The paper reviews the evolution of the theory related to meridians and

zangfu

organs during the Warring States

Qin and Han dynasties

so as to reveal the rules and value of its development. By analyzing historical documents

especially

Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing

(

Moxibustion Classics of Eleven Meridians of Legs and Arms

)

Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing

(

Moxibustion Classic on Eleven Yin and Yang Meridians

)

Laoguanshan

bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points

the evolutionary stages

i.e. the germination

development

and maturity of meridian-

zangfu

theory

are explored. In the time of the Warring States

Qin and Han dynasties

the meridian-

zangfu

related theory was developed from the germination to the maturity. In the classics of the early time

Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing

and

Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing

demonstrated the preliminary relationship between meridians and

zangfu

organs

focusing on the physiological connection and pathogenesis of three

yin

meridians of foot and

zangfu

organs. In the literature of

Laoguanshan

bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points

the physiological connection between the

yin

meridians of hand and foot

and five

zang

organs

as well as the related diseases were further clarified; additiona

lly

the meridian-

zangfu

theory had been developed in the field of diagnosis and treatment. In the era of Chapter of Meridians in

Lingshu

(

Miraculous Pivot

)

there were up to 31 descriptions relevant with the connection of meridian distribution and

zangfu

physiological functions. It marks the construction of the "circular" flow of meridians and the interior-exterior communication of

zang

and

fu

organs; and enriches the knowledge in diseases

diagnosis and treatment with meridians and

zangfu

organs involved. The review on the evolution of the meridian-

zangfu

theory is conductive to supplementing and improving the development history of this theory of early time

and further recognizing its development rules and value. The maturity of this theoretical system not only links the meridians with the five

zang

and six

fu

organs

but also provides an important theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.