What exactly is meridian obstruction?
Meridians refer collectively to the primary and collateral channels that transport qi and blood, connect internal organs to the body surface and all body parts, and form the body's regulatory system. Meridians crisscross throughout the entire body. Obstruction in any meridian can disrupt the normal functioning of the five viscera and six bowels.Simply put, meridian blockage means the pathways connecting the internal organs are obstructed, causing stagnation within these channels.
What happens when meridians become blocked?
Blocked meridians can cause numerous physical discomforts and are often the root cause of unexplained ailments in sub-health populations. You can self-assess which meridian may be affected based on the following symptoms:
1. Common symptoms of pericardium meridian blockage: Insomnia with vivid dreams, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; restlessness, forgetfulness, chest tightness, dry mouth; neurasthenia.
2. Common symptoms of Ren Meridian obstruction: Heat sensitivity, excessive sweating, yin-yang imbalance, irregular menstruation; erectile dysfunction, low libido, poor digestion, chest tightness, shortness of breath.
3. Common symptoms of Du Meridian obstruction: Cold sensitivity, aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, fatigue, weakness; cervical pain, lumbar pain, hemorrhoids, constipation; yin-yang imbalance.
4. Common symptoms of Stomach Meridian obstruction: Sore throat, stomach pain, heat aversion, indigestion; fatigue, knee joint soreness, constipation; dry mouth, body wasting.
5. Common symptoms of Large Intestine Meridian obstruction: Toothache, headache, dry mouth, skin allergies; prominent veins and spots, weakened gastrointestinal function; shoulder pain, chronic pharyngitis.
6. Common symptoms of Heart Meridian obstruction: Restlessness, palpitations, chest tightness, heart pain; shortness of breath, pressure sensation, depression, irritability; mouth ulcers, dry mouth, bad breath.
7. Common symptoms of Small Intestine Meridian obstruction: Pain around the navel, chest oppression, headache; frequent diarrhea, cold hands and feet; malabsorption, obesity due to deficiency; frozen shoulder.
8. Common symptoms of Lung Meridian obstruction: aversion to wind, easy sweating, dry throat, cough; allergic rhinitis, dry skin, susceptibility to allergies; shortness of breath with exertion, chest oppression, dull complexion and skin.
9. Common symptoms of bladder meridian imbalance: aversion to wind and cold, neck stiffness, lower back and muscle soreness; weak knees and lower back, varicose veins, frequent and copious urination; dark urine, enlarged prostate.
10. Common symptoms of triple burner imbalance: migraines, dizziness, tinnitus, upper body heat with lower body cold; cold hands and feet, fatigue, irritability; skin sensitivity; muscle and joint aches, weakness, poor appetite.
11. Common symptoms of Kidney Meridian obstruction: Cold hands and feet, dry mouth and tongue, aching waist and knees, pharyngitis; irregular menstruation, decreased libido; enlarged prostate, heel pain, frequent urination with scanty, dark urine.
12. Common symptoms of Gallbladder Meridian obstruction: dry mouth with bitter taste, migraines, easily startled; frequent sighing, loose stools or constipation, sallow complexion; indigestion, joint pain, lipomas; accumulation of phlegm-dampness nodules.
13. Common symptoms of Spleen Meridian obstruction: epigastric distension, poor absorption, bland taste; prone to vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and obesity; head heaviness, mental fog, dampness-induced leg swelling, loose stools; joint soreness, diabetes.
14. Common symptoms of liver meridian obstruction: dry mouth, bitter taste, emotional depression, chest and rib distension pain; dizziness, unstable blood pressure, irritability, impulsiveness; sallow skin, easy fatigue, weakness, prostate enlargement; irregular menstruation, breast disorders, yellow urine.
The above outlines symptoms of meridian obstruction. If you self-diagnose meridian blockage, consult a TCM practitioner.