This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Got it
  • Call
  • EMAIL
  • LOCATION
Madame Ding
Home
About
Blog
Contact
Treatments
TCM( Overview )
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Gua Sha
Cupping
Prices
Glossary
Plan Your Care
Madame Ding
Home
About
Blog
Contact
Treatments
TCM( Overview )
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Gua Sha
Cupping
Prices
Glossary
Plan Your Care

Glossary

Traditional Chinese Practices and Approaches to Health

A few notions

What is Acupuncture ?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the meridians, regulating Yin-Yang balance, unblocking Qi and blood, and harmonizing organ functions. It activates self-healing mechanisms, boosts immunity, and supports endocrine regulation, helping the body restore balance.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion applies heat to the meridians, tonifying Yang, warming the channels, and dispelling cold and dampness. It regulates Yin-Yang balance, improves blood and Qi circulation, and is suitable for individuals with cold constitution, low immunity, or chronic discomfort.

What is Gua Sha ?

Gua Sha scrapes the skin and meridian points to expel cold and dampness, activate circulation, and harmonize Yin and Yang. It relieves muscular tension and improves metabolism and immune function

What is Cupping ?

Cupping uses suction to stimulate meridians and acupuncture points, unblock Qi and blood, and harmonize Yin and Yang. It relieves deep muscular tension and local discomfort, often combined with acupuncture, moxibustion, and Gua Sha for enhanced effects.

Yin–Yang Balance

Yin and Yang are the fundamental principles used in Traditional Chinese thought to explain life phenomena and regulate health. Health depends on the balance and coordination of these two forces.

Key Concepts:

  • Yin: substance, nourishment, rest, calmness, structure, inward orientation
  • Yang: function, activity, warmth, movement, outward orientation, vitality

Patterns in the Body:

  • Front of the body is Yin, back is Yang; upper body is Yang, lower body is Yin
  • Daytime is Yang, suited for activity; nighttime is Yin, suited for rest and regeneration
  • Zang (solid organs) are Yin, associated with storage, regulation, and nourishment; Fu (hollow organs) are Yang, associated with transport, digestion, and excretion
  • Yin governs stillness, storage, and nourishment; Yang governs movement, activity, and warmth
  • Meridian massage stimulates meridians, activates Yang, nourishes Yin, balances Yin and Yang, promotes Qi and blood circulation, and supports self-healing

Signs of Imbalance:

  • Yin deficiency: internal heat, insomnia, dry mouth, irritability
  • Yang deficiency: sensitivity to cold, fatigue, cold limbs, water retention
  • Yin–Yang disharmony: disease, weakened immunity, emotional instability

Regulation:
Acupuncture, moxibustion, Gua Sha, cupping, and meridian massage help restore Yin–Yang balance. Daily life should follow Yin–Yang rhythms: activity during the day, rest and sleep at night.

Meridian System

Meridians form the body’s core network for health, enabling the circulation of Qi and blood and connecting internal organs, limbs, skin, and emotions. Techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, Gua Sha, and cupping stimulate specific points on these meridians, restoring energy flow, harmonizing organ functions, and supporting self-healing and balance.


The 12 Main Meridians

The 12 main meridians are the body’s principal meridian system, with each corresponding to an organ. They govern the circulation of Qi, support organ function, and maintain regional health.

Meridian & OrganMain Functions
Lung Meridian (Lung)Breathing, immunity
Large Intestine Meridian (Large Intestine)Detoxification, metabolism
Stomach Meridian (Stomach)Digestion, energy
Spleen Meridian (Spleen)Food transformation, fluid metabolism
Heart Meridian (Heart)Blood circulation, mental clarity
Small Intestine Meridian (Small Intestine)Nutrient absorption, digestion clarity
Bladder Meridian (Bladder)Excretion, back health
Kidney Meridian (Kidney)Vitality, reproduction, bone health
Pericardium Meridian (Pericardium)Emotional balance
Triple Burner Meridian (Triple Burner)Fluid metabolism, endocrine balance
Gallbladder Meridian (Gallbladder)Tendons, decision-making
Liver Meridian (Liver)Detoxification, emotional balance, female health

The 8 Extraordinary Meridians

The 8 extraordinary meridians do not correspond directly to organs. They regulate overall Yin-Yang balance, store and distribute energy throughout the body, and maintain general homeostasis.

MeridianFunction
Conception VesselRegulates Yin, blood, Qi; female reproductive system
Governing VesselRegulates Yang, spine, brain, nervous system
Penetrating VesselConnects 12 meridians; regulates reproduction and Qi circulation
Girdle VesselEncircles the waist; stabilizes meridians; regulates Qi
Yin Linking VesselConnects Yin meridians; regulates Yin energy
Yang Linking VesselConnects Yang meridians; regulates Yang energy
Yin Motility VesselRegulates Yin body movements; legs and trunk
Yang Motility VesselRegulates Yang body movements; back and trunk

Daily Wellness According to the Chinese Organ Clock

Adjusting daily habits to follow the meridian rhythm supports prevention and long-term health.

03:00 – 05:00 | Lung Meridian

Function: Governs respiration, skin, and immune defense
Possible Sensations: Light sleep, coughing, nasal sensitivity, sadness
Wellness Tips: Prioritize deep sleep; avoid staying up late and exposure to cold

05:00 – 07:00 | Large Intestine Meridian

Function: Elimination and detoxification
Possible Sensations: Constipation, bloating, heaviness
Wellness Tips: Drink warm water after waking; allow natural bowel movement

07:00 – 09:00 | Stomach Meridian

Function: Digestion and nutrient absorption
Possible Sensations: Bloating, poor appetite, morning fatigue
Wellness Tips: Eat a warm breakfast; avoid cold foods

09:00 – 11:00 | Spleen Meridian

Function: Transform nutrients into energy, support blood production
Possible Sensations: Drowsiness, lack of focus, sugar cravings
Wellness Tips: Focus on work; avoid frequent snacking and excess sugar

11:00 – 13:00 | Heart Meridian

Function: Blood circulation, emotional and mental health
Possible Sensations: Palpitations, restlessness, mental tension
Wellness Tips: Eat moderately; relax and rest briefly if possible

13:00 – 15:00 | Small Intestine Meridian

Function: Nutrient absorption, separation of clear from turbid
Possible Sensations: Post-meal sleepiness, slow digestion
Wellness Tips: Take a short nap (15–30 minutes) to support digestion

15:00 – 17:00 | Bladder Meridian

Function: Regulates water metabolism, supports back meridians
Possible Sensations: Back tension, lower back soreness, thirst
Wellness Tips: Drink water, move the body, and stretch the back

17:00 – 19:00 | Kidney Meridian

Function: Stores vitality, energy, and supports immunity
Possible Sensations: Fatigue, lower back soreness, sensitivity to cold
Wellness Tips: Eat a light, warm dinner; avoid excessive exercise

19:00 – 21:00 | Pericardium Meridian

Function: Protects the heart and regulates emotions
Possible Sensations: Emotional sensitivity, tension
Wellness Tips: Relax; ideal time for massage, moxibustion, or a foot bath

21:00 – 23:00 | Triple Burner Meridian

Function: Regulates hormones and Qi-blood flow
Possible Sensations: Tired but difficulty falling asleep
Wellness Tips: Reduce screen time; prepare for sleep

23:00 – 01:00 | Gallbladder Meridian

Function: Decision-making, courage, emotional regulation
Possible Sensations: Vivid dreams, light sleep, emotional fluctuations
Wellness Tips: Ensure sleep and maintain emotional balance

01:00 – 03:00 | Liver Meridian

Function: Detoxification, liver function, regulation of Qi flow
Possible Sensations: Irritability, bitter taste, vivid dreams, headaches
Wellness Tips: Prioritize deep sleep; avoid late nights and alcohol


Key Message:
Wellness is not about doing more, but doing things at the right time.

Still have questions?


Get in touch
Madame Ding
Blog
contact
Prices
About
Glossary
Acupuncture
TCM Overview
Moxibustion
Gua Sha
Cupping

Madame Ding's website

Made with Pixpa