Meridians
The primary and extraordinary meridians of Chinese medicine — pathways of Qi and blood that connect every organ, tissue, and function in the body.
Meridians are the energy pathways that carry qi (vital force) throughout the body, connecting organs, tissues, and acupoints into an integrated network. TCM identifies 12 primary meridians corresponding to the major organs, plus 8 extraordinary vessels that regulate the flow of qi and blood.
Primary Meridians
Lung (LU)
Metal · 03:00-05:00
Large Intestine (LI)
Metal · 05:00-07:00
Stomach (ST)
Earth · 07:00-09:00
Spleen (SP)
Earth · 09:00-11:00
Heart (HT)
Fire · 11:00-13:00
Small Intestine (SI)
Fire · 13:00-15:00
Bladder (BL)
Water · 15:00-17:00
Kidney (KI)
Water · 17:00-19:00
Pericardium (PC)
Fire (Minister Fire) · 19:00-21:00
Triple Burner (TB)
Fire (Minister Fire) · 21:00-23:00
Gallbladder (GB)
Wood · 23:00-01:00
Liver (LR)
Wood · 01:00-03:00
Extraordinary Meridians
Du Mai (Governing Vessel) (GV/DU)
Governs all Yang
Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) (CV/REN)
Governs all Yin
Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) (Chong)
Sea of Blood and Qi · No specific peak time -- activated through confluent point SP-4
Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) (Dai)
Binds all meridians · No specific peak time -- activated through confluent point GB-41
Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Qiao)
Governs Yang motility · No specific peak time -- governs the Yang (daytime/waking) phase of the sleep-wake cycle
Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Qiao)
Governs Yin motility · No specific peak time -- governs the Yin (nighttime/sleeping) phase of the sleep-wake cycle
Yang Wei Mai (Yang Wei)
Links all Yang meridians · No specific peak time -- activated through confluent point TB-5
Yin Wei Mai (Yin Wei)
Links all Yin meridians · No specific peak time -- activated through confluent point PC-6