The Spleen meridian
The Spleen meridian (figure 2.14) is a Yin channel with 21 points. It commences on the medial edge of the base of the nail bed of the great toe and ascends the leg on the medial side to enter the abdomen; there it communicates with the Conception Vessel (see figure 7.6) where it connects with its relevant organ, the spleen. From here it connects with some of the internal organs, the stomach – its paired organ, liver and gall bladder. The meridian continues up through to the diaphragm, one offshoot going directly to the heart and the other ascending into the throat and root of the tongue.
The nerve line is along the cutaneous medial dorsal nerves of the foot and plantar nerves, then along the saphenous, tibial and femoral nerves, which arise from L2-L4 of the spinal trunk; there it connects with the thoracic nerves, then it continues on up to the intercostal nerves and pectoral nerves.
Figure 2.14 The Spleen/Pancreas meridian
Figure 2.15 This tongue pressor was used on the posterior wall of the pharynx to give relief during menstruation. (Fitzgerald made a statement to the effect that while he had not heard of any miscarriages he cautioned its use in pregnancy.)
Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: anything concerned with the brain and central nervous system; spinal problems; all genitourinary problems; abdominal and intestinal disorders, such as flatulence, any abdominal pain, gastric pain, painful haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, constipation, irregular menstruation.
As a speculative comment, SP-3 is used for all lung problems. This point is on the lung area in reflexology. SP-4 is a point that is widely used for all excess problems of the stomach and the spleen; this area corresponds to the upper abdominal area in reflexology. Also the Spleen meridian ends in the root of the tongue; Fitzgerald use to apply a tongue pressor (figure 2.15) to reach as far back as possible on the root of the tongue for amenorrhoea, also for painful menstruation. This point is a good point to regulate menstruation, and the former helps in strengthening the spine.
The Liver meridian
The Liver meridian (figure 2.16) is a Yin channel with 14 points. It commences on the lateral edge at the base of the nail bed of the great toe and ascends the dorsal aspect of the foot to the medial malleolus; then it ascends the leg on the medial side following the line of the Spleen channel. It traverses around the pubis area and the genitals, where it meets the Conception Vessel, then moving onwards and up to its relevant organ, the liver, where it links with the gall bladder. It has branches that serve the lungs, the trachea, the larynx and the upper palate of the mouth, and an offshoot serves the lips. The meridian also distributes to the tissue around the eye, and also the forehead; it meets the Governing Vessel at the vertex of the head.
Figure 2.16 The Liver meridian
The nerve line is along the cutaneous medial dorsal nerves of the foot and the deep peroneal nerve, then the saphenous, and femoral nerves, which arise from L2-L4 of the spinal trunk; there it connects with the thoracic nerves, then continues on up to the intercostal nerves.
Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: headaches, vertigo and tinnitus; throat disorders, toothache; any colic or abdominal distension due to gastrointestinal disorders; lumbago; and problems in all four limbs; all problems relating to the genitourinary tract.
The Stomach meridian
The Stomach meridian (figure 2.17) is a Yang channel with 45 points. It originates on the cheek at the side of the nose, and passes through the roots of the teeth on to the lips, descending through the thorax to the abdomen, where it communicates with the spleen and connects directly with the heart. It passes down the thigh to just below the knee on the anterior part of the leg to terminate on the lateral edge of the second toe at the base of the nail bed.
Figure 2.17 The Stomach meridian
The nerve line is along the branches of the facial nerve, then the oculomotor, the trigeminal, and hypoglossal cranial nerves, and the auricular nerve, continuing along the cervical nerves that supply the clavicle, and the first thoracic nerves that supply the pectorals through to the first lumbar nerve, which supplies all the abdomen, and the femoral nerve, which splits into many cutaneous branches supplying the area from the inguinal ligament down to the toes.
Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: all mouth and facial problems; problems of the lower extremities. There is a distal empirical point that can be used for shoulder problems. (See ST-38, figure 5.41.)
As a speculative comment, in reflexology we use the ST-45 and ST-44 for all mouth or facial problems, and these reflex areas are wonderful for toothache. ST-43 is used for all digestive disorders; this lies on the hypochondrium area according to the reflexology map of the body.
Figure 2.18 The Gall Bladder meridian
The Gall Bladder meridian
The Gall Bladder meridian (figure 2.18) is a Yang channel with 44 points. It originates on the lateral side of the eye at the point known as pupil crevice. The meridian contours the head and neck, with an offshoot passing to the inner ear; it then passes through the diaphragm with branches going to the breast, then it connects with the liver and gall bladder, and emerges in the groin area and runs along the lateral aspect of the thigh down to the lateral edge of the fourth toe at the base of the nail bed. There is also a connecting channel, which links the instep to the first toe, connecting the gall bladder and the liver, its paired organ.
The nerve line is along the branches of the fifth cranial nerve, the largest cranial nerve, whose offshoot the zygomaticotemporal nerve serves the facial area, then along the occipital, and auricular nerves, continuing along the supraclavicular nerve, connecting with many of the intercostal and many of the thoracic nerves, right down to the first lumbar nerve, where the femoral nerve lies, and branches of the peroneal nerve, connecting with many of the muscles of the calf, the dorsal surface of the ankle, the tarsus, the fourth metatarsal and the third, fourth and fifth toes.
Disorders of this meridian, with signs and symptoms, include: all head-related disorders, facial pain, eye, ear and mouth problems, mastitis or oedema of the axillary areas; any pain of the costal region, or neck, arm and shoulder problems.