Overview

Chinese Meridian System

Complete Body Map

Complete meridian system showing all 12 primary channels color-coded by element

Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

Arm Yin

Lung Meridian

手太陰肺經

Metal Element

11 Points | Peak Time: 3-5 AM

Function: Governs respiration and Qi circulation
Pathway: Chest → Inner Arm → Thumb

17th Century, Wellcome Collection

Leg Yang

Stomach Meridian

足陽明胃經

Earth Element

45 Points | Peak Time: 7-9 AM

Function: Governs digestion
Pathway: Face → Front Body → 2nd Toe

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Leg Yang

Bladder Meridian

足太陽膀胱經

Water Element

67 Points | Peak Time: 3-5 PM

Function: Stores and eliminates urine
Pathway: Inner Eye → Over Head → Down Back → Little Toe

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Arm Yang

Small Intestine Meridian

手太陽小腸經

Fire Element

19 Points | Peak Time: 1-3 PM

Function: Separates pure from impure
Pathway: Little Finger → Arm → Face

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Leg Yin

Spleen Meridian

足太陰脾經

Earth Element

21 Points | Peak Time: 9-11 AM

Function: Transforms and transports nutrients
Pathway: Big Toe → Inner Leg → Chest

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Arm Yang

Triple Burner (San Jiao)

手少陽三焦經

Fire Element

23 Points | Peak Time: 9-11 PM

Function: Regulates metabolism and body temperature
Pathway: Ring Finger → Arm → Face

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Extraordinary Vessel

Governing Vessel (Du Mai)

督脈 - Sea of Yang

28 Points | Governs all Yang meridians

Function: Spine health, willpower, yang energy
Pathway: Tailbone → Spine → Over Head → Upper Lip

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Extraordinary Vessel

Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

任脈 - Sea of Yin

24 Points | Governs all Yin meridians

Function: Reproduction, nourishment, yin energy
Pathway: Perineum → Front Midline → Lower Lip

Traditional Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Acupoints

Head & Face Points

Cranial Acupuncture

Multiple meridians converge on the head

Uses: Headaches, sinus, eye problems, mental clarity
Key Point GV-20: Top of head - treats vertigo, calms mind

17th Century Chinese Woodcut, Wellcome Collection

Acupoints

Chest & Abdomen Points

Torso Acupuncture

Vital organ points and Conception Vessel

Uses: Digestive issues, respiratory problems, emotional balance
Key Point CV-17: Center chest - regulates Qi, relieves stress

17th Century Chinese Chart, Wellcome Collection

Historical

Acupuncture Figure

Ming Dynasty Teaching Model

Historical bronze teaching figure (c. 17th century)

Purpose: Training tool showing meridian pathways and point locations
Usage: Students practiced locating acupuncture points on these models

Late Ming Dynasty, Wellcome Collection