Meridians - The Body's Energy Bloodstream

by Mishelle Knuteson M.H., RET

Dr. Christopher taught that there is one cause of disease ~ Constipation. This doesn't mean only constipation of the bowels, it is a more general constipation (blockage) in any of the systems of the body. One system of the body that is often overlooked is your energy system which runs through the body's meridians - the pathways that carry energy into, through and out of your body.

The primary meridians travel through the internal organs of the body. These meridian pathways begin and end in acupuncture or reflex points on the body, many of which are found in the hands and feet. These points, sometimes called "hot spots" when they are tender, can be stimulated with a needle (acupuncture) or physical pressure (reflexology) to release or redistribute the energy. Good health is facilitated by energy (Qi or Chi) flowing freely through the meridians in the body; blockages in this system create pain, illness and disease.

Blockages to energy flow can occur in 4 ways:

1. Physical - When you injure yourself in some way.

2. Emotional - When you experience a high amount of stress, fear, anxiety or worry over a sustained period of time, emotional blockages are created.

3. Mental - This is caused by thinking too much. Too much thinking is when your mind never shuts down. There is always mental chatter going on in your head.

4. Spiritual - This is when your human spirit is crushed. Depression is often the symptom. You are found devoid of faith and hope.

Events can happen in our lives that will effect us in many different ways and effect more than one aspect listed above. To facilitate good health on all levels the energy system must not be ignored.

To keep energy (Chi) flowing, remember your self-care. Getting a regular massage will help to keep meridians open. Knowing how the meridians run through the body and where the ending reflex points are, allows you the opportunity to hold or tap the point to release blockages. You can also learn how to do self massage and stimulate these points on a daily basis, as well as how to trace and flush the congested meridians. Exercises that are good for energy flow are QiGong/Ti Chi and Yoga because you twist and stretch at specific places associated with each meridian.

For more information about meridians, where the reflex points are located on the body, and how to stimulate the "hot spots" and release blockages, you may want to enroll in the Reflexology course from the School of Natural Healing.

I often hear people say that they are doing everything "right" when treating an illness and are still not getting better. Part of the reason may be that they are not seeing the whole picture and neglecting to care for their energy system. "As the body's 'energy bloodstream', the meridians bring vitality and balance, remove blockages, adjust metabolism, even determine the speed and form of cellular change. Their flow is as critical as the flow of blood; your life and health depend on both. If a meridian's energy is obstructed or unregulated, the system it feeds is jeopardized" Donna Eden, Energy Medicine.

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More information on Radiation

Tip / Info: Peppermint reduces radiation damage


Glutathione Declines Reversed A 2003 study published in the Journal of Radiation Research (Ref.3) found that ingesting peppermint oil reversed declines in glutathione caused by treatment with gamma radiation. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant and detoxification enzyme in the liver. In this study, peppermint essential oil reduced levels of oxidized (or rancid) fats in the tissues caused by radiation damage. (While you will not encounter this kind of radiation in normal life, the study showed that peppermint had antioxidant-protecting properties.)A 2004 follow-up study in Phytotherapy Research (Ref. 4) confirmed these findings.

4. Samarth RM, Goyal PK, Kumar A, "Protection of Swiss albino mice against whole-body gamma irradiation by Mentha piperita (Linn.)," Phytother Res. 2004 Jul; 18(7):546-50.


** NOTE: The advice shared in this tip has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.