1 Jing luo(Channel and Network Vessel System)Thus the direction of the Qi flow in the primary channels can be
from proximal to distal and vice versa, depending on the
Yin/Yang polarity of the respective channel, as well as the
respective extremity.
This second, probably more recent concept describes the Qi as cir-
culating continuouslythrough the body (➞Appendix 2): from
the thorax to the hand, to the head, to the foot and back to the tho-
racic region. These ideas reflect the development of the Chinese
civilisation, its agriculture and in particular its water controland
water storagein reservoirs, drainage canals, ditches, etc., which
largely form the foundation of the theory of the channels as water
conduitscirculating Qi and Blood. The connections among the
channels are considered to be anastomoses (➞1.2.2), which facil-
itate the ceaseless, circular flow of Qi from one channel to the next,
allowing the exchange of the Qi flow with the Interior.
The self-contained circulation model can thus be described as
follows:
● Hand Yin channels run from the thorax to the hand: LU,
HE, P
● Hand Yang channels run from the hand to the head: L.I.,
S.I., T.B.
● Foot Yang channels run from the head to the foot: ST,
BL, G.B.
● Foot Yin channels run from the foot to the thorax: SP,
KID, LIV
More importance is attached to this model of Qi flow in the
Western acupuncture tradition, which can in part explain the use
of numbers in naming the acupuncture points, rather than names
as in China.
However, the structure of this new circulatory model was proba-
bly also too rigid to sufficiently explain some of the effects ofacpuncture. According to Pirog (1996), this might be the reason
why the secondary channels, for example the sinew channels
(➞1.4) and the divergent channels (➞1.3), with their rather
primitive and natural pathways, were integrated into the channel
and network vessel system (jing luo) in accordance with the cen-
tripetalcirculation model.Comparison of the two circulation models (modified
according to Pirog 1996)yinyang yangyinyang yin yin yangFig. 1.2 Self-contained circulation model (modified according
to Pirog 1996)Centripetal model Self-contained model
Direction of Always from distal Either from proximal
Qi-flow to proximal to distal or vice versa,
depending on the
polarity of the
channel (Yin/Yang)
Origin of Qi From outside the Originates in the
body. The distal end inside of the body.
of the channel is The distal end of the
open in order to channels is connected
receive cosmic Qi to the channel that
follows next.
Function of the Transporting the Qi Circulation of the Qi
channels from the outer cosmos inside the body.
to the Interior of the Supporting man’s
body. Supporting the relationship with
relationship between himself
man and nature/
cosmos1.1.2 Overview of the Channel and
Network Vessel System
(jing luoSystem)
In Ling Shu, chapter 11, it says: ‘Man lives, diseases occur ...
both the beginner and the experienced master always have to
start with the channels and network vessels (jing luo).’
In Chinese Medicine, the jing luoare considered to be a network
of channels and vessels in which the Qi and Blood (xue) flow.
They are connected to the Organ systems (zangfu) and ‘water’
the whole organism, supplying the body with Qi and Blood (xue)
on the surface (Exterior) and deep inside the body (Interior),
above as well as below.
From a functional point of view, the channels and network ves-
sels (jing luo) govern the distribution of Qi and Blood (xue),
they regulate Yin and Yang and they protect the body. However,
they also enable the spreading of diseases. Reactions to any dis-
orders may therefore manifest along these channel pathways.
These could be either disorders of the channels themselves, or
external reflections of zangfudisorders. In clinical practice,
the channels and network vessels (jing luo) can be utilised in
order to send Qi to the diseased parts of the body (for an
overview of the classification and nomenclature of the jing luo
system ➞Fig. 1.3).Ch01-F10028.qxd 2/22/08 2:30 PM Page 2