These are interconnected energy lines in the body. This understanding of the body’s energetic system originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The existence of meridians has yet to be "proven" scientifically. Not surprisingly, autopsies and cadaver research have failed to find physical locations in the body.

Modern Meridian Theory postulates that meridians are in fact composed of ionized molecules of hyaluronic acid (HA) that line up along blood vessels and nerve pathways. HA molecules draw and hold fluid, which also becomes ionized, and an excellent electro-chemical conductor. So, instead of being a hollow tube of tissue that contains flows of fluid on the inside, meridians may in fact have the "tissue", the HA molecular strings, on the inside, and the fluid along the outside, conducting energy, or Ki, along the nerve and circulatory pathways in the body. If this is in fact the model, it makes sense that these "vessels" of energy would dissapear at the end of the physical life, as fluid is dissapated during rigor mortis.

Paul Grilley, in his DVD Yin Yoga, summarizes the research of his teacher Hiroshi Motoyama, and other researchers James Oschman and Steven Birch by equating meridians to the ubiquitous, hyaluronic-acid-rich connective tissue found throughout the body.

This HA theory is attracting scientific interest. Some researchers are using a dye that targets HA, then tracing the flow of dye along meridians stimulated by acupuncture needles.


See also Bjorn Nordenstrom, Alcian Blue Staining Method, The Role of Connective Tissue in Conducting Healing Energy