1. What are the means of meridians and collaterals?
On TCM opinions, the meridians (jing) and collaterals (luo) are pathways in which the qi and blood of the human body are circulated. They form a specific network which communicate with the internal organs and limbs and connects the upper to the lower and the exterior to the interior portions of the body. The meridians are the major changes of the system and they run lengthwise within the interior of the body. The collaterals are the branches of the meridians and they run crosswise from the meridians either on or just below the body's surface. Since they are distributed over the entire body, the meridians and collaterals link together the zang-fu and other organs, the orifices of the body, then the skin, muscles and bones. They bring the body into an organic whole to carry on systematic activities.
The theory of the meridians and collaterals studies the physiological functions and pathological changes of the meridian system, as well as the relationship between the system and the zang-fu organs. It is an important component of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The theory of meridians is closely related to acupuncture therapy. It provides not only the theoretical foundation for acupuncture, moxibustion, massage and qigong, but also guides the clinical practice of other related fields of TCM.

2. What is the composition of the meridian system?
The meridian system consists of three parts: the principal meridians, the eight extra meridians and the twelve divergent meridians.
There are twelve principal meridians, e.g. the three yang meridians of the hand, the three yang meridians of the foot, the three yin meridians of the hand and the three yin meridians of the foot. Why they are called "twelve principal meridians"? It is because these meridians are the chief pathways of qi and blood. The twelve principal meridians start and terminate at given parts, run along regular routes and meet in a specified sequence. They are moreover, associate with the zang-fu organs.
There are also eight extra meridians: the Du (govern vessel), Ren(conception vessel), Chong, Dai, Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, Yangwei meridians. The eight extra meridians interlace the twelve principal meridians, helping reinforce the communication between and adjustment of the twelve principal meridians. The eight extra meridians are not directly related to any of the internal organs.
The twelve divergent meridians are extensions of the twelve principal meridians. They usually start from the limbs, run deeper into the body and emerge from the body at the back of the neck. Again, these meridians have counterparts in both the left and right sides of the body. They are divided into yang and yin divergent meridians. The yang divergent meridians start from the six principal yang meridians, and, after traveling through the body, rejoin the principal meridians. They yin divergent meridians give off from the six yin principal meridians; however, after traveling through the body, the join the yang principal meridians with which they are externally and internally related.
Among the meridians mentioned above, the twelve principal meridians and Du meridian (govern vessel meridian) as well as Ren meridian (conception vessel meridian) are very important parts in clinic. Therefore, we will mainly discuss these fourteen meridians in detail as follows.

3. What are the acupoints?
Acupoints (an abbreviation for acupuncture points) are the specific sites where qi of zang-fu organs and meridians spreads to the body surface. Acupoints are not only the pathways for the circulation of qi and blood, but also the loci of response to disease. In acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, proper technique, are used on the acupoints to regulate the functional activities of the body, strengthen body resistance so as to prevent and treat diseases. Medical practitioners in ancient China have left plentiful recordings describing the locations and indications of acupoints, formulating a systematical theory.

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