The concept of Meridians can be a complex idea. At a basic level they can be thought of the channels and pathways that carry Qi throughout the body and along these pathways there are acupuncture points which relate to certain organs of the body.Qi is permeated throughout the whole body via these meridians which in some ways can be thought to be similar to blood vessels (arteries, veins and capilleries) that carry blood around the body. Although the concept is similar, meridians cannot be identified in a physical sense, like blood vessels, they are more a concept or process than anything physical.

Meridians flow within the body and not on the surface. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are charts of the body showing all the meridian paths. There are twelve of these main or regular pathways ( they correspond to the Yin and Yang organs).
The meridians exist in corresponding pairs, six are paired Yin channels and six are paired Yang channels ( three of each on the arms and legs ). Along these meridians over 2000 acupuncture points are identified and it is by using these points acupuncturists can maintain and improve the flow of Qi and balance the Yin and Yang.