Meridians are vital systems of energy pathways connecting the internal organs with other parts of the body, creating a vibrant network of vital energy circulation. According to traditional Vietnamese and Chinese medicine, meridians not only transport vital energy, blood, but also serve as entry points for pathogenic factors and pathways for treating diseases.

Each meridian has its own specific acupoints. Applying pressure to these points through methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, and massage can regulate vital energy and blood, calm the liver, strengthen the spleen, warm the kidneys, moisten the lungs, and clear the heart, helping the body achieve a balance of yin and yang, thus preventing and treating illnesses.

Stimulating specific points on these meridians via acupuncture or acupressure helps regulate systemic inflammation, blood flow, and nervous system balance

Meridians are not the same as nerves, though they are closely related in both location and function.

The meridian system comprises 12 main meridians and 8 extraordinary vessels.

12 main meridians

Meridian type name Name according to Vietnamese traditional medicine Acronym
Bladder meridian Túc Thái Dương Bàng Quang kinh BL/BU
Liver meridian Túc Quyết Âm Can kinh LR
Large intestine meridian Thủ Dương Minh Đại Trường kinh LI
Lung meridian Thủ Thái Âm Phế kinh LU
Spleen meridian Túc Thái Âm Tỳ kinh SP
Stomach meridian Túc Dương Minh Vị kinh ST
Heart meridian Thủ Thiếu Âm Tâm kinh HT
Pericardium meridian Thủ Quyết Âm Tâm Bào Lạc PC
Small intestine meridian Thủ Thái Dương Tiểu Trường kinh SI
Triple energizer meridian Thủ Thiếu Dương Tam Tiêu kinh TE/TB/SJ
Kidney meridian Túc Thiếu Âm Thận kinh KI/K
Gallbladder meridian Túc Thiếu Dương Đởm kinh GB