The Theory of Zang Fu (Internal Organs)
The Theory of the Internal Organs is often described as the core of Chinese medical theory, because it best represents the Chinese Medicine view of the body as an integrated whole. This theory represents a landscape of functional relationships which deliver total integration of the bodily function, emotion, mental activities, tissues, sense organs and external influences. Western Medicine sees each organ as a unit in its material-anatomical aspect, whereas TCM views each organ as a complex system encompassing its anatomical entity and its corresponding emotion, tissue, sense organ, mental state, color, climate and more.
Examples:
| Organ | Function |
|---|---|
| Heart | Governs Blood |
| Liver | Stores Blood |
| Lungs | Governs Qi (chi, energy) and influence Body Fluids |
| Spleen | Governs Food-Qi (energy), holds Blood and influences Body Fluids |
| Kidneys | Stores Essence (reproduction) and influences Body Fluids |
| Yin | Yang (these organs are the function for the yin organs) |
|---|---|
| Heart | Small Intestine |
| Liver | Gall Bladder |
| Lungs | Large Intestine |
| Spleen | Stomach |
| Kidneys | Bladder |
| Pericardium | Triple Burner (steaming and moisting function) |
Yet at the same time, yin and yang are the relative expression of our absolute nature - our oneness.
Referenced from 'The Fundamentals of Acupuncture and Moxibustion'; The Chinese Way to Health, Dr. Stephen Gascoigne; The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Giovanni Maciocia
