1 Jing luo(Channel and Network Vessel System)General pathways of the sinew channels
(➞Fig. 1.26)
● The three hand Yang sinew channels (L.I./S.I./T.B.) flow
from the finger tips towards the scapula, ascend to the ear and
intersect with G.B.-13(benshen)
● The three foot Yang sinew channels (ST/BL/G.B.) run from
the tips of the toes towards the head, join each other on the
cheek and meet with S.I.-18(quanliao)
● The three hand Yin sinew channels (HE/P/LU) flow from the
finger tips towards the thorax, joining within the thoracic
musculature and meeting at G.B.-22(yuanye)
● The three foot Yin sinew channels (LIV/KID/SP) run from
the tips of the feet towards the thorax, join each other in the
genital region and, depending on the author, intersect in the
area of Ren-2(qugu) or Ren-3(zhongji)functioning of the muscles and sinews is governed by the Liver.
But the Liver is also connected to the mesenchymal structures of
the body, especially those surrounding the organs. The sinew
channels are not only composed of the muscular structures, but
also of the mesenchymal formations, so that according to Larre
and Rochat de la Vallée they are also involved in the structural
aspect of the diaphragm as well as the thoracoabdominal serous
membranes, in particular the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium.
In the deeper parts of the body they act through the deep muscular
fascia. One of the main functions of the sinew channels is that of
a ‘protective coat’ that shields the body against attacks from the
Exterior. In this respect the Defensive Qi (wei qi) is of particular
importance ((➞1.1.4): the muscle spindles are crossed by loose
and diffuse flows of Qi, which also contain Defensive Qi (wei qi).
Nutritive Qi (ying qi) is also present, particularly at the outer
ends of the spindles (➞1.1.4).
The sinew channels also have the task of barring access to the
deeper channels. In other words, in a pathological situation, a
deeper channel can only be reached if the resistance of the mus-
cular layers can be broken. An important aim of Tuina therapy is
to remove muscular tension. According to Larre and Rochat de
la Vallée (1996), the sinew channels also play a role in psycho-
somatic disorders since they very effectively constitute the
muscular carapace. The authors refer here to a bioenergetic
interpretation of muscular tension.Clinical and therapeutic importance
Disorders of the sinew channels will show the following symptoms
along their pathway: muscular tension, pain, cramping, spasms,
stiffness, but also paralyses, weakness and swellings of the mus-
cles, tendons and ligaments. Any impairment of range of motion
of the joints also indicates that the sinew channels are involved.
In addition, each sinew channel also has its specific symptoms
(➞chapter 4, individual channel descriptions).
The following factors can contribute to disorders of the sinew
channels:
● Bisyndromes – external invasion of pathogenic Wind, Cold,
Damp or Heat
● Traumatic injuries
● Muscle strain through over-use
● Muscle strain and contraction due to longstanding emotional
and mental stress
While the sinew channels do not have their own specific points,
they can easily be accessed by needling ashi-points, as well as
through adjunctive therapies such as cupping, Tuina massage,
plum blossom needling, moxibustion and gua sha(scraping
technique). Distal points can also be used in treating disorders of
the sinew channels.G.B.-13
Hand Yang channels
(S.I., T.B., L.I.)S.I.-18
Foot Yang channels
(BL, G.B., ST)G.B.-22
Hand Yin channels
(LU, P, HE)Ren-3Ren-2
Foot Yin channels
(SP, LIV, KID)orFunctions
The main function of the sinew channels is to distribute Qi and
Blood (xue) over the surface of the body as well as to integrate
the muscles, sinews and ligaments with the joints. Generally, the
sinew channels join groups of synergistic muscles, supporting
their mobility and natural movement while also serving the
function of integrating the surface of the body. At the same time
they protect the bones and skeletal structure, linking the struc-
tures of the body.
Proper functioning of the muscles is dependent on the Spleen
(pi) and the Liver (gan) and particularly on their Blood (xue).
While the Yin (or material) aspect of the musculature, the
‘flesh’, is governed by the nourishing function of the Spleen, theFig. 1.26 Meeting points of the sinew channelsCh01-F10028.qxd 2/22/08 2:30 PM Page 22