Atlas of Acupuncture

1 Jing luo(Channel and Network Vessel System)

Channel circuits

Within the primary channel system we can distinguish three cir-

cuits, each circuit comprising four primary channels. The trajec-

tories of two of the channels in one circuit are located on the Yin

side of the body, the more anterior side (Interior), and two are

found on the Yang side, the more posterior side of the body

(Exterior). The Stomach channel (foot yangming, for more

detail ➞1.2.3) presents the exception to this rule. Despite its

major part running along the anterior side of the body, it is con-

sidered a Yang channel (➞Fig. 1.12 and 1.3).

BL

G.B.

ST

KID

LIV

SP

P

LU

L.I.T.B.S.I.

Hand

Head

Foot

taiyang Thorax

shaoyang

taiyin

jueyin

shaoyin

yangming

Yang

channels

Yin

channels

HE

taiyang

shaoyang

yangming

Fig. 1.12 Principle of the channel circuits

First circuit

Channel Time Starts Terminates Hand/foot

LU 3–5 a.m. Thorax Finger tips Hand (shou) taiyin

L.I. 5–7 a.m. Finger tips Face Hand (shou) yangming

ST 7–9 a.m. Face Tips of the toes Foot (zu) yangming

SP 9–11 a.m. Tips of the toes Thorax (Heart) Foot (zu) taiyin

Second circuit

H 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thorax Finger tips Hand (shou) shaoyin

S.I. 1–3 p.m. Finger tips Face Hand (shou) taiyang

BL 3–5 p.m. Face Tips of the toes Foot (zu) taiyang

KID 5–7 p.m Tips of the toes Thorax (Pericardium) Foot (zu) shaoyin

Third circuit

P 7–9 p.m. Thorax Finger tips Hand (shou) jueyin

T.B. 9–11 p.m. Finger tips Face Hand (shou) shaoyang

G.B. 11 p.m.–1 a.m. Face Tips of the toes Foot (zu) shaoyang

LIV 1–3 a.m. Tips of the toes Thorax (Lung) Foot (zu) jueyin

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