Understanding the Meridian System by water flow analogy

Since qi and blood are mobile, it is easier to understand the concept of meridians by comparing it to water flow. When water flows down a mountain or a slope, it flows from a high to low ground. It will also follow the geographical terrain and collect in the most stable area which is a river. Rivers maintain the natural laminar flow and kinetic energy of the water. By avoiding turbulent flow, it provides the most efficient way of transporting water downstream. As a result, the land surrounding the river is lush with vegetation and life because of the steady supply of fresh water.

Qi works in a similar way to the flow of water in nature. By flowing from a high to a low concentration, it follows the body's landscape and gathers in a meridian. Thus, meridians provide a natural pathway for the flow of Qi and supply a constant source of energy to different parts of the body in the same way a river supplies water to its surrounding banks.

If a river is blocked, all areas relying on the water downstream will be affected. Due to a lack of water, the ecosystem's balance and harmony are disturbed, and plants and animals cannot survive. Similarly, if the Meridian System is blocked, the supply of qi to different parts of the body will be interrupted, leading to organ disharmony and disease even if the affected area is far away from the original blockage.

In order to restore balance and harmony, it is necessary to resume the optimal flow of the river or qi. In the case of a river, the debris causing the blockage is removed and the riverbed is strengthened. The harmony of the Meridian System is restored in our bodies by stimulating particular acupuncture points. In this way, the flow of qi is regulated, and qi energy is distributed efficiently throughout the body again.