title: [Connotation exploration of vessel and meridian: from concretization to abstraction].
abstract: According to the records in Neijing (Internal Classic), this article discusses the relationship during the connotative evolution of mai (vessel) and jing (meridian) in the three aspects, named mai (vessels), the evolution from mai (vessel) to jing (meridian), and the connotation replacement of jing (meridian) with mai (vessel). The study results show that the connotation of Jingmai is originated from mai (vessel), but more enriched, which cannot be confused with each other. The recognition on the connotation of jingmai from mai (vessel) to jing (meridian) is the process of TCM understanding from concretization to abstraction, and from the entity to the concept. Jing (meridian) represents the law on the longitudinal and invariable running course of meridian, differenti from the perspective in western medicine in human body. This law results from the naive observation and is based on the rational summary and thinking, and it stands up the approval from practice. The description of jing (meridian) as mai (vessel) is just the superficial description of this term. In fact, its concept infers to the connotation of meridian.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Lu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008513:Medicine in Literature; D016740:Meridians; D019413:Qi / Q000266:history