Renowned acupuncturist Professor Jin Bohua, nearing 80 years of age, speaks with crisp clarity and moves with agile precision. She radiates a bold, unrestrained masculine energy, yet her demeanor retains the distinctive elegance characteristic of intellectuals from the 1950s and 1960s.Her remarkable stamina enables her to handle three acupuncture clinics per week while participating in lectures and social engagements. It's important to note that acupuncture requires not only dexterity but also physical endurance. When asked about her health preservation practices, Professor Jin told our reporter that her focus lies in ensuring the smooth flow of qi and blood through the meridians.
Unobstructed Meridians, Unblemished Health
Meridians are invisible and intangible. Despite extensive Western research using various techniques, no definitive conclusions have been reached. Yet they hold paramount importance in traditional Chinese medicine for both treatment and wellness. Meridians encompass the Twelve Regular Meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, extending throughout the body. Internally, they connect to the viscera; externally, they link to the limbs, bones, skin, hair, and orifices, bridging the internal and external, and connecting the upper and lower parts of the body.Yet meridians are not static. As conduits for qi and blood circulation, they must remain unobstructed to sustain normal organ functions. Blockages cause mild discomfort at best and serious illness at worst.
Ancient sages understood this principle: The Inner Canon states, "Meridians determine life and death, treat all diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess—they must not be obstructed."Therefore, in traditional Chinese medicine, whether treating with acupuncture or herbal decoctions, the prerequisite is always the smooth flow and harmonious functioning of the body's meridians. As the saying goes: "The essence of acupuncture lies in the arrival of qi; moxibustion warms and opens the meridians, dispelling pathogenic factors; the purpose of bloodletting is to regulate blood stasis and wind-dampness; the efficacy of herbal formulas lies in their ability to enter the meridians."
To maintain the smooth flow of qi and blood through the meridians, Jin Bohua emphasized two practices: maintaining a cheerful disposition and performing meridian-following tapping exercises daily before practicing qigong to keep the body safe and free from harm.
Meridian-Following Tapping to Unblock Meridians
Meridian-following tapping can unblock meridians, promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, and prevent and treat many diseases. This is a profound insight gained from Jin Bohua's many years of practice.His acupuncture and herbal prescriptions follow this principle, though they target more severe meridian stagnation. Percussion must follow the sequence of meridian pathways to ensure unimpeded qi flow. We can use four sets of eight percussions as a rhythm, applying force that is firm yet gentle, with moderate intensity. Specific techniques are as follows:
For tapping the Hand Three Yin and Hand Three Yang meridians, use an eight-beat (four-tap) rhythm. Starting with the right hand, tap from the left chest toward the inner arm, then toward the palm and fingers. Flip the hand and tap from the outer fingers toward the outer shoulder and arm. Repeat this sequence twice. Then, using the same method and rhythm, tap the right arm with the left hand. This comprehensively covers all Hand Three Yin and Hand Three Yang meridians.The Hand Three Yin and Hand Three Yang meridians encompass the lungs, pericardium, heart, large intestine, small intestine, and triple energizer organs. This tapping method unblocks heart collaterals, nourishes heart yin, invigorates chest yang, promotes lung function and clears phlegm, increases lung capacity, stimulates intestinal peristalsis, relieves constipation and abdominal distension, and regulates triple energizer function.
Tap the foot Yin and Yang meridians in an eight-beat rhythm (4 beats per cycle). Starting from the inner ankles, tap upward along the inner thighs toward the abdomen with both hands.Then, with both hands, tap down along the outer leg from the sacroiliac joint toward the outer ankle. Next, place one leg on a stool or step at a suitable height, tapping the front of the left leg with the right hand and the back of the left leg with the left hand.Repeat this sequence twice, then apply the same technique and rhythm to the right leg. This comprehensively taps all foot Yin and Yang meridians. These meridians govern the spleen, liver, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, and stomach organs. Such tapping strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, soothes the liver and promotes gallbladder function, harmonizes the stomach and resolves stagnation, nourishes kidney Yin, facilitates urination, and fortifies defensive Qi.
Tap the Ren and Du meridians and the Bladder meridian's back points with an eight-beat (4-beat) rhythm.Starting with a single fist, gradually tap downward along the spine from the Dazhui point (GV14) to the sacral region (tailbone). Then, tap upward along the midline from the lower abdomen through the chest to the throat. Finally, use both fists to tap downward along both sides of the spine. This covers the Ren and Du meridians and all acupoints of the internal organs along the Bladder Meridian.This regulates the functions of the twelve zang-fu organs, aids the rise of yang qi, unblocks the triple energizer, balances yin and yang, and strengthens immunity.
Tap the shoulder and neck area in eight beats (4 beats per cycle): Support the right elbow with the left hand, then tap the Dazhui point, neck, and left shoulder/back with the right hand. Repeat with the left hand to tap the neck, Dazhui point, and right shoulder/back.Then place both hands on your hips, draw in your abdomen, and rotate your waist clockwise for two sets of eight beats, followed by counterclockwise for two sets of eight beats. Avoid excessive movement. This promotes smooth qi and blood flow in the shoulders, neck, and waist, helping prevent and treat frozen shoulder and cervical spondylosis.
Knee Tapping Stand with knees straight and bend forward, placing feet on a step of appropriate height. Tap the back of the left knee with the left hand and the front of the left knee with the right hand. Then tap the outer side of the left knee with the left hand and the inner side with the right hand. Repeat the same sequence for the right knee. This promotes qi and blood circulation in both knees, helping prevent or delay age-related degenerative joint conditions.
Regarding the once-popular gallbladder meridian tapping method, Master Jin emphasized that while tapping the gallbladder meridian is important, it is only one of the 14 meridians. All meridians should be tapped; one should not focus solely on one area. After consistent practice, you will feel the meridians open and qi and blood flow smoothly, leaving you refreshed, cheerful, and able to prevent and eliminate diseases. The method is very simple, requiring only five minutes each time, yet the effects are significant.