Acupuncture Meridians Pathways of all 12 Main Channels

Understanding the 12 main acupuncture meridian pathways is foundational for every acupuncture student and practitioner. We know, they carry Qi (energy) and Blood throughout the body and are central to both diagnosis and treatment in TCM.

In this video, I explore the internal and external pathways of each meridian, their connections to Zang Fu organs, and their clinical significance, because knowing the meridian pathways is key to making the right points selection!

Whether you’re prepping for exams, reviewing for boards, or just love geeking out on channel theory—this video is for you.

Because you and I both know… acupuncture rocks—and so do you.
Clara
TCM Geek

PS: Looking for a visual reference guide to all acupuncture points, locations, depth, functions and more? Check out my book, AcuPoints Made Easy, available in digital and physical formats!

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– Video: Meridian/Channel Theory
– Video: Meridians Layers

Acupuncture Meridians Pathways

~~~~~ ⏰ Class Times ⏰ ~~~~~
0:00 min Intro to Acupuncture Meridians Pathways
1:40 min Meridian Pathway of the Lung Channel
6:51 min Pathway of the Large Intestine Channel/Meridian
10:47 min Pathway of the Stomach Channel/Meridian
16:56 min Pathway of the Spleen Channel/Meridian
20:54 min Pathway the Heart Channel/Meridian
25:28 min Meridian Pathway of the Small Intestine Channel
30:19 min Meridian Pathway of the Bladder Channel
34:00 min Meridian Pathway of the Kidney Channel
37:54 min Meridian Pathway of the Pericardium Channel
41:01 min Meridian Pathway of the San Jiao Channel
44:55 min Pathway of the Gallbladder Channel/Meridian
49:26 min Acupuncture meridian pathway of the Liver Channel

🔄 What Are the 12 Main Meridians?

In TCM, 12 primary meridians correspond to the Zang Fu organ systems (6 yin and 6 yang). Each meridian travels along specific routes—externally on the skin and internally to their related organs.

Yin Organs (Zang):

Lung (LU)
Spleen (SP)
Heart (HT)
Kidney (KI)
Pericardium (PC)
Liver (LV)

Yang Organs (Fu):

Large Intestine (LI)
Stomach (ST)
Small Intestine (SI)
Bladder (BL)
San Jiao (SJ / Triple Burner)
Gallbladder (GB)

🧭 Why Understanding Meridian Pathways Matters

Knowing where a meridian travels internally and externally helps practitioners:

Select the most effective acupuncture points
Understand the functions and indications of each point
Diagnose based on channel theory and symptom location
Apply meridian clock theory in clinical timing

🌀 The Cyclical Flow of Qi: TCM Organ Clock

The meridians follow a 24-hour cycle known as the TCM Health clock, where each meridian is most active during a 2-hour window. This concept helps link organ function with time-based symptoms such as insomnia, digestive issues, or fatigue.

🌬 Lung Meridian (LU) — Tai Yin of the Hand

Time: 3:00–5:00 AM
Pathway Highlights:

Starts in the Middle Jiao (digestive system)
Internally connects to the Lung and Large Intestine
Emerges at LU-1 on the chest, travels down the arm to end at the thumb
Branch from LU-7 connects to the Large Intestine channel

Clinical Tip:

LU points are powerful for respiratory issues, grief, and supporting the immune system.

♻️ Large Intestine Meridian (LI) — Yang Ming of the Hand

Time: 5:00–7:00 AM
Pathway Highlights:

Starts at the index finger
Travels up the arm, across the neck
Internally connects to the Lung and Large Intestine organs
Crosses to the opposite side of the face, ending at LI-20

Clinical Tip:

Excellent for treating pain, headaches, constipation, and sinus issues.

🍽 Stomach Meridian (ST) — Yang Ming of the Foot

Time: 7:00–9:00 AM
Pathway Highlights:

Starts at the side of the nose
Travels through the face, jaw, throat, and abdomen
Internally connects with Stomach and Spleen organs
Ends at the 2nd toe

Clinical Tip:

Great for digestive issues, appetite regulation, and mental clarity.

🍚 Spleen Meridian (SP) — Tai Yin of the Foot

Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
Pathway Highlights:

Begins at the big toe
Travels up the medial leg to the abdomen and chest
Internally links with the Spleen, Stomach, and Heart

Clinical Tip:

Use SP points for digestive complaints, fatigue, menstrual issues, and muscle tonification.

❤️ Heart Meridian (HT) — Shao Yin of the Hand

Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Pathway Highlights:

Originates in the Heart organ
Travels through the throat and eyes
The external pathway runs from the armpit to the pinky finger

Clinical Tip:

Important for emotional regulation, insomnia, and palpitations.

🔥 Small Intestine Meridian (SI) — Tai Yang of the Hand

Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
Pathway Highlights:

Begins at the pinky
Travels up the arm, shoulder, and scapula
Internally connects to the Small Intestine and Heart
Branches to the ear and outer canthus

Clinical Tip:

Used for neck/shoulder pain, jaw tension, ear disorders, and mental health.

💧 Bladder Meridian (BL) — Tai Yang of the Foot

Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
Pathway Highlights:

Longest meridian with 67 points
Begins at the inner eye, goes over the head, down the back, and ends at the 5th toe
Internal branch connects to the Kidneys and Bladder

Clinical Tip:

Treats pain, headaches, back issues, and organ disharmonies via Back Shu points.

⚡️ Kidney Meridian (KI) — Shao Yin of the Foot

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Pathway Highlights:

Starts at the sole of the foot
Travels up the medial leg, enters the Kidneys, Bladder, Lungs, Heart, and Liver
Ends at the chest and root of the tongue