Zang Fu Systemic Balance: What it means in TCM
The 12 Zang Fu Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Holistic View of Health and Well-being
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is seen as an interconnected system where the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects are closely related. The Zang Fu organs are central to this holistic framework, representing both the physiological and emotional functions of the body. The Zang organs (Yin) are the solid, vital organs, and the Fu organs (Yang) are hollow organs that assist in processing substances. The Zang organs are the Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung and Kidney(s); please note that these are metaphorical terminologies in the Traditional Chinese Medicine paradigm and that a “Kidney Deficiency” in TCM may not exactly reflect the health of your actual kidneys in Western medicine terms. The Fu organs are the Gallbladder, Small Intestine, San Jiao, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Urinary Bladder.
Each of these organs is linked to specific bodily systems, emotions, and vital functions, influencing both our physical health and emotional balance.
Here’s a closer look at the 12 Zang Fu organs in TCM, including what they control and how they relate to our emotional states:
1. Liver (Gan)
Controls: The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, especially in the sinews (tendons) and muscles. It also governs the health of the nails and eyes. For example, “Liver Blood Deficiency” may manifest as pale skin, dizziness and vertigo, insomnia, blurry vision, dry eyes, spasms in tendons, muscle cramps, scanty menstrual flow, amenorrhea, withered or brittle nails, dry hair and skin, as well as a pale tongue.
Associated with: Anger; when the Liver system is out of balance, one may experience excess irritation, frustration and anger.
Functions: The Liver helps with the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, ensuring that the body moves and functions fluidly. When Liver Qi is stagnant, it can lead to physical symptoms like tight muscles, irritability, and headaches.
2. Heart (Xin)
Controls: The Heart governs the blood vessels, complexion, and the tongue. It is also intimately connected to the spirit, or "Shen," which influences mental and emotional clarity.
Associated with: Joy; the Heart system out of balance may be seen as mania or excess excitement and joy.
Functions: The Heart literally and figurately circulates blood throughout the body and maintains the overall warmth and vitality of the body. A balanced Heart allows for mental clarity, a radiant complexion, and proper communication (as seen through the tongue).
3. Spleen (Pi)
Controls: The Spleen is responsible for the transformation of food and drink into Qi and blood, thus supporting the muscles, limbs, lips, and mouth.
Associated with: Worry; the Spleen system out of balance can be seen as excessive pensiveness and worry in the stomach.
Functions: The Spleen is central to digestion and energy production. It extracts the nutrients from food to nourish the body. The Spleen’s role in transforming and transporting nutrients affects the muscle strength and overall vitality. Emotionally, the spleen is tied to worry, and excessive worry or overthinking can deplete its energy, leading to digestive problems and fatigue.
4. Lung (Fei)
Controls: The Lung governs the skin, body hair, and the nose, and is crucial for the regulation of Qi and respiratory function.
Associated with: Sadness; the Lung system out of balance can be seen as excess grief, and a heaviness in the chest area and low immunity.
Functions: The Lungs are responsible for the intake of Qi (air) and its distribution throughout the body. They also control the opening and closing of pores in the skin, affecting perspiration. For example, “Lung Qi Deficiency” can manifest as having a feeble cough, shortness of breath that is worse on exertion, lack of an ability to speak, fatigue, low immunity and frequent upper respiratory infections, spontaneous sweating, and a bright white complexion. Emotionally, the lungs are linked to sadness and grief. Excessive grief can weaken the lung’s ability to function properly, leading to respiratory issues or skin problems.
5. Kidney (Shen)
Controls: The Kidneys produce marrow, which fills the brain and spinal cord, and they control the bones, hair (on head), and the essence (Jing) of the body.
Associated with: Fear; the Kidney systems out of balance are excess fear, anxiety, frequent urination, low-back pain, and incontinence.
Functions: The Kidneys are seen as the source of vitality in the body, storing the essence that governs growth, reproduction, and aging. The kidneys control the bones and influence the strength and integrity of the skeletal structure. They also help with the health of the hair. For example, “Kidney Deficiency” can manifest as thin, brittle, dry, dull, and prematurely grayed hair.
6. Gallbladder (Dan)
Controls: The Gallbladder is responsible for decision-making, courage, and the smooth flow of bile (in a literal sense).
Associated with: Indecision
Functions: The Gallbladder helps with the digestion and absorption of fats and plays a role in decision-making and assertiveness. When the gallbladder is balanced, it enables clear judgment and courage. However, when out of balance, it may result in indecision or difficulty in making choices.
7. Small Intestine (Xiao Chang)
Controls: The Small Intestine is responsible for separating the pure from the impure, extracting nutrients from food and drink, and passing waste material to the large intestine.
Associated with: Judgment
Functions: The Small Intestine ensures the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. It separates useful substances from waste, a process which is also metaphorically linked to mental discernment and clarity. A clear and strong small intestine helps promote clear decision-making and judgment.
8. Stomach (Wei)
Controls: The Stomach governs the rotting and ripening of food and is crucial for digestion.
Associated with: Overthinking
Functions: The Stomach is the starting point of digestion, where food is broken down and prepared for further processing in the intestines. It is responsible for the transformation of food into usable energy. Emotionally, an imbalance in the stomach can lead to excessive thinking or “rumination,” which can impact digestion and mental clarity.
9. Large Intestine (Da Chang)
Controls: The Large Intestine is in charge of the elimination of waste from the body, ensuring that only the pure substances are retained.
Associated with: Letting Go; an imbalance in the Large Intestine channel can look like resentment, and an inability to forgive and move on.
Functions: The Large Intestine plays a key role in the excretion of waste, both physically and emotionally. It helps the body remove what is no longer needed, making space for fresh energy. Emotionally, it is connected to the ability to let go of past experiences, regrets, or unresolved emotions.
10. Urnary Bladder (Pang Guang)
Controls: The Bladder regulates the storage and excretion of urine.
Associated with: Determination
Functions: The Bladder stores and expels urine, helping maintain fluid balance in the body. In TCM, the Bladder is also linked to determination and the ability to move forward with decisions. A healthy bladder ensures smooth fluid flow, and an imbalance might lead to difficulties with decision-making or persistence.
11. Pericardium (Xin Bao)
Controls: The Pericardium protects the heart and influences the circulatory and emotional systems.
Associated with: Love
Functions: The Pericardium is often referred to as the "heart protector." It helps regulate the flow of blood and Qi to the heart, influencing our emotional experiences, particularly love and affection. A balanced pericardium promotes harmonious relationships and emotional stability.
12. Triple Burner (San Jiao)
Controls: The Triple Burner or San Jiao is a functional system, rather than a specific organ, that regulates the flow of Qi and fluids throughout the body. It is responsible for the heating, cooling, and circulating processes.
Associated with: Balance
Functions: The Triple Burner oversees the distribution of fluids and energy throughout the body. It ensures that the body’s temperature is balanced and that the internal environment is properly regulated. Its emotional connection is linked to balance, as it helps to keep the body and mind in harmony.
Conclusion
The 12 Zang Fu organs are the foundation of the holistic approach in Traditional Chinese Medicine, reflecting the deep connection between our physical bodies, emotions, and spiritual well-being. Each organ not only governs specific physiological functions but also holds an emotional and spiritual significance that influences our overall health. By understanding and maintaining balance in these organs, we can promote harmony within ourselves and live a more vibrant, healthful life.