Acupuncture Channels: What Are they? (Part 3)

The network of acupuncture channels is very complicated and they are not easily explained. The channels interlink in many different ways to from an integrated system which covers the vast majority of the human body. There are a number of channels and each can be categorized into specific groups or types. Briefly, these are as follows:

The Twelve Primary Channels. These are the most commonly used in clinical practice. Each of these channels has a direct relationship with an organ and they either travel to or from the arms or the legs. Refer to last week’s blog for more information on the primary channels.

The Twelve Divergent Channels. These have a linking function and they contain no acupoints. Their main role is to better interlink the primary channels. They also link each primary channel to its respective organ.

The Eight Extraordinary Channels. These channels do contain acupoints. These channels act as reservoirs for energy and they serve to protect the body. They also help to better interlink the twelve primary channels.

The Lou Connecting Channels. These number fifteen in total and they branch out from the primary channels and from some of the extraordinary channels. They are located just superficial to the skin.

The Twelve Sinew Channels. These are used to assist the primary channels when there has been trauma to the body.