akin to meridians
I truly welcome that the Koreans are being taken seriously about their research into the Meridians. Acupuncture and workings of the Meridians, was discovered by the Chinese, just that they did not document all their research and findings into medical journals. But good that people and scientist are looking into the existence of Meridians with a scientific approach. Electromagnetic waves was once invisible to the naked eyes, yet once it was discovered people could measure and enhance it for the betterment of human society.
The ancient Asian medical belief finally is proven by the scientists. Whether there’s scientific proof or not, i’m sure many who has benefitted by the treatments like acupuncture, ayurveda or Tibetan medicine etc that emphasised much on the basis of Qi or acupoints are convinced by the results. The concept of acupuncture is to improve the body’s functions and promote the natural self-healing process. Usually other acupoint stimulation techniques will be done in combination i.e moxibustion, cupping and massage.
I like the concept of TCM because it is based on ancient philosophy of 2 opposing forces Ying and Yang. When these 2 forces are balance, the body is healthy. Similarly in Tibetan Buddhism we believe through practise, we could control our wind in our channels for self-healing and even control death and rebirth.
I like to opt for TCM when i get sick for its effectiveness and their natural medicine that doesn’t cause side effects.
Science is finally catching up with ancient knowledge. While western medication gives a quick but temporary fix to some of our ailment, I always believe in the traditional medicines or the alternative treatments that are non-invasive in nature and does not harm the body because the solution works with the body natural healing abilities, acupuncture is an excellent example. This development in actual fact is making known ancient knowledge in a manner where modern people can understand and accept. Hopefully, in the near future, we get to see breakthrough in medical treatment by acupuncture and other related therapies. Thank you, Rinpoche for this article.
Dear Rinpoche,
I got to know Chinese medicine more than 20 years ago when my first ailment was indigestion where I couldn’t find cure from western medication,then.
What make me trust in Chinese medicine was,all ingredients are from dried plants,herbs and during that time, they will compiled all herbs together(according to your sickness) in a package form and required you to boiled and drink(Yucks!).The advantage is,the sickness won’t comes back again when I consume them.From then,I fully trusted on Chinese medicine.The cures in me included fever caused by wind,asthma(mild),body ailments and many more.
Other than intake Chinese medicine,I also experience in acupuncture. Few years back I have very serious body breakdown.Even taking medicine couldn’t make much progressed.Out of any choices, I decided to take acupuncture treatment which I have refused(because of the NEEDLES!lol) earlier when my TCM doctor requested me to.
Before the treatment,I need to either have food half hour before or with empty stomach.This is because some may feel drowsy or vomit during treatment,which I have experienced both.The treatment begin from leg,then head and body is the last.Needles they used are iron with the length of approximately around 1″ to 2″ depends on seriousness of the ailments.Firstly,antiseptic will apply on to the skin then follow by needle poking.When the needle enter into the skin until it reaches the vessels,that’s where the “NUMB” starts(it’s numb not pain).Once the needles are on your body,your position will be sitting like a statue.I started to sweat within 5 sec and the sweat is cold,very cold.Then I starts to have goosebumps,feeling sleepy,drowsy(sometimes) and running nose and I even yawning.The action is exactly like a drug addict!(very scary).During that period,it’s really torturing.I’m tired, sleepy and I can’t lye on the bed because my body is filled with needles.(I couldn’t imagine I went thru this!). The TCM will come for a check on every half hour on my progress(twisting needles.Ouch!).I have to go thru 3 sessions of this.This treatment,took me 1.5hours to complete a day and I make it weekly for 2 months until I’m fully recovered.
Acupuncture is an efficient treatment with optimum results.Apart from that,consume green food like vegetables are encourage together with some physical education.For me,this treatment is a big lesson where I must take good care of my health and treasure my life.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful article.
Finally modern science has found the knowledge and method to prove the existence of Meridians. As traditional medicines are found in many culture,some uses the meridian as one of the basis for treatment. I have been to the traditional chinese doctor for treatment, a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, i must say they are quite effective, and i always believe there is some truth and logic behind this.
There are vast contribution from the modern medicine, however the research and discovery process might take too long, and sometime perhaps, we might not have the technology and knowledge to it.
Finding meridians by the scientist might leads to more discovery, healing of more sicknesses and diseases, and perhaps a more logical insight into the process of meditation and chakras found in Tibetan knowledge, and even proving of enlightenment in the future?
Ancient wisdom and modern knowledge often go head to head, but on rare occasions they do prove that they can coexist and sometimes often support one another. This is a clear example. What some take as pseaudoscience does actually have a basis. I believe with the opening up of China and much of the East in the 1980’s Acupuncture took off here in the west, and it has helped many people with health issues, and addicitions. Based on the energy channels, it has helped many people. Where I live it’s safe to say almost all of us know someone who has tried alternatives like acupuncture and have been successful. I have a family member personally who tried it to quit smoking, and cut down cravings and it worked. Sometimes we just have to keep an open mind. Medical science only deals and heals with a portion of us.
What I forgot to mention was that it has been many decades since Kirlian photography proved the existence of an aura surrounding living beings
Once again science proves that ancient knowledge rings true. There is much to be discovered of ancient wisdom and knowledge. In ancient knowledge, besides these observable tubes or channels as mentioned in this article, there are also invisible (to the human eye) ones which to me are more like bioelectricalmagnetic meridiens. I think it will not be very long that these are also proven scientifically to exist.
Finally science admit to what we already know in ancient medicines. This is good because at least it is a start of perhaps a better understanding in how to heal people.
I have always thought that it would be an excellent synergy is Chinese medicine and western medicine could combine to work together to help improve the healing process and perhaps even find correct cures. I for one believe in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine and methods of healing (vegetarian/non-killing ones) of course.
This article also reminds me of a teaching Rinpoche gave about how we should meditate and visualise on the main seed syllable of a certain mantra e.g. Om Ara Padsa Na Dhi and to visualise the Dhi in the centre of our lotus petal heart shinning brightly in golden rays, and while we are focusing there all, our mind which sits on the wind travels trough our meridian points and move towards the DHI and goes through it and this is how it blesses our mind. SO from what I can see and read here, the meridian is like the highway in our body where our energy runs through.
It is also fascinating to see how the Korean Scientist managed to inject a special dye to bring out the visibility of the meridians in our bodies. Now there is visual evidence which western medicine cannot refute or ignore. Interesting article.
Finally Science is advanced enough to prove the ancient Indian, Chinese, Tibet medical treatment. I personally prefer traditional medical treatment as well, especially acupuncture and massage. These treatments focus on the root cause of the diseases rather than treating the symptoms.
If we suffer from acute diseases, we can go for western medical treatment and then traditional medical treatment to strengthen our body. Personally I have seen how acupuncture treatment can help a stroke patient. I remembered when my grandfather had a stroke, he was immediately sent for acupuncture treatment, then admitted to a hospital. Because he received acupuncture treatment immediately, he recovered very quickly and didn’t suffer from paralysis.
A treatment method passed down from thousands of years ago how can we just deny its effectiveness because Science cannot prove it yet?
Fascinating article! I believe Rinpoche had taught from time and time again that the meridiens are vital energy channels. What flows through them is qi or ‘wind’ as the Tibetans call it. The qi regulates bodily functions and apparently, the mind rests on it in the manner of a rider riding the horse. The rider is the mind and the horse is the energy channels.
In the practice of Tantra, higher tantra that is, energy channels are manipulated by the meditator in order to direct the mind towards the central channel. In doing so, grosser elements of the mind like delusions and negative emotions are dissolved along with many other benefits like healing the body and extending one’s life and also gaining of clairvoyance, realization of emptiness and so forth.
This whole process actually mimics the natural process when we actually die. The chakras (naturally formed confluence of energy channels at 5 of 6 points in our body) normally locked tight, opens involuntarily and energies gather in the central channels before dissolving and the mind eventually leaves the body. From where it leaves depends on the karma of the person and also determines the next rebirth. Now, a seasoned meditator is able to manipulate this whole process so, they leave the body at will and take rebirth at will as well.
The natural vibrations of Buddhist mantras that we recite act just like acupuncture needles to stimulate and regulate the vital energies in our body. The more recite, the more mantras we recite, the more they act on our mind and body. Hence, the recitation of mantra depending on the type of mantra naturally brings about tremendous physiological effects on us.
Dear Rinpoche,
This is an interesting article. I am also a TCM fan. I prefer the TCM method of healing than the modern treatment cos TCM do not have side effect but it might take a longer time to heal or recover.
Sharing here a youtube video on how Prof dr. Zhu Zong Xiang (Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Acupuncture Meridian Research Center) proof the existence of meridian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI8vjD6yyBU
He also developed a set of simple exercise called “3-1-2 meridian exercise” for us to have long and healthy life. This exercise take about 15 minutes daily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpx8NH37FkI
Hope this is helpful for those that would like to try TCM method.
Thank you Rinpoche.
After been rejected for so many years, many scientists like Seoul National University finally confirmed the existence of meridians. It’s a piece of glad news which may help the people especially the treatments like acupuncture is based on meridians and energy channels.
Life is full of challenges and commitments. This is not easy for everyone has immediate lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy balance for eating and living. Therefore, this wonderful news is really bring benefits to others especially those are really need for acupuncture or similar treatments which are caused by nadis blockages and etc.
Thank you Rinpoche for this nice sharing.