‘Jīng luò’ (meridians) is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), referring to the invisible pathways through which ‘qì’ (vital energy) and blood flow throughout the body. The character 经 (jīng) means ‘main channel’ or ‘classic’—here signifying the primary, longitudinal meridians (like the twelve regular meridians). The character 络 (luò) means ‘network’ or ‘collateral’—referring to the smaller, branching vessels that connect and interlink the main channels. Together, jīng luò form an integrated system that links internal organs with the surface of the body, enabling diagnosis and treatment via acupuncture, acupressure, or herbal therapy.

This term appears almost exclusively in TCM contexts—not in modern biomedicine—and carries strong cultural and philosophical weight. It reflects the holistic TCM view that physical health depends on balanced, unobstructed energy flow. While not empirically verifiable by Western anatomy, jīng luò remains central to clinical practice, education, and public understanding of Chinese healing traditions in China and globally.