Changes in Meridians After Intense Exercise

Intense physical activity significantly impacts the human meridian system. These effects are mainly reflected in the reprioritization of blood distribution, shifts in resonance frequencies, and mechanisms of energy consumption and recovery within specific meridians.

🔄 Redistribution Mechanism of Blood Circulation

1. Activation of Priority Blood Supply Mode

During intense exercise, the heart rate can increase to 1.5 to 2.5 times the resting rate (with 2.5x being the extreme limit), accompanied by a rise in blood pressure. This leads to a shift in the body’s circulatory resonance from odd-numbered harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th) to even-numbered harmonics (2nd, 4th, 6th). At this stage:

• Even-numbered harmonics dominate: These support blood supply to the head, hands, and feet (e.g., Bladder Meridian, Large Intestine Meridian), prioritizing physical movement needs.

• Odd-numbered harmonics become under-supplied: These correspond to the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. Blood flow to these areas decreases significantly or even stops. As a result, undigested food in the stomach lacks digestive fluids, leading to post-exercise nausea or acid reflux.

  
  

2. Physiological Limits and Health Risks

When the heart rate exceeds 2.5 times the resting rate, it can pose life-threatening risks. Long-term intense exercise (such as in professional sports) may lead to chronic heart overload and accelerated organ wear, possibly contributing to the shortened lifespan seen in some Olympic athletes.

📈 Changes in Meridian Resonance Frequencies

1. Dynamic Adjustment of Resonance Conditions

During exercise, vascular tension increases, altering the elasticity of blood vessels and shifting resonance frequencies toward higher-frequency harmonics. For example:

• Bladder Meridian (7th harmonic) may become suppressed due to high-frequency stress.

• Lung Meridian (4th harmonic) may become energized to enhance oxygen exchange efficiency.

2. Role of Acupoint Elasticity

The body reduces energy loss along the meridians by contracting muscles and adjusting the elasticity of acupoints during intense motion (e.g., "Ba Wang Ju Ding" movement tightens the Bladder Meridian), concentrating qi and blood flow toward the limbs.

This mechanism is somewhat similar to Qi Gong energy circulation principles. However, unlike Qi Gong, intense exercise lacks protective regulation for internal organ meridians.

🩺 Long-Term Impact of Exercise on Specific Meridians

1. Short-Term Energy Boost vs. Long-Term Depletion

• Kidney (C2) and Spleen Meridians (C3): Heavy training may temporarily boost their energy, but prolonged overuse can weaken these meridians, causing fatigue syndrome or weakened immunity.

• Liver and Stomach Meridians: Insufficient blood flow leads to toxin buildup (like lactic acid), potentially triggering chronic inflammation or digestive issues over time.

  
  

2. Eastern Exercise and Meridian Balance

Gentle exercises like Tai Chi adjust breathing and muscle tension, improving energy flow in the Lung Meridian (C4) and Bladder Meridian (C7), while maintaining internal organ blood balance. This avoids the meridian damage often caused by high-intensity sports.

🧘 Post-Exercise Recovery Recommendations

• Avoid exercising after meals: Within 1–2 hours after eating, the stomach meridian is especially prone to ischemia. Light activity is recommended instead.

• Monitor meridian energy: Use pulse diagnosis devices to assess changes in harmonic amplitudes (e.g., Kidney C2, Lung C4) after exercise to evaluate if the intensity was appropriate.

• Incorporate Qi Gong breathing: After exercising, use standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) or deep breathing to regulate acupoint elasticity and redirect qi and blood back to internal meridians, speeding up lactic acid clearance.

Conclusion

Intense exercise boosts short-term physical performance by altering blood supply priorities and resonance frequencies, but may lead to imbalances in internal organ meridian energy over time. In contrast, Eastern practices like Tai Chi, which focus on qi-blood harmony, are more sustainable for the meridian system.

For those pursuing health and longevity:

• Keep your heart rate within 1.2–1.5× the resting rate during exercise.

• Combine movement with Qi Gong breathing to protect internal organ circulation.