functional units of the body. Ying organs produce, transform, regulate, and store funda- mental substances such as Qi, blood, and body fluids. Yang organs, on the other hand, are responsible for digestion and transmitting nutrients.5 In TCM, the bodily functions are based on a bal- anced relationship between these ying and yang organs. The system of channels between organs carries Qi around the body through the interstitial space of muscles, organs, bones, teeth, and other tissues.3 Qi is similar to blood. It fosters circulation, aids in the forma- tion of blood, and facilitates movement of energy sig- nals throughout the body.5 Telocyte cells (TCs) are responsible for the presence of Qi. They are somatic cells with long extensions called telopodes (Tps), found within the meridian channels. These cells provide junctions throughout the connec- tive tissue of the body that communicate with other cells in the body.8 Active cells and extracellular vesicles including exo- somes move along Tps, and give structural evidence for Qi, vital energy, and signal communication. More specifically, exosomes are extracellular vessels formed inside cells, are released into the blood, and contain the cell’s proteins, DNA, and RNA that travel throughout the body. Exosomes are found in several biological fluids includ- ing saliva, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid.8 Meridians guide practitioners’ understanding of the flow of connected energy and pathways in cell movement. In recent years, new research and discovery have provided an anatomical basis for the meridian system called the primo vascular system (PVS). The PVS integrates the features of the cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and hormonal systems by which a physical basis for acupuncture and meridians can be depicted.9 The PVS is an independent, functional system connected through nodes and intervas- cular systems with layers of muscles, cells, and Qi (Figure 1).10 Qi circulates in the PVS through vessels that direct bioelectric activity, excitatory conductivity, and mechanical motility to the body’s organs.9 The PVS for the organs are connected to all meridians; therefore, changes in the Qi fluid circulation affect the function of organ tissue.9 Blocked Qi in meridian channels can cause illness or pain by altering a meridian path when an organ is infected or an individ- ual is under stress. Stress causes the muscles to tighten, resulting in Qi blockages in the meridians. Treatments used to restore the flow of Qi through the channels are heat, suc- tion, acupuncture and acupressure, ozone therapy, biohacking (making lifestyle and diet changes), and natural remedies at precise points along the meridian channels.11,12 Tooth Meridians Each tooth is connected to a meridian that interfaces with specific organs, which can be seen in the tooth meridian chart.7,13,14 For example, tooth numbers 1, 16, 17, and 32 are part of the same meridian pathway as the heart; this means that periodontal diseases affecting tooth number 1 may also affect the heart because they are connected by a merid- ian path.4,13 The presence of chronic inflammation in the mouth may adversely affect other organs. Chronic inflammation triggers the body’s inflammatory response, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, sometimes travelling to the heart and other organs.15 REBECCA M. COELHO, RDH, CDA, MSDH, is a professor in the Medical Careers Institute School of Dental Assisting at ECPI University, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She teaches community health, radiology, infection control, dental materials, and dental anatomy courses. She works to share her knowledge and experience with the next generation of dental professionals while also working in private practice and as a proud member of the United States Naval Reserve. TARA L. NEWCOMB, RDH, MS, is an associate professor and chief departmental advisor in the Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia. A member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Peer Review Panel, Newcomb can be reached at: [email protected]. SUSAN LYNN TOLLE, BSDH, MS, is a professor at the Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ODU. She is the recipient of the ODU University Professor Award for Outstanding Teaching and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Educator of the Year Award, as well as its Award for Excellence. Tolle is a member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Editorial Advisory Board. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com July/August 2023 • Dimensions OF DENTAL HYGIENE 29 FIGURE 1. PRIMO VASCULAR SYSTEM AND ACUPUNCTURE3 Axon reflex New afferent signal Afferent signal New axon reflex ISF increases and impedance reduces Substance P Stimulate Skin surface Capillary expands Needle Interstitial fluid Histamine Meridian channel Mast cells To central nerve system
