Meridian theory occupies a central position in the diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. Although some people may be skeptical, in reality, blocked meridians may indeed pose hidden risks to body health. Here are some common symptoms of meridian blockages and their effects on the body, as well as methods for improvement.
When the meridians are blocked, certain areas of the body may experience abnormal coldness, especially in the hands and feet, which often indicates obstructed circulation of Qi and blood, making it difficult to effectively warm the whole body. Additionally, patients with hemiplegia may experience normal body temperature on one side and coolness on the other side, which is also a manifestation of severe meridian blockage. Skin problems such as enlarged pores and blocked hair follicles are also related to meridian blockages because insufficient Qi and blood impede waste elimination. To address these issues, attempting to unblock the corresponding meridians through massage can help relieve symptoms.
Abnormal fever is also a sign of blocked meridians, including local low-grade fever, dryness, or abnormal sweating, reflecting the inability of heat to dissipate through normal channels. In this case, the root cause of low-grade fever may be related to blocked meridians. For instance, head low-grade fever may not always be directly related to the bladder meridian but may result from insufficient Qi and blood in the kidney meridian.
Different perceptions of pain (“soreness” versus “pain”) reflect different stages of meridian blockages. “Soreness” is usually short-lived, caused by external pathogenic factors, while “pain” is persistent and more widespread, indicating a significant accumulation and stasis of Qi and blood. Stimulating acupoints, gua sha, and other methods can help alleviate these symptoms.
As meridian blockages progress, they may lead to numbness or loss of sensation. This is similar to sitting cross-legged for an extended period causing reduced Qi and blood flow in the lower limbs, initially resulting in pain and then turning into numbness. In traditional Chinese medicine, “numbness indicates Qi deficiency, and numbness indicates blood deficiency,” and attention should be paid and timely interventions carried out to prevent the risk of stroke.
Muscle soreness indicates a slowdown in the supply of Qi and blood, often occurring after excessive exercise. Moderate aerobic exercises such as Tai Chi and jogging help maintain the balance of Qi and blood, reducing the occurrence of soreness.
Blocked meridians also manifest as swelling (blood stasis) or fullness (Qi stagnation). Swelling can be alleviated by gua sha, cupping, and massage of specific acupoints such as Xue Hai; fullness needs to be addressed by massaging and combing the San Jiao meridian.
To improve meridian blockages, the first step is to raise body temperature and expel internal coldness and dampness. Other methods include gently massaging the earlobe, combing the hair to promote blood circulation, acupuncture massage, lotus-sitting stretches, Wu Zi Tiao Xi breathing exercises, all of which help activate the meridians and maintain physical and mental health.
In conclusion, paying attention to and maintaining the smooth flow of meridians is crucial for disease prevention and overall health improvement. Through daily self-regulation and appropriate external therapies, the discomfort caused by blocked meridians can be effectively relieved.
