Traditional Chinese Bodywork and Acupuncture treatment principles are based on the theory of the Twelve Meridians and Fourteen Channels. The theory of the Fourteen Channels, and their commonly-used acupoints, is considered the principle component of Meridian theory and the most practical and theoretical rudiment in massage therapy. This is because it acts as a fundamental guideline for all aspects of clinical application including: the diagnosis of diseases and differentiation of syndromes; the determination of treatment methods and prescriptions of the acupoints; and the selection of hand manipulations and their performing methods such as light, heavy, slow, rapid, clockwise or anti-clockwise. So to master massage, one must first learn the massage doctrine. Without the knowledge of the Fourteen Channels theory, the efficacy of treatments such as chiropractic or physiotherapy will be minimal and short-lived.

The Fourteen Meridian Channels include the twelve regular channels and two extra meridian channels.

The Twelve Channels are generally regarded as the principal part of the Channel System and refer respectively to the twelve internal organs. There are six Zang organs and six Fu organs. Zang organs belong to Yin and the Fu organs belong to Yang, and named after them. For example, the channel related to the heart is called the Heart Channel of Hand Shaoyin; the term “yin” is present in the name, thereby indicating that the heart is a Zang organ.

These twelve channels are linked with each other through their branches and collaterals which constitute six pairs of interior-exterior and corresponding relations between Zang organs and Fu organs. Of the twelve channel, the Yin channels pertain to the Zang organs and connect the Fu organs while the Yang channels pertain to the Fu organs and connect the Zang organs. Through communication with the channels of the hand and foot, the twelve channels join together and form an endless ring. In the ring, Chi and blood circulate round and round again to nourish the whole body in a continuous cycle.

The two extra meridian channels are the Ren channel and Du channel, also known as the Conception vessel and the Governing vessel, respectively.

The Ren channel is at the front of the body and belongs to the Yin, while the Du channel is at the back of the body and belongs to the Yang. These two channels, or vessels, are considered to be the most important among the channels and vessels as they constantly exchange Chi and balance each other. They are different from the twelve regular channels in that they have neither a direct nor an exterior-interior relationship with the Zang-Fu organs. Their main physiological function is to regulate Chi and blood within the twelve regular channels to ascertain if they are deficient or excessive.

The Du channel starts from inside the lower abdomen and comes from the perineum Hulyin point and curves backward. It runs along the mid-line of the waist, the back and the nape of the neck to the vertex of the face. It is called the “Sea of Yang Channels” as it meets all of the Yang channels and is able to regulate Chi in all of the Yang channels.

The Ren channel starts from inside the lower abdomen, comes out from the perineum Hulyin point, curves around the genitals, ascends along the midline of the abdomen and runs along from the chest to the mandible. It is called the “Sea of Yin Channels” because it meets all the Yin channels of the body and is also able to regulate Chi in the Yin channels.

In addition, these two channels play a major role in nourishing the mind and spirit and are also responsible for regulating the body fluids that nourish the abdomen, as well as regulating sexual energy and the genital system. It is said to take thirty days to complete the Chi circulation cycle; it takes twenty-one days from points Fengfu to Huiyin, and nine days from the Huiyin point to the throat.

For more information about the Fourteen Meridians or to obtain a copy on CD, please email your request to Master Wong. To learn more about Master Wong’s workshops, visit his website at www.barehandsdoctor.com.