This article explores the origin of meridians. It suggests that the origin of meridians is closely related to the imageries derived by ancient physicians experiencing the circulation of Qi in their bodies during Qigong practice. Based on the cognitive experience from Qigong practice, as well as the symbolic analogy of the flow of rivers and the irrigation system of agriculture, the meridian theory has constructed a model of Qi and blood circulation. Such model is abstract and yet concrete, dialectic and yet intuitive, definite and yet vague, integrated and yet independent, having profound influence on the overall formation of traditional Chinese medicine theories.