Study of the Meridians and Collaterals Theory and Its Academic Trajectory

The academic trajectory of meridian and collateral theory is systematically sorted out and reviewed according to dynastic research. It can be divided into five stages: origin of theory, diversified development, reconstruction of synthetical theory, contradiction and conflict, as well as reflection and returning. The key events and views include: The concept of meridians in the early Western Han Dynasty by Chunyu Yi based on the pre-Qin period accumulation; The diversified development of meridians and collaterals theory in the era of the Huangdi Neijing; The reconstructing of the academic frame of meridians and collaterals by "the synthetical theory of meridians and collaterals" in the Comprehensive Recording of Divine Assistance with to-date influence; The conflict and dilemma in the academic understanding of meridian and collaterals theory after the eastward transmission of western sciences; The value reshaping of meridian and collaterals theory combined with the returning of the traditional academic trajectory in the course of reflection by Cheng Dan'an and others. The dynastic study of meridian and collaterals theory clearly presents its evolutionary trajectory and process of the connotation, which can provide support for the interpretation and application of its contemporary theory and its morphological basis.