There are a total of five zang and six fu organs in the human body.The five zang are: Xin (Heart), Gan (Liver), Pi (Spleen), Fei (Lung), and Shen (Kidney);the six fu are: Dan (Gallbladder), Wei (Stomach), Da Chang (Large Intestine), Xiao Chang (Small Intestine), San Jiao (Triple Burner), and Pang Guang (Bladder).These six organs are collectively referred to as the six organs. The functions of the five zang are to store essence and qi; the main physiological functions of the six fu are to receive, digest food and fluids, separate the clear from the turbid, transform essences, and expel waste from the body without retaining it.The relationship between the five zang and health preservation is as follows: for issues related to tendons, treat the Gan (Liver). For issues related to bones, treat the Shen (Kidney). For issues related to muscles, treat the Pi (Spleen and Stomach). For issues related to blood vessels, treat the Xin (Heart). For skin and hair issues, treat the Fei (Lung).Functions of the Five Zang1. Xin (Heart): The heart is the residence of the spirit, the master of blood, and the root of the pulse. It belongs to the fire element in the five elements; its physiological functions include governing blood vessels, spirit, and consciousness. The heart opens to the tongue, connects with the pulse in the body, its manifestation is on the face, its emotion is joy, and its fluid is sweat. The heart is interrelated with the Xiao Chang (Small Intestine).2. Fei (Lung): The lung is the place of the po (corporeal soul) and the master of qi, belonging to the metal element in the five elements; its physiological functions include governing qi, controlling respiration, regulating the dispersal and descending of qi, and managing the water pathways. It connects with the hundred vessels and governs the regulation of the body. The lung opens to the throat, connects with the skin, its manifestation is in the hair, its emotion is worry, and its fluid is mucus. The lung is interrelated with the Da Chang (Large Intestine).3. Pi (Spleen): The spleen is the source of the generation of qi and blood, the foundation of postnatal life, and stores intention, belonging to the earth element in the five elements. Its physiological functions include governing transformation and transportation, raising the clear, and controlling blood. It opens to the mouth, connects with the flesh, governs the four limbs, its manifestation is in the lips, its emotion is thought, and its fluid is saliva. The spleen is interrelated with the Wei (Stomach).4. Gan (Liver): The liver is the residence of the hun (ethereal soul), the storehouse of blood, and the root of tendons, belonging to the wood element in the five elements. Its physiological functions include regulating the flow of qi, storing blood, and opening to the eyes, connecting with the tendons, its manifestation is in the nails, its emotion is anger, and its fluid is tears. The liver is interrelated with the Dan (Gallbladder).5. Shen (Kidney): The kidney is the foundation of pre-natal essence, stores will, and the waist is the fu of the kidney, belonging to the water element in the five elements; its physiological functions include storing essence, governing growth, development, and reproduction, managing water, and receiving qi. In the body, it is associated with bones, governs the production of marrow, its manifestation is in hair, opens to the ears and the two yin (anus and perineum), its emotion is fear, and its fluid is saliva. The kidney is interrelated with the Pang Guang (Bladder).The Interactions of the Five ZangThe five zang interact as follows: Gan generates Xin, Xin generates Pi, Pi generates Fei, Fei generates Shen, and Shen generates Gan.The five zang also have a controlling relationship: Gan controls Pi, Pi controls Shen, Shen controls Xin, Xin controls Fei, and Fei controls Gan.The relationship between the five zang and the five spirits: the five spirits are hun, shen ming (spirit clarity), yi (intention), po (corporeal soul), and zhi (will). The five zang store the spirits: Gan stores hun, Xin stores shen ming, Pi stores yi, Fei stores po, and Shen stores zhi.The five zang also generate five emotions: Xin corresponds to joy, Gan to anger, Pi to thought, Fei to worry, and Shen to fear.These emotions can further develop into the seven emotions of joy, anger, sadness, thought, worry, fear, and shock.The relationship between the five zang and the five fluids: the five fluids are tears, sweat, saliva, mucus, and saliva. The Suwen (Plain Questions) states, “The five zang transform into the five fluids: Xin corresponds to sweat, Fei to mucus, Gan to tears, Pi to saliva, and Shen to saliva.”The relationship between the five zang and the five orifices: the five orifices are the eyes, tongue, mouth, nose, and ears. Gan opens to the eyes, Xin opens to the tongue, Pi opens to the mouth, Fei opens to the nose, and Shen opens to the ears.The relationship between the five zang and the five tastes: Gan corresponds to sour (affecting tendons), Xin to bitter (affecting blood), Pi to sweet (affecting flesh), Fei to spicy (affecting qi), and Shen to salty (affecting bones). The emotions can also affect the organs: excessive anger harms the Gan, excessive joy harms the Xin, excessive thought harms the Pi, excessive worry harms the Fei, and excessive fear harms the Shen. Anger causes qi to rise, joy causes qi to relax, sadness causes qi to dissipate, fear causes qi to descend, cold causes qi to contract, heat causes qi to disperse, shock causes qi to become chaotic, overwork causes qi to deplete, and excessive thought causes qi to stagnate. Joy overcomes sadness, sadness overcomes anger, anger overcomes thought, thought overcomes fear, and fear overcomes joy.Prolonged viewing harms blood (Xin), prolonged lying harms qi (Shen), prolonged sitting harms flesh (Pi), prolonged standing harms bones (Fei), and prolonged walking harms tendons (Gan).The relationship between the six fu and health preservation1. Dan (Gallbladder): Known as the official of decision-making, its physiological function is to store and excrete bile, and it governs decision-making.2. Wei (Stomach): Known as the official of storage, when stomach fire is excessive, it leads to hunger quickly, and tooth pain corresponds to the Wei channel, particularly the Neiting point; its physiological function is to receive and digest food and fluids, and the stomach descends to harmonize.3. Xiao Chang (Small Intestine): The official of receiving and transforming, it collects essences; its physiological function is to receive and transform substances, separating the clear from the turbid, and “the small intestine governs fluids.”4. Da Chang (Large Intestine): The official of transmission, it expels waste; tooth pain corresponds to the Da Chang channel, particularly the Hegu and Jiachuan points. Its physiological function is to transform and excrete waste, and the large intestine governs fluids.5. Pang Guang (Bladder): The official of the capital, it governs qi transformation. Its physiological function is to store and excrete urine, relying on the kidney’s qi transformation function.6. San Jiao (Triple Burner): The official of communication and regulation, it regulates the water pathways and oversees the five zang and six fu and internal and external pathways; its physiological function is to facilitate the flow of yuan qi, oversee qi mechanisms and transformations, and serve as the pathway for the movement of water and fluids.

Mnemonic Summary of the Five Zang and Six Fu

1. Zang ImageThe functions of the zang and fu are expressed, named as zang image to reflect. The five zang and six fu have different functions, each with characteristics to discern. The essence and qi belong to the five zang, stored and not leaked is their characteristic. The six fu are for transmission and transformation, excreting and not storing is their authority, along with the pericardium and twelve officials, mutually utilized and closely linked. The brain, marrow, bones, and women’s womb, the extraordinary reservoirs have their own chapters. The directions, seasons, and climatic conditions are closely linked to the functions of the five zang, for the convenience of beginners, a summary table is provided for study.2. Five Zang(1) Xin (Heart) (with Pericardium): The heart governs spirit and is the sovereign position, wisdom and thought are within. The activities of the spirit are dominated by the heart; if unclear, all officials are endangered.It fills the blood vessels and manifests on the face; if the pulse is blocked, the color is not vibrant. The heart is connected to the tongue, observing the tongue’s condition reveals changes in the heart. The heart and Xiao Chang are interrelated; if heart heat descends, the Xiao Chang is affected. Excessive thinking harms the Pi, leading to postnatal weakness; heart deficiency causes palpitations and forgetfulness. Heat harms qi; bitter clears the heart, and heart heat is cleared by bitter cold decoctions. In emotion, it corresponds to joy; excessive joy harms the heart, while nourishing water can also calm the heart. The pericardium surrounds the heart, protecting it as a guard; if evil enters and invades the pericardium, it first implicates the heart.(2) Gan (Liver): The liver is the general, governing thoughts and decisions, the residence of the soul, and is easily angered. During sleep, all blood returns to the liver; vision and movement are supported by the liver. It opens to the eyes, nourishes the nails, and the liver can discern the five colors. Liver heat can manifest as internal disease, with alternating cold and heat leading to bitter mouth. Excessive sorrow unsettles the soul, leading to madness and difficulty in self-control. The liver channel runs through the lower abdomen and both sides; if ill, it affects the lower abdomen and both sides. Muscle and joint spasms are urgent; soothing the liver and calming the liver with sour and sweet can alleviate.(3) Pi (Spleen): The spleen is the storage of the five tastes, working in harmony with the stomach for postnatal life. The spleen governs intention and thought, digestion, transportation, and blood control; in emotion, excessive thought harms the spleen, leading to deficiency. The spleen governs muscles and spirit; insufficient five tastes lead to fatigue. The spleen controls blood and also transports blood; if the spleen does not control blood, it leads to blood in the stool. It manifests in the lips and fills the flesh; pale lips and thin flesh indicate spleen deficiency. It opens to the mouth, allowing knowledge of the five tastes; if the spleen and stomach are not harmonious, food is not fresh. The spleen governs dampness and can transport fluids; bloating and diarrhea are due to spleen deficiency. The spleen and stomach are the root of postnatal life; when treating illness, remember to focus on the root.(4) Fei (Lung): The lung governs regulation and is the official of the canopy, also known as the cover, residing above. The upper burner develops qi as its foundation, can reach the hundred vessels and hair orifices, and can store the po, while lung deficiency leads to the po scattering and madness. It opens to the nose and connects with the skin; nasal congestion and cough indicate lung failure to disperse. The lung is interrelated with the Da Chang; opening the lung can also facilitate bowel movements. Lung qi governs dryness and belongs to metal; excessive dryness leads to dry skin and hair. If lung qi fails to disperse, it leads to cough and fullness; if qi is deficient, the complexion is pale and thin. To disperse lung qi, spicy herbs can be used to thin and open, while tonifying qi can be done with Dang Shen (Codonopsis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus) decoctions.(5) Shen (Kidney) (with Ming Men): The kidney resides in the lower burner, far from the sovereign, self-strengthening and sealing. Its techniques are profound and changeable, and abundant energy indicates a strong kidney. The kidney is the storehouse of essence, true yin and yuan yang are strictly regulated. The kidney stores essence, essence generates marrow, and sufficient kidney essence leads to a sharp mind. In emotion, it corresponds to fear; in the body, it relates to tendons. Kidney deficiency leads to diminished will and forgetfulness. The kidney is the water organ, governing fluids; kidney disease often presents with edema. It opens to the ears and manifests in hair; tinnitus and hair loss indicate kidney deficiency. In heaven, it corresponds to cold; in earth, it corresponds to water; tonifying the kidney often involves salty herbs. The kidney is the foundation of pre-natal essence; if pre-natal essence is insufficient, it must be replenished. Ancient teachings also mention Ming Men, which is the fire of yuan yang residing within. The functions of the organs are thus good; the fire of Ming Men nourishes the pre-natal essence, governing water and controlling yang, nourishing the theory of Yang Kuai (Zhao Yang Kuai).3. Six Fu(1) Xiao Chang: After discussing the five zang, we now discuss the six fu. The five zang and six fu are interrelated; the Xiao Chang transforms substances and is the official of receiving. It separates essences from waste; the waste is excreted from the body, while the nutrients return to the Pi and Fei. Xiao Chang deficiency leads to cold and loose stools; heat in the Xiao Chang leads to mouth sores; heart fire descending affects the Xiao Chang, leading to blood in urine and painful urination.(2) Dan (Gallbladder): The gallbladder is the official of decision-making, the most upright among officials. If there is stagnation and discomfort, it leads to anger; it excretes and does not store, assisting in transformation. Gallbladder deficiency often leads to indecision and excessive sighing and sleepiness. Gallbladder disease easily manifests as heat symptoms, with pain in the sides and bitter mouth or dry throat.(3) Wei (Stomach): The stomach receives food and fluids, known as the sea; the five tastes transform to nourish the five zang. If the stomach is weak, food cannot be digested properly, leading to loss of appetite and abdominal bloating. The stomach prefers to descend and move food down; if it ascends, it leads to belching and nausea. It prefers moistness and dislikes dryness, easily leading to heat, causing dry mouth and thirst. Stomach cold leads to dull pain in the stomach; warming the middle and dispersing cold can be done with Jian Zhong Decoction.(4) Da Chang (Large Intestine): The large intestine is responsible for excreting waste; if it becomes diseased, it leads to dysfunction. If its function is weakened, it can lead to constipation; if it is overly active, it leads to diarrhea. The lung and large intestine are interrelated; coughing and wheezing can also affect the large intestine.(5) Pang Guang (Bladder): The bladder is the official of the capital, responsible for managing fluids. Its functions include storing and excreting urine, relying on kidney yang for qi transformation. If qi transformation fails, water accumulates, leading to edema and difficulty urinating; if kidney qi is not solid, it leads to frequent urination and incomplete voiding.(6) San Jiao (Triple Burner): The San Jiao functions to regulate the water pathways, transporting fluids up and down. The upper burner disperses qi in the chest, distributing it throughout the body in a mist-like form; the middle burner transforms and transmits fluids, digesting and transporting food; the lower burner expels waste, transforming water and fluids into qi for the bladder. The San Jiao’s digestive and absorptive functions rely on kidney yang for warmth. If the upper burner is ill, it affects the heart and lungs; if the middle burner is full, it leads to bloating; if the lower burner is ill, it affects the liver and kidneys, leading to diarrhea and abdominal bloating.4. Extraordinary ReservoirsExtraordinary reservoirs store without leaking, functioning like zang but shaped like fu, receiving the heavy and turbid qi from the five zang, matching with the zang to facilitate transformation and regulation.(1) Brain, marrow, and bones are closely related; the brain and marrow rely on the support of the pre-natal kidney. The kidney governs bones, and bones produce marrow; the brain is the sea of marrow and the residence of the yuan spirit. Sufficient pre-natal essence leads to abundant marrow, resulting in a sharp mind; a full brain leads to good memory and clarity of hearing. If the brain is weak, it leads to dizziness and confusion. Hair loss and tooth loosening indicate weak kidney qi.(2) Pulse: The pulse is the residence of blood, filled with spirit; blood flows vigorously. Internally, it belongs to the five zang, and externally, it connects to the limbs, facilitating the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body. Nutritional qi moistens the tendons and bones, connecting joints and keeping them active.(3) Women’s womb: The womb is for women, originating from the Chong and Ren meridians, governing menstrual blood and nourishing the womb and fetus; if Chong and Ren are deficient, it leads to difficulty in conception.Yin, Yang, five elements, ten heavenly stems, and twelve earthly branches are ancient methods used to record time and calculate calendars. It is said that medicine and the I Ching share the same origin; the application of the heavenly stems and earthly branches in TCM is also significant, especially in correlating them with the five zang and six fu, which can help identify many symptoms and treatment methods. In the Suwen (Plain Questions), the term “zang image” refers to the study of the physiological functions, pathological changes, and interrelationships of the various zang and fu organs in the human body. Therefore, whether it is direction, season, or the five zang and six fu, they can all be explained using the heavenly stems and earthly branches. The heavenly stems are yang, and the earthly branches are yin; thus, the heavenly stems represent the six fu, while the earthly branches represent the five zang. However, both heavenly stems and earthly branches are divided into yin and yang, each representing different aspects. Coupled with the five element attributes of various zang and fu, this forms part of the foundational theory in TCM.

Memory Mnemonic:

Jia Dan, Yi Gan, Bing Xiao Chang, Ding Xin, Wu Wei, Ji Pi Xiang, Geng Da Chang, Xin Fei, Ren Pang Guang, Gui Shen Zang, San Jiao also resides in Ren, Pericardium returns to Gui.

The heavenly stems' yin and yang attributes: Jia and Yi (yin wood is Gan, yang wood is Dan) belong to wood, Bing and Ding (yang fire is Xiao Chang, yin fire is Xin) belong to fire, Wu and Ji (yang earth is Wei, yin earth is Pi) belong to earth, Geng and Xin (yang metal is Da Chang, yin metal is Fei) belong to metal, Ren and Gui (yang water is Pang Guang, yin water is Shen) belong to water.

Twelve Meridians and Earthly Branches Mnemonic:

Fei Yin, Da Chang Yin, Wei Chen Palace, Pi Si, Xin Wu, Xiao Wei Zhong, Shen Yin, Pang Guang, Xin Bao Xu, San Jiao, Zi Dan, Chou Gan Tong.

Explanation: The human body has twelve meridians, and qi flows through these meridians. The twelve earthly branches correspond to the twelve hours of the day, which also correspond to the twelve meridians in the human body.The specific times are:Yin time (3 to 5 AM) corresponds to the Fei meridian, Mao time (5 to 7 AM) corresponds to the Da Chang meridian, Chen time (7 to 9 AM) corresponds to the Wei meridian, Si time (9 to 11 AM) corresponds to the Pi meridian, Wu time (11 AM to 1 PM) corresponds to the Xin meridian, Wei time (1 to 3 PM) corresponds to the Xiao Chang meridian, Shen time (3 to 5 PM) corresponds to the Pang Guang meridian, You time (5 to 7 PM) corresponds to the Shen meridian, Xu time (7 to 9 PM) corresponds to the Xin Bao meridian, Hai time (9 to 11 PM) corresponds to the San Jiao meridian, Zi time (11 PM to 1 AM) corresponds to the Dan meridian, and Chou time (1 to 3 AM) corresponds to the Gan meridian.

The ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches are ancient methods used to record time and calculate calendars.

By mastering these foundational rules, we can apply them in practice based on the characteristics of the five elements.Physiological Functions of the MeridiansThe physiological functions of the meridians mainly manifest in defending the body, resisting pathogenic factors, responding to stimuli from the internal and external environment through the meridian system, maintaining and coordinating the connections between various zang and fu organs in the body, and keeping the entire body adapted to and balanced with the external environment.The meridians are important pathways for the circulation of qi and blood within the body; the meridian system serves as the transport channel for all the nutrients required by the zang and fu organs. Qi and blood are the material basis for transporting nutrients, and the movement of qi and blood is dispersed through the meridians. The meridians can circulate qi and blood, nourishing the entire body.

1. Shou Tai Yin Fei Jing (Hand Greater Yin Lung Meridian): The Hand Greater Yin Lung Meridian mainly acts on the respiratory system, regulating the lung’s qi mechanism and water metabolism.

2. Shou Yang Ming Da Chang Jing (Hand Yang Bright Large Intestine Meridian): The Hand Yang Bright Large Intestine Meridian mainly acts on the digestive system, regulating the function of the large intestine and participating in detoxification and excretion.

3. Zu Yang Ming Wei Jing (Foot Yang Bright Stomach Meridian): The Foot Yang Bright Stomach Meridian mainly acts on the digestive system, regulating the function of the stomach and participating in digestion and absorption.

4. Zu Tai Yin Pi Jing (Foot Greater Yin Spleen Meridian): The Foot Greater Yin Spleen Meridian mainly acts on the digestive system, regulating the function of the spleen and participating in water metabolism and immune regulation.

5. Shou Shao Yin Xin Jing (Hand Lesser Yin Heart Meridian): The Hand Lesser Yin Heart Meridian mainly acts on the heart, regulating the function of the heart and the circulatory system.

6. Shou Tai Yang Xiao Chang Jing (Hand Greater Yang Small Intestine Meridian): The Hand Greater Yang Small Intestine Meridian mainly acts on the digestive system, regulating the function of the small intestine and participating in digestion, absorption, and excretion.

7. Zu Tai Yang Pang Guang Jing (Foot Greater Yang Bladder Meridian): The Foot Greater Yang Bladder Meridian mainly acts on the excretory system, regulating the function of the bladder and participating in urine excretion.

8. Zu Shao Yin Shen Jing (Foot Lesser Yin Kidney Meridian): The Foot Lesser Yin Kidney Meridian mainly acts on the kidneys, regulating the function of the kidneys and participating in water metabolism and the reproductive system.

9. Shou Shao Yang San Jiao Jing (Hand Lesser Yang Triple Burner Meridian): The Hand Lesser Yang Triple Burner Meridian mainly acts on warming and regulating the qi mechanism within the body, involving various organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

10. Shou Jue Yin Xin Bao Jing (Hand Absolute Yin Pericardium Meridian): The Hand Absolute Yin Pericardium Meridian mainly acts on the pericardium, regulating its function, closely related to emotions and mental states.

11. Zu Shao Yang Dan Jing (Foot Lesser Yang Gallbladder Meridian): The Foot Lesser Yang Gallbladder Meridian mainly acts on the gallbladder, regulating its function and participating in bile secretion and excretion.

12. Zu Jue Yin Gan Jing (Foot Absolute Yin Liver Meridian): The Foot Absolute Yin Liver Meridian mainly acts on the liver, regulating its function, related to blood circulation and emotional regulation.

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