How Infinity Flexibility Uses Archetypes
The Meridian Archetypes were born from a desire to better understand the energetic elements of the Chinese Medicine meridians. They help us to uncover and explore a part of ourselves often hidden from our conscious mind.
The archetypes are a tool, and like any other tool, archetypes are what you make of them. Inspired by Caroline Myss’s book Sacred Contracts, the meridian archetypes are just one way of examining these energies in our bodies and lives. Caroline Myss has more than eighty archetypes in the back of her book, but even she admits that eighty archetypes barely scratch the surface of all the possibilities alive in the world today. So, as you explore the archetypes listed below, try to see them less as strict definitions and more as an exploration of the energies we each carry.
Then, of course, there are the meridians. Chinese Medicine created the meridian map thousands of years ago, and healing traditions like acupuncture, EFT tapping, shiatsu massage, yin yoga, qigong, use this map to better understand the body, mind, and spirit.
Each of the meridians passes through specific organs, muscle groups, and fascial planes. They each correspond to different systems in the body, including the circulatory system, nervous system, and so much more. Not only that, but the meridians link physical symptoms to emotional, mental, or spiritual ones. The Kidney, for example, is associated with fear, survival, the sympathetic nervous system, and the inner thigh muscles.
Infinity Flexibility uses the Meridian Archetypes to validate a client’s experience, linking physical strengths and weaknesses to whatever is going on in their emotional, mental, and spiritual lives. From there, we use that information to identify which areas of the body need support to improve overall health and well-being.
Years of experience in the field of strength and flexibility training have given the staff of Infinity Flexibility the ability to see past the symptoms of the body and mind to the root cause of the imbalances. The Meridian Archetypes are just one piece of the puzzle.
Definitions of an ARCHETYPE:
- A very typical example of a certain person or thing.
- A recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.
- A statement, pattern of behavior, prototype, “first” form, or the main model that other statements, patterns of behavior, and objects copy, emulate, or “merge” into.
For our purposes, the meridian archetypes serve as a way to “see” the characteristics associated with certain meridians. For each meridian, we have chosen the main archetype, as well as several secondary archetypes, that represent the energy of the meridian.
Recognizing the characteristics of the meridian allows you to recognize the prevalence of that archetype in your life. It encourages you to notice the strengths and weaknesses in yourself and others. Meridian Archetypes will allow you to improve and better understand your relationships with others and will provide you with insight into your true purpose.
For example, the lung meridian or alchemist has the characteristics of being unusual, transformative, powerful, and a leader. Someone with a strong lung meridian may show high traits of this archetype, seeing seemingly incompatible people and transforming them into a team.
If you do not have a strong lung meridian, you can use the meridian archetype exercises to tap into that energy within yourself. The beauty of this system is that we are all born with all of the meridians, the same way we all have arms, legs, eyes, etc. To build strength in a meridian, you simply need the tools and determination to do so.
Below is a working list of the archetypes we’ve chosen to represent each meridian.
The Meridian Archetypes
Gallbladder Meridian Archetype: The Pioneer
Secondary Archetypes: Doctor, Destroyer, Detective, Schemer, Explorer
The gallbladder is represented by the primary archetype of the pioneer. This archetype is driven to discover new, exciting ventures and explore the world around them. Their inner explorer allows them to see all the possibilities and make informed decisions. Conversely, seeing all the possibilities the world has to offer can lead to looking for problems that aren’t really there and snooping to discover more than they should.
Read more here.
Liver Meridian Archetype: The Liberator
Secondary Archetypes: Caretaker, Rescuer, Samaritan, Slave
The liver is primarily concerned with freedom, whether it is personal freedom or the freedom of others. Their primary archetype is the liberator. Until the liver learns to heal their inner victim, they may struggle with a need to serve or take care of others, putting everyone else’s needs before their own.
Read more here.
Lung Meridian Archetype: The Alchemist
Secondary Archetypes: Leader, King or Queen, Guardian, Bully, Tyrant
The lung is the leader, protector, and guardian. Their archetype is the Alchemist. The lungs take in what we need and release what we no longer need, making them a natural symbol of transformation. The Alchemist knows how to turn experience into wisdom and move forward after loss or change. When out of balance, they may struggle with grief, letting go, or knowing what to hold onto and what to release.
Read more here.
Large Intestine Meridian Archetype: The Architect
Secondary Archetypes: Activist, Advocate, Crusader, Warrior, Prince, Knight, Dictator, Environmentalist
The large intestine archetype is the Architect. They are idealistic thinkers with a strong sense of right and wrong. They can see how things could be improved and often inspire others with their vision. When out of balance, their strong convictions can become rigid, making it difficult to see the gray areas or accept imperfection.
Read more here.
Stomach Meridian Archetype: The Entrepreneur
Secondary Archetypes: Savant, Hedonist, Mentor, Addict
The stomach has all of the idealized power of the entrepreneur. They are ambitious, curious, and driven to learn. When inspired, they have the ability to achieve great things. When out of balance, they can have difficulty digesting life and develop a constant hunger for more, which can lead to overindulgence or addictive habits.
Read more here.
Spleen Meridian Archetype: The Mediator
Secondary Archetypes: Networker, Social Worker, Angel, Martyr
The spleen archetype, the Mediator, expresses this meridian’s ability to see things from different perspectives. They naturally see the connections between people, places, and ideas and have a gift for finding common ground. They are thoughtful, supportive, and often able to understand what others need. When out of balance, this care for others can turn into worry, overthinking, or sacrificing their own needs for the greater good.
Read more here.
Small Intestine Meridian Archetype: The Artist
Secondary Archetypes: Storyteller, Dilettante, Poet, Photographer, Videographer, Starving Artist
The artist archetype symbolizes the small intestine’s ability to turn the intangible world of feeling and thought into something tangible. They are creative, sensitive, and naturally attuned to the subtle details others might miss. Like the small intestine sorts what the body needs from what it doesn’t, the Artist uses discernment to decide which ideas and feelings are worth pursuing. When out of balance, they can struggle to sort through their thoughts and emotions, leading to self-doubt, confusion, or discouragement.
Read more here.
Heart Meridian Archetype: The Good Politician
Secondary Archetypes: Lover, Companion, Advocate
The heart archetype, the Good Politician, represents this meridian’s connection to joy, passion, and other people. They lead with their heart and naturally care about the needs and well-being of those around them. At their best, they bring people together and stand up for what they believe in. When out of balance, they may lose touch with their own joy and passion or struggle to connect meaningfully with others.
Read more here.
Brain Meridian Archetype: The Engineer
Secondary Archetypes: Master, Mentor, Wizard, Guru, Aristocrat
The energy of the engineer archetype gives the brain a discerning and regal air. They are analytical thinkers who naturally notice patterns and want to understand how things work. They are often driven to master the subjects that interest them and share what they’ve learned with others. When out of balance, their tendency to analyze everything can lead to overthinking, suspicion, or paranoia.
Read more here.
Sexual Meridian Archetype: The God/Goddess
Secondary Archetypes: Empath, Femme Fatal, Don Juan, Vampire
The sexual archetype of the god/goddess represents this meridian’s connection to sexuality, passion, and emotion. They are captivating, alluring, empathetic, and highly receptive to the people around them. Their emotional sensitivity allows them to connect deeply with others, but when out of balance, they can become overwhelmed by their emotions and lose themselves in relationships.
Read more here.
Skin Meridian Archetype: The Athlete
Secondary Archetypes: Gambler, Rebel, Avenger, Hero/Heroine, Olympian
The skin archetype, the Athlete, represents strength, resilience, and adaptability. It helps us adjust to changes in our environment and maintain balance under pressure. When out of balance, the Athlete may push too hard, take unnecessary risks, or struggle to recognize their limits.
Read more here.
Pericardium Meridian Archetype: The Judge
Secondary Archetypes: Advocate, King, Queen
The pericardium meridian is best symbolized by the judge. A judge is impartial, fair, and never jumps to conclusions. They take life as it comes and when the time comes to pass judgment, they try to be as precise and clear as possible. The judge is open-minded and straightforward to a fault. This archetype has to be wary of putting the thoughts and feelings of others over their own well-being.
Read more here.
Bladder Meridian Archetype: The Performer
Secondary Archetypes: Networker, Trickster, Shapeshifter, Musician, Actor/Actress
The bladder archetype, the performer, represents their need to have an audience. The performer motivates and inspires those who watch them. This archetype is great at working in a group and inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. We all become what we pretend to be, so if not being genuine to ourselves, the bladder may have issues with confidence and ego.
Read more here.
Kidney Meridian Archetype: The Fool
Secondary Archetypes: Seeker, Dreamer, Visionary, Clown
The fool could be perceived as a negative archetype, but in the case of the kidney, it describes the unique ability of comedians and clowns to get to the truth in a lighthearted and generally accepted way. This archetype has a deeper drive to reveal the thoughts and feelings that most people would prefer to leave hidden. The world can occasionally overwhelm them and they will withdraw into their own private world of ideas.
Read more… here.
Thymus Meridian Archetype: The Healer
Secondary Archetypes: Coach, Yogi, Homemaker, Provider, Servant
The thymus archetype, the Healer, represents our ability to nurture, restore, and care for ourselves and others. They are naturally drawn to creating health and balance and often have a strong instinct for what others need. When out of balance, they may give too much of themselves or forget that healing also requires receiving care.
Read more… here.
Appendix Meridian Archetype: The Sage
Secondary Archetypes: Multitasker, Rebel, Wisewoman, Messiah, Mystic
The appendix archetype is the sage. This archetype understands the healing power of change and transformation better than any other. Its strength lies in its ability to transcend the physical, but they can often get lost outside of themselves and are not able to find their way back.
Read more…here.
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As someone who loves personality quizzes, Myers-Briggs tests, astrology, and any other self-help tool that helps us to better define who we are and our purpose in this world, I am aware of the controversy of archetypes.
Many people do not want to “define themselves” or restrict who they are to a set of characteristics thought up by somebody else. I understand this feeling perfectly. We are all unique in this world and none of us fits perfectly into any one archetype, no matter how accurate it feels at the time.
In our lives, we are always evolving and changing, and our personality reflects this. We encourage you to embrace change and to explore the new aspects of yourself that emerge during that time.
We are in the process of developing our own questionnaire that will give insight and recommendations for alternative treatments that will strengthen areas that are weak and maintain areas that are strong.
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