[Advances and trends in the researches on meridians]

This review summarizes the newest advances in recent researches on meridian. Firstly, fascia, connective tissue, mast cells, fibroglia fibrils and interstitial fluid are found accumulated under the deeper layer tissue of the acupoints and channels, thus giving indications of their important role in the propagated sensation along meridian. Secondly, the supplementary data involve the characteristics and the neurobiological basis of propagated sensation along meridian, which suggest that the function of the meridian is of integrity, i.e. the points on different segments of the same channel produce a uniform clinical effect. The effect of Luomai (collateral, branch of the large channel) and the mechanism of long distance of transmission across spinal segments are introduced. Thirdly, the objective evidence of channel-viscera bi-directional correlativity. Lastly, the application of the gene chip technique to meridian research. As for the main trends in the researches of meridian, the emphases are laid on the function of acupoints and channels, on the correlation between the channel and internal organs, on the rational distribution of proportion as well as on the coordination of meridian research between laboratory experiments and clinical practices. Recently, faced to international competition, Chinese physicians and researchers feel an unshrinkable duty and are making a greater effort to carry out researches on the meridian.