Written by Dr Marina Christov
In Chinese Medicine, the human body is seen as an intricate network of energetic pathways called meridians. These meridians, though invisible to the naked eye, play a profound role in our health and wellbeing. Imagine them as luminous rivers of energy known as “Qi” flowing through the body to nourish and connect every organ, tissue, and emotion.
When Qi flows smoothly through the meridians, we feel balanced and resilient. However, when blockages or deficiencies arise, they can manifest as stress, tension, fatigue, pain, and give rise to all sorts of other conditions. Every sign and symptom can be linked to an interruption in our energy pathways, so it is important to understand and recognise them.
Understanding our meridians offers us a unique key to unlocking the mysteries of the body, as well as utilising these pathways to enhance our energy, health and overall vitality.
What are the Meridians?
The most common question I get asked is, “What are the Meridians?“
Simply put, meridians are the body’s energy highways, each connected to specific organs and their functions. More than that, they are also tied to our emotional wellbeing. For instance, the Liver Meridian relates to the Wood element and governs emotions like anger and stress, while the Lung Meridian, connected to the Metal element, stores our grief and inspiration together.
We have twelve primary meridians that create the main map of energy flow. Each meridian is also governed by nature’s rhythms, with specific times of the day when its energy is most active. For example, the Kidney Meridian, associated with the Water element, peaks in the early evening, reminding us to slow down, replenish, and conserve energy. Another example is the Heart Meridian, tied to the Fire element – this meridian taps into our joy, passion, and capacity to experience emotional connections.
When this flow is disrupted by stress, poor lifestyle habits, or unprocessed emotions it can lead to imbalance, like a blocked stream unable to nourish the land that is our mind, body and soul.
That’s when the beauty of Chinese Medicine comes in with its ability to gently restore the flow, or the energy of the meridian, thus allowing the body and spirit to find their way back into a harmonious state.
How can we balance them?
Working with an empathetic acupuncturist who is properly trained and registered in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice can expertly help you uncover and address the root of any of your imbalances. We are trained to detect where your energy is stuck or depleted, and most importantly, we are taught the philosophy behind this ancient practice.
The placement of the needles into specific acupoints along your meridians becomes the art that restores balance and creates the right environment for your spirit to flourish.
I always like educating my patients about the location of their weak points so they can work mindfully themselves to bring balance to their bodies in between sessions by applying gentle pressure to specific points along the meridians to release blockages.
For the Heart Meridian, for example, a go-to point is Heart 7, which is located on the inner wrist. This point can be massaged to help balance the Meridian, calm the spirit and alleviate anxiety, restoring emotional balance. Other ways to balance the Meridians include specific exercises, visualisations and taking herbal prescriptions.
With any type of understanding and improvement, we are generally focused on the result rather than the journey. As each individual body has its own map and story, it is important to recognise your Meridians and treat them accordingly to what is best for you as an individual. Knowing your meridians helps you understand how energy moves through your body and where it might be out of balance.
This awareness lets you take simple steps, like getting acupuncture, eating certain foods, or practising relaxation techniques, to help you feel better. It’s a way to support your overall health and bring more energy and calm into your life.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Heart 7 (Shenmen) with Acupressure
Shenmen translates as Spirit Gate. “Shen” means spirit, consciousness, or mind in Chinese Medicine. It refers to the Heart’s role in housing the Shen (spirit), which governs emotions, mental clarity, and overall vitality. “Men” means gate or door, symbolising an entryway to calming, regulating, and accessing the Shen.
Locate HT-7 (Shenmen) – HT-7 is on the wrist crease, on the ulnar (little finger) side, just inside the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. To find it, slide your finger along the pinky-side of your wrist crease until you feel a small hollow near the bone.
Prepare Yourself – Sit in a comfortable position with your hands relaxed. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
Apply Gentle Pressure – Use your thumb or index finger to press into HT-7. Start with gentle pressure and gradually increase to a firm but comfortable level.
Use Circular Motion or Steady Pressure – You can either press steadily for 1-2 minutes, tap or use small circular motions. If holding, breathe deeply and focus on relaxing with each exhale.
Repeat on the Other Wrist – Since the Heart meridian is bilateral, stimulate both wrists for balance.
Enhance the Activation –
Affirmation: While pressing, mentally repeat a calming affirmation – “I am at peace, my heart is open, and my mind is clear.”
Pair with Breathing: Inhale deeply through the nose, and exhale slowly through the mouth.
Use Essential Oils or the Om Aura High Vibrational Mist to HT-7 before acupressure to amplify the effect.
When to Stimulate Heart 7 –
During stress or anxiety episodes. Before bed to help with insomnia. When experiencing heart palpitations or emotional overwhelm. After a heartbreak or before a challenging event. To reset your energy and emotions after a difficult conversation.
This technique is excellent for nourishing the Heart in Chinese Medicine, helping to anchor us and bring emotional steadiness.
Learn more at Dr Marina Christov’s Restoring the Balance of the Heart workshop in Melbourne on Friday March 14th. Tickets available from The House of Life.
Dr Marina Christov is a highly renowned Chinese medicine practitioner who is revolutionising the way we support mental health, based on her 20 years of experience. One of her specialities is helping people who are struggling with blue-light-related issues including anxiety and depression. Her clinic The House of Life is in Armadale, Melbourne.
