Acupuncture: Channel Theory Continued
There are twelve acupuncture channels. Each of these acupuncture channels is related to one of the internal organs in the body. At some point along its pathway, the acupuncture channel will come in contact with its corresponding organ. Generally speaking, the acupuncture points along the acupuncture channel will have therapeutic properties related to the organ with which the channel is connected.
In addition to the twelve acupuncture channels, there are also eight extraordinary acupuncture channels. These acupuncture channels branch off from the trunk of the eight primary acupuncture channels and they allow the primary acupuncture channels to interlink with each other.
A typical acupuncture chart displaying the acupuncture channels generally only depicts the superficial pathways of the twelve primary acupuncture channels. It must be pointed out that the acupuncture channel network is far more complicated than suggested by acupuncture charts. All parts of the body, including all tissues and even cells, are serviced by the acupuncture channels.
It can be said that acupuncture channels are structured similar to a tree. The main trunk and branches define the main structure whilst finer branches, twigs and leaves spread further out. The acupuncture channels spread out around the body to penetrate the organs and connect with the skin, muscles, flesh, tendons, bones, head, body, limbs, sense organs, and all other tissues. In effect the acupuncture channels connect all parts of the body thus creating an integrated whole.
