Blog 25: Primo Vascular System, the Meridian Lines & EFT Tapping

30.07.26 09:52 AM

Physical and energetic networks, hand in hand

Meridian Lines, a concept rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years, are believed to be energetic pathways throughout the body and form the basis of acupuncture and EFT principles.

Modern research into the Primo Vascular System suggests these pathways may also have a physical structure, helping explain the physiological effects of therapies that work with them.

The physical network that aligns with the energetic pathways

The Meridian Lines are a well-known concept and have been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. These energetic pathways run throughout the body, form the foundation of acupuncture treatments and have also inspired the principles behind EFT.

However, they may not be solely energetic pathways. A vascular network known as the Primo Vascular System has been proposed as one possible physical structure that may correspond with some Meridian pathways, suggesting a physical structure that may help explain some of the physiological effects with therapies based on these pathways.

The Meridian Lines - the body’s energetic pathways

Let’s get started with the Meridian Lines. Although many people have heard of them, it’s worth revisiting what they are and why they are considered so important.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Meridian Lines are a complex network of interconnected energetic pathways that run throughout the entire body. They form the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with acupuncture being one of their most widely known applications.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are energetic beings, and these pathways carry life energy throughout the body. When this energy flows freely, the body is believed to be in balance. However, energy can become blocked or stagnant, disrupting its natural flow and potentially contributing to physical, emotional, or mental discomfort.

EFT was inspired by the Meridian Lines

Quickly explaining the origins of EFT - it all started with Dr. Callanhan, a psychologist in the early 1990s who decided to explore alternatives that he could implement in his sessions to help accelerate his patients’ healing.

During his research, he came across the knowledge of the Meridian Lines. He decided to incorporate this approach and asked his patients to tap on specific areas - known as acupressure points - while talking about their issues, traumas, or situation.

He was astonished by the results and documented this process as TFT (Thought Field Therapy).

Curious about this new modality, Gary Craig enrolled in training with Dr Callanhan. He loved the process, and inspired by it, EFT was born.

The Primo Vascular System

Back in the 1960s, Professor Bong-Han Kim discovered a new anatomical vascular system that he believed could be the physical foundation of the acupuncture Meridian system.

He demonstrated that this system, described as a network distinct from the blood and lymphatic vessels, was composed of nodes and vessels. He provided detailed descriptions of his findings, however, didn’t disclose his methods, which meant that the results remained relatively obscure and were not fully accepted by the scientific community at the time. .

In 2002, researchers revisited his work using techniques such as ultrasound and blue dye. They reported observations of a microscopic tube-like structure beneath the skin, now called Primo Vascular System, which appeared to align with some of the traditional Meridian pathways.

It's microscopic, transparent, and made of thread-like tubes (primo vessels) and node clusters (primo nodes). These structures contain fluid and are thought to be involved in communication within the body.

The Primo Vascular System has been described as a network that interacts closely with the skin, internal organs, and the nervous system - creating a fascinating area of research into the possible connection between traditional energetic models and physical biology.

Primo Vascular System and EFT Tapping

The fluid traveling through these microscopic tubes moves much slower than blood. However, it has been suggested that this system may be responsive to physical stimulation and changes in the body’s environment.

Therefore, when we tap, we create sensory input that interacts with the nervous system. Some researchers have explored whether structures such as the Primo Vascular System could be involved in communication within the body.

In some research, the Primo Vascular System has been described as closely associated with the nervous system, including areas around the brainstem and spinal cord, this may help explain another possible pathway through which tapping influences physiological responses - influencing pathways involved in nervous system regulation, including the Vagus Nerve.

EFT Tapping - acupuncture without needles

Tapping is also described as ‘acupuncture without needles’. This is because we use our fingertips to tap on the acupressure points, stimulating areas traditionally associated with the Meridian Lines and supporting the flow of energy.

From a physiological perspective, tapping also creates physical stimulation that may influence the nervous system, sending calming signals to the brain and body, including through the Primo Vascular System.

It also has other physiological effects, which you can explore in my blog: What Happens Physiologically When You Tap.

More information: Meridian and Primo Vascular System, Evidence Based EFT, by Dr Peta Stapleton

Ready to try it for yourself?

Tapping is a powerful self-help tool that can help you release emotional blocks, calm the nervous system, and support your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to create more balance in your life, EFT can be a simple yet effective practice to explore.

Read my blog on How To Tap