A meridian is an invisible channel that runs through the body and connects the organs to one another — the pathway travelled by Qi, the vital energy. Each one is named after an organ, but its scope goes beyond physical function: it also carries a symbolic and emotional dimension.
The Heart and Small Intestine belong to “sovereign” Fire; the Pericardium and Triple Burner belong to what is called “ministerial” Fire — a classical distinction that separates these two pairs of meridians while still linking them to the same element.
These fact sheets are provided for educational purposes and present the symbolic, energetic reading used in Chinese medicine. They do not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
