Channels and Collaterals

Chinese medical scientists discovered the presence of channels and collaterals in the human body as early as 2,000 years ago. They believed that a complex network covers the entire human body.

Just in the same way as rivers irrigate farmlands, this network supplies vital energy and blood to every part of the human body. Running vertically in the human body are 12 channels that are connected with numerous arteries and veins. These trunk, branch and fine channels combine to form the human body's system of channels and collaterals.

If the traffic in a certain channel of collateral is jammed, it can cause pain of ailment. If this ailing channel or collateral is treated with acupuncture or moxibustion, then the role of the channel or collateral in facilitating the vital energy can be brought into play, and the ailment cured.

The theory on channels and collaterals plays a vital part in making traditional Chinese medicine work in various fields-in acupuncture and moxibustion, qigong, massage, and the diagnoses, treatment, and medication of both internal and surgical medicine.