Syndromes Differentiation according to the twelve regular meridians
From a TCM perspective, the twelve regular meridians (see article on "The Twelve Meridians" for reference) connect with and pertain to the organs. The meridians are the pathways in which qi and blood flow along. Disorders of the meridians may affect the corresponding organs; and likewise, disorders of the organs will be reflected in the corresponding meridians. A TCM doctor can determine which meridian is affected by examining the location and characteristics of the symptoms and signs.
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| TCM practitioner is applying the moxa to the acupuncture needle to warm up to the area. |
Based on the physiology of the meridian system, syndromes can be diagnosed by identifying certain signs and symptoms that emerge along the course of a particular meridian pathway. Acupuncture and moxibustion are frequently used therapies to cure the problems along the meridians.
| The syndromes of the twelve regular meridians |
| Diseased Meridian |
Manifestations |
| Arm Tai Yin Lung Meridian |
Cough, asthma, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, hemoptysis (spitting blood), sore throat, chest tightness, pain in the shoulder, back and the medial aspect of the arm. |
| Arm Yang Ming Large Intestine Meridian |
Epistaxis (nasal bleeding), watery nasal discharge, toothache, sore throat, neck swelling, pain in the anterior part of the shoulder and upper limbs. |
| Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian |
Chills and fever, sweating, epistaxis (nasal bleeding), facial palsy, sore throat, swollen and painful hip and knee joints and pain in the chest, abdomen and lateral aspect of the lower limbs. For excess(shi) type, the individual may have abdominal distension, abnormal bowel movements, epigastric pain, vomiting, feel hungry and have a mental disturbance. |
| Leg Tai Yin Spleen Meridian |
Belching, vomiting, epigastric pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, anorexia, jaundice, sluggishness, general malaise, stiffness and pain at the root of the tongue, swelling and coldness in the medial aspect of the thigh and knee. |
| Arm Shao Yin Heart Meridian |
Cardiac pain, irritability, palpitations, pain underneath the ribs, insomnia, night sweating, dry throat, thirst, pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm and a hot sensation in the palms. |
| Arm Tai Yang Small Intestine Meridian |
Deafness, yellow sclera (white part of the eye), ringing in ears, sore throat, swelling of the cheek, pain along the posterior and lateral aspect of the shoulder and arm. Possibly feverish sensation, irritability, ulcers in mouth and migraine headaches. |
| Leg Tai Yang Bladder Meridian |
Retention of urine, involuntary leakage of urine, mental disturbance, tearing eyes when exposed to wind, nasal congestion, runny nose, nose bleed, headache and pain in the back of the neck, upper and lower back, buttocks and posterior aspect of lower limbs. |
| Leg Shao Yin Kidney Meridian |
Jaundice, sore throat, anorexia, vexation, tendency to feel fearful, insomnia, asthma, shrtness of breath, diarrhea or constipation, invluntary leakage of urine, frequent urination, nocturnal emission, impotence, irregular menstruation, edema (swelling of the body), pain in the mid and lower back, pain along the spinal column and medial aspect of thigh, weakness of the lower limbs and feverish sensation in the soles of the feet. |
| Arm Jue Yin Pericardium Meridian |
Cardiac pain, palpitations, mental restlessness, stuffiness in the chest, swelling in the armpit, depressive and manic mental disorders, spasm of the upper limbs and heat sensation in the palms. |
| Arm Shao Yang Triple Burner Meridian |
Sore throat, deafness, ringing in the ears, facial palsy, pain in outer portion of eyes, swollen cheeks, sweating, abdominal distension, and pain behind the ear, shoulder, and lateral aspect of arm and elbow. |
| Leg Shao Yang Gall Bladder Meridian |
Headache, fever, aversion to cold, dusty complexion, pain in outer portion of eyes, pain in jaw, blurred vision, bitter taste in mouth, swelling and pain in the area above the clavicle bone, pain in armpit, pain along the lateral aspect of chest, under the ribs, thigh and lower limbs. |
| Leg Jue Yin Liver Meridian |
Fullness in chest, vomiting, headache, dusty complexion, irritability, vomiting, dry throat, hiccups, diarrhea, involuntary leakage of urine, dysuria (difficulty or pain in passing urine), mental disturbance, pain in lower abdomen, back and knee joints and hernia. |
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