The Twelve Meridians and Their Corresponding Sounds by Grand Master Richard Hackworth

The Twelve Meridians and Their Corresponding Sounds by Grand Master Richard Hackworth

To acquire Master level ranks in most traditional martial arts one must have a working knowledge of traditional Asian healing arts. I was introduced to this by one of my early Taekwondo Grand Masters Jong Sung Kim, later one of my Hapkido Grand Masters, KwanJangNim Chun, Paek Un also helped me study this subject. He was an expert at herbal medicine and acupuncture. The top legitimate martial arts organizations in Korea require this to achieve the rank of 6^th Dan. I was fortunate enough to receive this training in formal courses and private mentoring from my Grand Masters. All of these things have their place in Asian martial arts culture but most follow the doctrine of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Korea the traditional forms of medicine are called HanYak. Since most text books and courses on Asian medicine use the Chinese standards I will use the Chinese terminology in this article.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is seen as a complex network of energy pathways called meridians. These meridians, known as Jing-Luo (经络) in Chinese, are channels through which Qi (pronounced “chee”), known as Ki in Korean and Japanese, is the vital life force, flows. A balanced and unobstructed flow of Qi is essential for good health, and blockages can lead to illness.

A key aspect of meridian theory is the concept of a circadian rhythm, Qi flows through each of the twelve major meridians in a specific two-hour cycle throughout the day. By understanding this cycle, we can optimize our health by aligning our activities with the natural flow of energy.

The Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue)

A powerful practice for balancing the meridians and their associated organs is the use of the Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue). This ancient Qigong technique involves making specific sounds and movements to vibrate and stimulate the organs, helping to release stagnant or unhealthy Qi and draw in fresh, vital energy. While there are twelve meridians, the six healing sounds are associated with the main Yin organs, which are considered the core of emotional and energetic health. Each sound corresponds to a specific organ and its associated meridian.

The sounds are often practiced with particular breathing and movement patterns. The sounds themselves are not just vocalizations but are meant to create a specific vibratory frequency within the body.

The Meridians and Their Associated Sounds

The following information outlines the twelve main meridians and the six healing sounds. Each sound is linked to a Yin organ and its corresponding Yang partner meridian.

·       Liver/Gallbladder: The sound associated with these meridians is “Hu”.

·       Heart/Small Intestine: The sound for these meridians is “He”.

• Spleen/Stomach: The sound associated with these meridians is “Shh”.

• Lung/Large Intestine: The sound is “Xu”.

·       Kidney/Urinary Bladder: The sound is “Choo”.

·       Pericardium/Triple Burner: The sound is “Shee”.

The Five Elements and the Healing Sounds

The Six Healing Sounds are also connected to the Five Elements (Wu Xing), a foundational theory in TCM. The elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, are believed to be the fundamental components of everything in the universe, including our bodies.

• Liver (Wood): The sound Hu (呼) is associated with the element of Wood and the emotion of anger.
• Heart (Fire): The sound He (呵) corresponds to the element of Fire and the emotion of joy (or over-excitement).
• Spleen (Earth): The sound Shh (嘶) is linked to the element of Earth and the emotion of worry.
• Lungs (Metal): The sound Xu (噓) is connected to the element of Metal and the emotion of grief.
• Kidneys (Water): The sound Choo (吹) is associated with the element of Water and the emotion of fear.

The sixth sound, Shee (嘻), is a calming sound that is sometimes used to balance all the meridians, though it is not tied to a specific element.

Application in Practice

The practice of the healing sounds is a powerful form of self-cultivation. By focusing on the specific sound and its corresponding organ, one can intentionally direct their Qi, clear blockages, and promote emotional and physical well-being. This ancient knowledge, passed down through generations, continues to be a cornerstone of martial arts and TCM, offering a path to deeper self-awareness and holistic health.

If you have an interest in perusing this level of knowledge then I recommend that you join the USA Hapkido Union.

About the author: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master who has dedicated his life to the research and development of the martial arts lifestyle. As the Chairman of the Hapkido School Growth Committee he is a Business Coach and Mentor to martial arts school owners and instructors around the world. He is the President of the USA Hapkido Union and author of the book, Be a Life Champion: The Martial Arts Way available on Amazon.

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