Western Medicine

Each organ is seen in its material-anatomical aspect

The study of anatomy and physiology

Chinese Medicine

Each organ is a complex energetic system encompassing its anatomical entity and its mental, emotional and spiritual aspects

Anatomy of the internal organs, muscles and bones, as well as the acute and detailed observation of complex functional relationships

Zang-Fu Organs

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Yin Organs

Wu Xiang

Structural

‘Viscous to store’

Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver and Kidney (Pericardium)

The dominant functional systems in the holistic physiology of TCM that transform and store vital essence (jing) and qi

Store the vital substances (i.e. qi, blood and body fluids)
Store the pure and refined substances they receive from the yang organs after transforming from food.

Stored in the five yin organs are blood, blood vessels, nutritive qi (Ying qi) and the Spirit (Jing-Shen)

Full but not in excess

Correspond to structure and store the vital substances

Fu

Yang Organs

Liu Fu

Functional

Seat of Government’ or ‘Administration Centre’

Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Stomach, Gallbladder, Urinary System, Sanjiao (Triple-Burner)

Accept, digest, transmit and separate the food and water. Yang organs are not stored but are constantly filled and emptied. The essence of yang organs is to:

Receive and Transmit (chuan)
Move (xing)
Transform: transform and refine food and drink to extract pure essence
Digest and

Excrete waste products

Transforming food and drink to produce qi and blood (transform and digest). They are:

The residence of nutritive qi
Called Containers
Transform waste substances.

Transmit the incoming and outgoing flavours

Excess but not full

Correspond to function

The Internal Organs

In TCM, the concept of organs goes beyond their physical structure and location. Organs are viewed as functional entities interconnected with each other and the body's overall energetic network. Organs are organised into functional systems known as Zang-Fu organs. Zang organs are solid organs, while Fu organs are hollow. Each Zang-Fu organ system is responsible for specific physiological functions and is associated with a particular meridian or channel through which Qi (vital energy) flows.

Organs in TCM are also understood in terms of their energetic functions and relationships. Each organ is associated with specific energetic qualities, such as Yin or Yang, and is connected to emotions, senses, and body tissues. For example, the Liver is associated with the Wood element, Yang energy, the feeling of anger, the sense of sight, and the tendons and ligaments.
Imbalances or disharmonies in the organs can manifest as physical symptoms, emotional disturbances, or changes in sensory perception, reflecting disruptions in the flow of Qi and Blood.

By considering organs within the context of their functional systems and meridian connections, TCM practitioners can assess the dynamic interactions between different organ systems and identify disharmony patterns contributing to illness or imbalance. Treatment strategies aim to restore harmony and balance to the body's energetic network, promoting health and well-being on multiple levels.

In TCM, organs are categorised into different systems based on their functions and relationships.

Organ Systems in the Body

The solid organs that store vital substances and perform essential physiological functions:

Heart: governs blood circulation and houses the mind
Lungs: Regulate respiration and control the circulation of Qi.
Spleen: Governs digestion and transformation of food into Qi and Blood.
Kidneys: Control water metabolism, store Jing (essence), and govern reproduction.
Liver: Regulates the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, stores Blood, and controls emotions.

The Yin (Zang) Organs

The hollow organs that receive, digest, and excrete substances. They include:

Small Intestine: Receives and digests food and separates pure from impure substances.
Large Intestine: Receives waste material from the Small Intestine and excretes it as faeces.
Stomach: Receives food and begins the process of digestion.
Urinary Bladder: Stores and excretes urine.
Gallbladder: Stores and excretes bile, aids in digestion and fat metabolism.
Pericardium: It protects the Heart, regulates blood circulation, and governs mental activities.

The Yang (Fu) Organs

Is a unique concept in TCM and is considered the functional system responsible for regulating the body's water metabolism and coordinating the activities of the body's upper, middle, and lower regions. It is not a physical organ but is described as having three areas or "burners" corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower body cavities.

Snajiao (Triple Burner)

The Triple Burner (Sanjiao) and the Brain. The Triple Burner is not a physical organ but a functional system responsible for regulating metabolism and fluid distribution in the body.

Zang-Fu Organs

The Internal Organs