Abstract:

In this article, we discuss the essence of meridians with the method of comparing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with western medicine. We consider that the channels (jingmai), nutrient-blood(yingxue), muscle channels (jingjin), defensive qi(weiqi), and skin(pifu)are the essence of meridians in TCM. The nervous system and circulatory system of western medicine are the main body of the meridians; the muscles and skin belong to the minor part of the meridians. The channels of TCM correspond to the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels of western medicine; the muscle channels of TCM correspond to the muscles and nerves of western medicine; the nutrient-blood of TCM corresponds to the blood and lymph fluid of western medicine; the skin of TCM is similar to the skin in western medicine. The function of defensive qi is very important, whose function and position are similar to those of many nerves.

Key words: Meridians and collaterals, Nervous system, Circulatory system