The Meridians:
The term meridian is applied in acupuncture and acupressure. Meridians are energy channels that circulate in our body. The meridians have energy points that we call tsubos, and when they are rotating, electromagnetic energy is accumulated in them. A tsubo can be compared to a volcano through which the energy from the deep Earth’s core comes to the surface. The energy is therefore very active at these points, and these are exactly the points that we treat with our thumbs in Shiatsu or with needles in acupuncture. Scientific research has shown that the meridians are connected to our organs. In Eastern medicine, energy is called Ki, Chi or Qi and translated as “life force”. The life energy flows through the meridians. The energy channels or Jing Mai (transporting – pulsating) initially run under the surface of the body and form energetic connections with deeper layers, as a kind of loose web that becomes more and more subtle.
Which are the 12 classical meridians?
- Lung Meridian
- Colon Meridian
- Small intetin Meridian
- Stomach Meridian
- Spleen Meridian
- Heart Meridian
- Bladder Meridian
- Kidney Meridian
- Pericardium Meridian
- Triple Warmer Meridian
- Gall Bladder Meridian
- Liver Meridian
In addition to the classical meridians, we also have extraordinary meridians. These are the Du Mai, Ren Mai, Dai Mai, Chong Mai, Yin Chiao, Yang chiao, Yin wei and Yang wei. These important vessels form the structure of the energy network and feed the 12 classical meridians.
The flow of meridians
Flow of energy passes through the body through Yin and Yang meridians. Upward energy flows in the Yin meridians and downward energy in the Yang meridians. The energy from the universe enters the meridians through the points on the hands and the energy of the earth enters the meridians through the feet. The man is at the center of both currents and he is a conductor of energy between heaven and earth. Both of these energies come into contact at one central point that we call the Kikai acupressure point in Shiatsu. This point can be found at 2.5 cun (1 cun = width of the person’s thumb) below the umbilical cord. We also call this point the ocean of Ki, meaning the ocean of energy.
In a meridian, there can be too much energy, too little or a stagnation.
A meridian malfunction
When an unbalanced state develops in an organ or system, it is brought to the surface by related meridians, tsubos and vessels. This can be caused by pain in body regions that are closely related to it, or by stiffness, temperature differences or discoloration of the skin. These symptoms, usually regarded as discomforts, are signals.
A disturbance of an energy flow in the body can therefore lead to energy blockages. Blockages can occur through physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual disturbances. Incorrect posture, not breathing properly, too much mental activity, physical overload, trauma, recurring emotional moods, excess of stress, not enough exercise, unable to express, overeating, irregular and not varied and/or unhealthy eating, sleep deprivation, feeling hopeless, and much more types of imbalance can have a profound effect on our energy system, body and well-being.
Energy blocks can be removed by acupressure and acupuncture, among other methods. In Shiatsu through different manipulation techniques one tones and calms energy points. One will influence the energy field to reorganize the body, creating balance. Although a Shiatsu session can restore the energy balance, if the patient maintains a certain way of life, blockages will return. That is why people become more aware of their lifestyle, body and breathing after a Shiatsu session. You are never the same person when you leave the cabinet. This is then the spiritual development in the process, because with a relaxed body you will also radiate a different energy to your environment and thus attract other energy fields around you.
When everything is allowed to flow again
Shiatsu can be a catalyst for creating good health.
After a treatment, we can provide suggestions regarding the improvement of your well-being. specific energetic exercises, breathing techniques, nutrition suggestions and more awareness tips.
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Daniel Van Nerom – Shiatsu therapist – teacher
Zenit Shiatsu 