Ten Meridian Songs: Understanding Qi
A modern-language translation/paraphrase of the Ten Meridian Songs (十经歌). Rather than a word-for-word classical translation, this presents the meaning of each verse in clear, contemporary terms—the way they are traditionally taught and understood in practice.
1. Lung & Large Intestine Song
Modern meaning:
The Lung channel begins in the chest and governs breath, skin, and immunity, moving down the arm to the thumb. The Large Intestine returns from the hand up the arm to the face, governing elimination and release. Together, they regulate intake and letting go—of air, waste, and grief.
2. Stomach & Spleen Song
Modern meaning:
The Stomach descends from the face and chest down the front of the body and legs, breaking down food and experience. The Spleen rises from the foot upward to nourish the organs and mind. Together, they transform food into energy and maintain strength, clarity, and grounding.
3. Heart & Small Intestine Song
Modern meaning:
The Heart governs blood and consciousness, connecting the chest to the hands. The Small Intestine sorts what is useful from what is not, both physically and mentally: the separation of the pure from the “impure" or discerning what is truly needed for your spirit to flourish. Together, they support clarity, discernment, and emotional coherence.
4. Bladder & Kidney Song
Modern meaning:
The Bladder runs along the back and spine, regulating fluids and the nervous system. The Kidney rises from the foot to the chest, storing vitality and governing growth, aging, and willpower. Together, they anchor survival, resilience, and deep constitutional strength. Here is where we heal deep trauma.
5. Pericardium & Triple Burner Song
Modern meaning:
The Pericardium protects the Heart and manages emotional boundaries, while the Triple Burner coordinates temperature, fluids, metabolism, and communication between body systems. Together, they regulate stress response, hormonal balance, and systemic harmony.
6. Liver & Gallbladder Song
Modern meaning:
The Liver ensures smooth flow of Qi and blood, supporting movement, planning, and emotional expression. The Gallbladder aids decision-making and courage. Together, they govern adaptability, direction, and the ability to move forward without constraint.
7. Governing Vessel (Du Mai) Song
Modern meaning:
The Governing Vessel runs up the spine to the head, governing all Yang energy. It influences posture, brain function, alertness, and motivation. It connects physical strength with mental clarity and leadership within the body. When you feel resolute you stand more upright.
8. Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) Song
Modern meaning:
The Conception Vessel runs up the front of the body, nourishing Yin, blood, and fluids. It supports fertility, development, healing, and self-care. It is the vessel of growth, receptivity, and restoration. This is the mother channel.
9. Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) Song
Modern meaning:
The Penetrating Vessel moves through the core of the body and is known as the “Sea of Blood.” It connects deeply to reproduction, trauma, and life transitions. It reflects the body’s deepest patterns and inherited tendencies. We store emotions in our blood.
10. Belt Vessel (Dai Mai) Song
Modern meaning:
The Belt Vessel wraps horizontally around the waist, binding and stabilizing the body. It integrates upper and lower, inside and outside. When balanced, it provides containment and structure; when disturbed, symptoms scatter or sink.
Why These Songs Matter
These verses were never meant to be memorized mechanically. They were designed to teach relationship, movement, and meaning—helping practitioners feel how the body communicates rather than simply naming parts.
They reflect the core TCM understanding that:
The body is dynamic, not fixed
Pathways are patterns of relationship
Awareness itself organizes healing