How to Tell If Your Meridians Are Blocked: Simple TCM Self-Check Methods

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the meridian system runs throughout the body, connecting the organs, circulating qi and blood, nourishing tissues, and defending the body from external pathogens. This network guides clinical practice across TCM disciplines and forms the foundation of health maintenance and disease prevention. Just like traffic congestion or a clogged water pipe, blocked meridians can lead to numerous discomforts.

How can you tell whether your meridians are flowing smoothly? Here are several simple and practical self-assessment methods.

1. Pinching Test

TCM says, “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is blockage.”

You can use the pinching method to check your meridian condition:

Pinch the flesh on specific parts of your body—especially on the outer side of the legs (Gallbladder meridian), the front of the legs (Stomach meridian), the inner legs (Kidney meridian), and the inner and outer upper arms.

• If the pinch is extremely painful, it may indicate a blockage in that particular meridian.

• The more intense the pain, the more severe the blockage.

• Some people feel their back is stiff like an iron plate—painful with even light pressure and accompanied by constant fatigue. This often suggests blockage in the Bladder meridian along the back.

2. Blood Flow Test

Wrap one hand tightly around the wrist of the other hand for about 1 minute. The palm will gradually turn pale. When you suddenly release it, you should feel warmth rushing to the fingertips and see the palm return to its normal color.

• If the palm regains normal color within 30 seconds: the meridians are likely unobstructed.

• If it takes longer than 30 seconds: the meridians may not be flowing smoothly.

3. Observe Abnormal Physical Symptoms

Each meridian corresponds to specific physical manifestations when blocked.

Lung Meridian (Hand Taiyin)

Symptoms may include chest fullness, coughing, shortness of breath, pain around the clavicle and throat, blurred vision, or numbness and coldness in the forearms.

Stomach Meridian (Foot Yangming)

Possible signs include chills, frequent yawning, dark facial complexion, aversion to people or bright light, anxiety, chest rumbling, abdominal fullness, or numbness and coldness in the legs.

Spleen Meridian (Foot Taiyin)

May manifest as root-tongue stiffness, nausea after eating, abdominal distention, belching, heaviness of the body, loose stools, jaundice, or weakness in the inner thighs or big toe.

Heart Meridian (Hand Shaoyin)

Symptoms include dry throat, chest pain, thirst, or numbness in the forearm.

Small Intestine Meridian (Hand Taiyang)

May cause throat pain, swelling under the jaw, difficulty turning the head, or severe shoulder and upper arm pain.

Bladder Meridian (Foot Taiyang)

Common issues include headaches, eye pressure, neck stiffness, back pain, lumbar weakness, knee tightness, calf pain, and numbness or coldness around the ankle.

Kidney Meridian (Foot Shaoyin)

May present as poor appetite, dark complexion, coughing with blood, dizziness upon standing, fearfulness, palpitations, or coldness and pain in the bones.

Pericardium Meridian (Hand Jueyin)

Symptoms may include heat sensation in the palms, tightness in the forearms, swelling in the armpit, chest fullness, palpitations, flushed face, or involuntary laughter.

Triple Burner Meridian (Hand Shaoyang)

Signs include hearing loss, tinnitus, throat swelling, or painful swallowing.

Large Intestine Meridian (Hand Yangming)

May show as toothache, neck swelling, or localized heat and cold depending on whether qi is excessive or deficient.

Keeping the Meridians Flowing Smoothly

Smooth meridians are essential for good health. Based on TCM theory, techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, cupping, and stretching can help unblock meridians and restore balance between yin and yang.

For daily care:

• Stay active—regular exercise like Tai Chi or Tai Chi sword promotes qi and blood circulation.

• Eat foods that move qi and promote circulation: green onions, garlic, seaweed, kelp, radish, hawthorn, etc.

• Maintain a positive mood—emotional stagnation can cause qi stagnation, which leads to meridian blockage.

• When necessary, consider gua sha, cupping, or therapeutic massage, but always visit a licensed TCM clinic to avoid harmful side effects.

Keeping your meridians open and flowing is key to maintaining wellness and preventing disease.