The Functions of the Yin Meridians in Qigong
When practicing Qigong, once the functions of the Yin meridians are understood the practitioner will have a deeper understanding of what benefits each Qigong brings. In this article I will cover both the classical TCM functions and those attributed through the art of Zen Shiatsu.
FIRE – Heart
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It controls the blood and the blood vessels.
- It houses the Shen (consciousness)
Zen Functions
- Represents compassion and governs the emotions and Spirit.
- Controls blood circulation.
- Adapts external stimuli to the body’s internal environment.
FIRE – Heart Governor
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It protects the heart.
- It governs the blood .
- It houses the Shen (consciousness)
Zen Functions
- Assists the heart in controlling circulation.
- Governs the vascular system.
- Protects the heart
EARTH – Spleen
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It governs Transformation and Transportation.
- It controls the blood, i.e. Keeping it within the blood vessels and making blood from food.
- It controls the muscles and the limbs.It controls the rising Qi (maintaining a balance with Stomach’s role in the controlling of descending Qi).
- It houses the thought (Yi): thinking, studying, and concentration.
Zen Functions
- It governs the digestive secretions.
- It governs the reproductive hormones relating to the breasts and ovaries.
METAL – Lung
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It governs Qi and respiration.It controls the circulation of Qi in the blood vessels and meridians.
- It controls the dispersion and descending of Qi.
- It regulates the water passages (through the dispersing and descending functions).
Zen Functions
- It governs the intake of Qi and elimination of gasses through exhalation.
WATER- Kidney
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It stores the Jing, governing birth, growth, development and reproduction.
- It produces bone marrow, thus governing the bones, brain and blood production.
- It governs Water, and the flow of body fluids.
Zen Functions
- It governs the endocrine system, controlling spirit and energy to the whole body.
- It governs resistance to mental stress through the control of the hormonal secretions.
- It detoxifies and purifies the blood.
WOOD – Liver
TCM Functions of the Yin meridians
- It stores blood.
- It maintains harmonious and unobstructed flow of Qi, allowing good body function, especially in relation to; (a) emotional activities, such as anger and mental depression; (b) In promoting the flow of energy to the other organs (c) In producing bile and affecting the secretion of bile.
Zen Functions
- It stores nutrients and energy.
- It governs the distribution of energy.
- It cultivates resistance against disease.
- Supplies, analyses and detoxifies blood to maintain physical energy.