Meridians and Collaterals don't exist. At least in a materialistic sense that is. Despite numerous studies and experiments to pinpoint Meridians and Collaterals scientifically, the Meridian is neither physically found nor completely understood. However, it is an important concept in KM and the fact that it can't be scientifically proven doesn't mean that it's not real. After all, the geocentric thoery was believed to be truth until relatively recently in human history. Science is not perfect and Meridians will be understood scientifically in time.

Western attempts to understand Meridian can be divided into four major theories. All theories attempted have associated Meridians with Western Medicine concept. In other words, they tried to understand Meridians in the point of view of Western Medicine. First theory is the association of Meridians with Nervous System. Second theory is the association with Circulatory System. Third theory is the association with Autonomous Nervous System. Fourth theory is the association with Peripheral Nervous System. Of course, although all of the theories had some element of scientific basis and proof, all of them also missed something critical. Meridians are all of these theories combined into one and more.

Simply put, Meridians are just pathways. Its importance comes from the fact that they are pathways that Ki, Blood and Fluid use to circulate around the human body. Meridians interconnect organ, muscle, skin and everything else in the body. In other words, they connect inside to outside and upper part to lower part. Studying the word Meridians and Collaterals reveal deeper concept. Meridian gives the meaning of 'main pathway' or 'vertical'. Collateral gives the meaning of 'connection' or 'horizontal'. Since Meridian play the main role, it crosses deep in the body, forming the main highway for Ki, Blood and Fluid. Collateral takes the supporting role and goes near the skin, connecting each Meridian.

If Meridian is a pathway, there have got to be some 'stations' scattered throughout the road, so that the 'passengers' can be contacted or met at the station. It's like a subway. While circulating in a Meridian, Ki or Blood can't be reached unless it's at the station. Such stations are called acupoints. This is where treatment - most visibly acupuncture and moxibustion - takes place. Hence the concept of Meridian and acupoint must be understood clearly before any treatment takes place. Without knowing it completely, trying to fix the flow of Ki and Blood would be like trying to fix a subway train without the underground map.

Treatments directly related to Meridians all follow two fundamental concepts. Although they are very complex, they can be simplified and summarised, just like any other scientific or humanisitc theories. If there is Deficiency, Original Ki is tonified. If there is Excess, Pernicious Ki is purged. There are numerous methods to acquire such effects but all of them follow the principle of Eum and Yang.

In the current newspaper, various articles regarding Meridians will be found. There will be deeper probing on Meridian itself, providing the reader with the names and passage of each different Meridians - just like knowing the name and shape of highways. There will also be articles on acupuncture and moxibustion as they are directly based on the concept of Meridians. Korean medical history regarding such subjects will also be found along with other exciting articles.