The Relationship Between the Five Organs and Six Bowels
What knowledge does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer for health preservation? TCM has a long history in our country, and Chinese herbal medicine is a pathway for health preservation. Below, I will share insights on the five organs and six bowels and their interrelationships, which health enthusiasts may find interesting.
In TCM, the term “Zangfu” is commonly used to refer to the internal organs of the human body.
The five organs are: Heart (Xin), Liver (Gan), Spleen (Pi), Lung (Fei), and Kidney (Shen) (the heart is covered by the Pericardium).
The six bowels are: Small Intestine (Xiao Chang), Large Intestine (Da Chang), Gallbladder (Dan), Stomach (Wei), Bladder (Pang Guang), and San Jiao (Triple Burner).
The organs and bowels work together, with the five organs serving as the main commanders and the six bowels as assistants, to fulfill various functions of the body. This leads to the concept of interrelationship: the Liver and Gallbladder are interrelated, the Heart and Small Intestine are interrelated, the Spleen and Stomach are interrelated, the Lung and Large Intestine are interrelated, and the Kidney and Bladder are interrelated.
1. Liver and Gallbladder
The Liver and Gallbladder are mutually interrelated. “The Liver stores blood”; the Liver has the function of storing and regulating blood, hence the saying “the Liver governs blood.” The smooth flow of Liver Qi promotes elevation and dispersal, allowing the body to feel energetic, calm, and cheerful.
(1) “The Liver opens to the eyes”; the Liver is the root of the eyes. When the Liver’s essence is abundant, the eyes are bright, clear, and spirited. If Liver fire rises, the eyes may appear red; if the Liver is deficient, the eyes may become dry and vision unclear.
(2) “The Liver governs tendons, its manifestation is in the nails”; when the Liver’s essence is sufficient, it nourishes the tendons, making them strong and flexible, and the nails appear full, smooth, transparent, and pink. If the Liver is deficient, the tendons may become stiff, movement sluggish, and the nails may appear dirty, concave, and lack color.
(3) “Anger injures the Liver”; when Liver Qi flows smoothly, a person is energetic and can remain calm and friendly in social interactions. If Liver Qi stagnates, it can lead to anger, fierce eyes, a flushed face, and unpleasant body odor, causing others to avoid them.
The Liver Yin includes blood and the lubricating fluids needed for muscle movement—Yin Jin. When Liver Yin is sufficient, the body feels relaxed, and the mind is confident, without anger or disharmony. Symptoms of Liver discomfort can be categorized into Yang excess and Yin deficiency, each with distinct characteristics:
1. Those with Liver Yang excess are irritable and energetic; those with Liver Yin deficiency are anxious but fatigued.
2. Liver Yang excess may present with red, dry eyes, or corneal spots, or swollen, drooping eyelids; Liver Yin deficiency may present with sunken eye sockets, dry eyes, blurred vision, or conditions like retinal detachment and cataracts.
3. Liver Yang excess may cause fullness under the ribs after meals, or pain in the right rib; Liver Yin deficiency may cause dull pain in the right rib.
4. Those with Liver Yang excess may have restless legs; those with Liver Yin deficiency may experience weakness in the legs.
5. Those with Liver Yang excess may be irritable and careless; those with Liver Yin deficiency may feel overwhelmed and lack energy.
2. Heart and Small Intestine
In TCM, the Heart encompasses both the heart organ and the brain. For example, when we say “thinking in the heart,” it refers to the brain’s activity, not the heart’s.
The Heart governs Shen (spirit), which includes consciousness and higher central nervous system activities, leading the functions of other organs. Those with abundant Qi and blood are joyful and radiant, while those with Heart Qi deficiency may experience palpitations, dull eyes, and lack of interest, leading to severe cases of anorexia.
(1) Sufficient Heart Qi results in a radiant complexion.
Those with sufficient Heart Qi have a complexion that is rosy and smooth; those with Heart Qi deficiency may have a dull complexion, enlarged pores, and excessive sweating, leading to severe cases of sweating that depletes Yang.
(2) Sufficient Heart Qi produces a clear and resonant voice.
Those with sufficient Heart Qi have a voice like a ringing bell, are expressive, and show their emotions; those with Heart Qi deficiency have a low voice, often sigh, speak little, and may feel depressed. The causes of Heart Qi deficiency vary; it may be due to overexertion, emotional distress, or recovery from a serious illness.
Adjusting the Heart also involves balancing Yin and Yang; insufficient Heart Yang can consume Yin and generate heat, while insufficient Heart Yin can lead to heat damaging Qi. The characteristics of Yang deficiency and Yin deficiency are as follows:
A. “The tongue is the sprout of the heart”; a plump, pale tongue indicates Yang deficiency, while a thin, red tongue indicates Yin deficiency.
B. Ulcers on the tongue indicate Yang deficiency if the tongue is white, and Yin deficiency if the tongue is red.
C. Frequent sighing and spontaneous sweating indicate Yang deficiency, while a flushed face and spontaneous sweating indicate Yin deficiency.
D. A feeling of tightness in the heart area indicates Yang deficiency, while dryness and irritability indicate Yin deficiency.
3. Lung and Large Intestine
The Lung is located in the upper chest and is the pathway for Qi, with the throat as the entrance and the nose as the outlet for air. “The Lung connects to the blood vessels”; the clear Qi inhaled by the Lung combines with the essence of food transformed by the Spleen to generate Yuan Qi, sustaining life. The Lung and Heart are both part of the upper jiao and depend on each other; the Lung governs Qi, while the Heart governs blood; without Qi, blood cannot survive, and without blood, Qi cannot thrive.
1. Sufficient Lung Qi indicates vitality; when Lung Qi is abundant, the blood is rich in oxygen, leading to vitality. Healthy young women often have smooth, fair skin, which is related to sufficient Lung Qi.
2. The Lung governs the skin; when Lung Qi is sufficient, the skin is well-nourished and smooth, while Lung Qi deficiency may lead to skin issues such as rashes, eczema, redness, and allergies.
3. Sufficient Lung Qi results in a refined nose; when Lung Qi is abundant, the nose appears bright and delicate, while Lung Qi deficiency may lead to enlarged pores or redness, resulting in conditions like rosacea.
4. Sufficient Lung Qi prevents obesity; the Lung regulates water pathways and directs fluids to the Bladder. The Lung’s regulation of body fluids requires cooperation with the Spleen and Kidney; any dysfunction in this process can lead to poor fluid metabolism, resulting in obesity or edema.
When Lung Qi is sufficient, there are no nasal inflammations, and the sense of smell is acute. When Lung Qi is deficient, one may be prone to nasal and throat allergies, sometimes unable to distinguish between scents. “The Lung governs worry”; when Lung Qi is sufficient, a person often laughs, while Lung Qi deficiency may lead to excessive worry. The Lung can also be categorized into Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency, with different symptoms:
When Lung Yang is deficient, one may experience weak coughs, clear nasal discharge, and severe cases may lead to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, with clear, thin phlegm, fatigue, low voice, cold intolerance, spontaneous sweating, and a pale tongue. When Lung Yin is deficient, one may experience dry cough with little phlegm, tidal fever, night sweats, flushed cheeks, hot palms and soles, dry throat, hoarseness, and a red, dry tongue with little coating.
4. Spleen and Stomach
The Spleen and Stomach are the source of transformation and transportation, the foundation of postnatal life. The Spleen governs the transformation and transportation of food and essence throughout the body, maintaining the normal function of the internal organs. The health of the body during the day is closely related to the Spleen.
1. Sufficient Spleen Qi leads to robust muscles; “The Spleen governs muscles”; when Spleen Qi is sufficient, the muscles are plump and vibrant, and the face appears lively. Some may not be conventionally attractive but still have a charming appearance, which is referred to as having “lovely flesh”.
2. Sufficient Spleen Qi results in a non-bloated face; a healthy, rosy complexion in women is considered normal, while other types of bloating are often due to edema. The Spleen governs the transformation of dampness; if Spleen Qi is deficient, it can lead to water retention, with kidney deficiency causing edema in the legs and Spleen deficiency causing facial and overall edema.
There are two main causes of Spleen deficiency: diet and overthinking. Excessive consumption of cold foods, overeating fruits, and binge eating can harm the Spleen, while excessive worry can also damage it.
3. “The Spleen opens to the mouth, its manifestation is in the lips; Spleen Qi flows through the mouth, and when Spleen Qi is sufficient, one can taste the essence of grains”; those with sufficient Spleen Qi have full, rosy lips, and their breath is odorless. Those with weak Spleen Qi may have pale, rough lips, and if cold congeals in the Spleen, the lips may appear purple or black, with foul breath and tasteless food.
4. “The Spleen governs blood, ensuring smooth circulation within the vessels”; when Spleen Qi is deficient and unable to govern blood, it can lead to blood leaking outside the vessels, resulting in bruising or severe cases of red sweat. The Spleen and Stomach are interrelated; the Spleen is like a workshop, and both are essential for each other, yet they have different preferences: the Spleen prefers dryness and dislikes dampness, while the Stomach prefers moisture and dislikes dryness. When Spleen Qi rises and the central Qi is sufficient, Stomach Qi descends, allowing for smooth digestion and absorption. The symptoms of normal Spleen and Stomach function are as follows:
1. When Spleen Qi is deficient, the lips may appear pale, and in severe cases, lack color; when Stomach fire rises, the lips may become dry and cracked.
2. Prolonged Spleen Qi deficiency may lead to receding gums, while prolonged Stomach Qi deficiency may lead to receding gums in the lower jaw.
3. Spleen Qi deficiency may cause loose stools, while Stomach fire may lead to dry, hard stools.
4. When Spleen Qi is deficient, the limbs may feel cold, while Stomach fire may cause a feeling of heat.
5. Insufficient Stomach Yang may cause bloating and pain in the stomach, leading to vomiting of clear saliva.
5. Kidney and Bladder
The Kidney is the foundation of congenital life. When Kidney Qi is abundant, one has sharp hearing and clear vision, abundant energy, a straight neck, and bright skin, which can delay aging by decades; when Kidney Qi is deficient, one may easily feel fear, and severe cases may lead to mental illness.
1. “The Kidney governs water”; when Kidney Qi is sufficient, it can regulate body fluids and expel excess water. When Kidney Qi declines in women, the body may retain water, leading to virtual obesity or edema below the waist. If the face also swells, it indicates a serious condition. However, replenishing Kidney Qi can reduce waist size without necessarily losing weight, as “the Kidney governs bones”; when Kidney Qi is sufficient, bone density increases, which may lead to weight gain.
2. “The Kidney governs hair”; when Kidney Qi is sufficient, hair is thick and shiny, while insufficient Kidney Qi may lead to hair loss and dryness. Therefore, treating hair loss fundamentally involves nourishing the Kidney. Sufficient Kidney Qi leads to a straight neck and strong teeth, as the Kidney governs bones, and teeth are extensions of bones. Kidney Qi deficiency may lead to a weak neck, and in severe cases, bone hyperplasia. Therefore, when middle-aged individuals experience bone hyperplasia or loose teeth, they should not rush into surgery but should focus on nourishing the Kidney, which can fundamentally resolve the issue and preserve the teeth.
3. “The Kidney receives Lung Qi, and the Lung governs the skin”; when Kidney Qi is sufficient, it can accept Lung Qi, nourishing the skin. When Kidney Qi is deficient, it may obstruct the Lung’s descending function, leading to facial blemishes, and some may develop acne due to Kidney deficiency preventing the acceptance of Lung Qi.
4. Sufficient Kidney Qi leads to harmonious marital life; “the Kidney opens to the two Yin below and to the ears above”; when Kidney Qi is sufficient, hearing is good. The Kidney is the mother of the Liver; when both the Liver and Kidney are sufficient, one has sharp hearing and clear vision. Kidney deficiency may lead to poor hearing, tinnitus, dizziness, or even deafness.
When nourishing the Kidney, it is essential to determine whether it is Yang deficiency or Yin deficiency; Yang deficiency requires warming, while Yin deficiency requires nourishing. If reversed, it will not only fail to nourish the Kidney but may also have adverse effects. The characteristics of Kidney Yang deficiency and Yin deficiency are as follows:
Yang deficiency: cold intolerance, cold hands or feet.
Yin deficiency: heat intolerance, hot palms and soles, and internal heat, known as “Five Hearts Heat”.
1. A plump, pale tongue indicates Yang deficiency; a thin, red tongue with little coating indicates Yin deficiency.
2. Yin deficiency tends to be thin, while Yang deficiency tends to be overweight.
3. Yang deficiency leads to fatigue, while Yin deficiency leads to restlessness and heat.
4. Yang deficiency presents with a pale, dull complexion, while Yin deficiency presents with flushed cheeks and a red face.
Heart Nourishing Herbal Tea for Treating Various Heart Diseases
The Heart Nourishing Herbal Tea is made from various pure Chinese herbs. Its multiple herbal combinations have the functions of adjusting the balance of Yin and Yang throughout the body, promoting blood circulation, and dissolving blood clots, improving overall blood circulation and the heart’s blood supply. Additionally, it includes herbs that soothe the Liver to nourish the Heart, descend the Lung, and tonify the Kidney, effectively regulating the functions of all internal organs. It can alleviate symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and pain in the precordial area caused by various heart diseases. It is suitable for all types of heart diseases, and long-term consumption can prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as relieve acute angina. The herbal tea is characterized by its convenience, mild taste, and lack of toxic side effects; it only requires boiling water for preparation, with one packet consumed daily as a tea, making it suitable for long-term use.Is it safe to drink if one does not have heart disease? The answer is yes; Heart Nourishing Herbal Tea can be consumed.Case 1Female, Zhang, farmer.Consultation date: October 17, 2018Main complaint: Suffering from heart disease and diabetes for many years, with exacerbation of heart disease upon exertion, experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath.First consultation prescribed 30 packets of herbal tea (one month’s supply).On the third day of taking the herbal tea, the patient reported significant improvement in symptoms and was advised to continue taking it.To date, after three years of consumption, there has been no recurrence of heart disease.Case 2Female, Li, teacher.Consultation date: May 6, 2019Main complaint: Suffering from chronic heart disease, often experiencing palpitations and shortness of breath due to work fatigue. Often feels short of breath at night.Second consultation: June 4, 2019Main complaint: Symptoms improved after taking the herbal tea, with relief of nighttime shortness of breath.Case 3Male, 65 years old.Main complaint: Acute angina, had taken fast-acting heart rescue pills without relief.During the consultation, intravenous infusion worsened the pain, so it was stopped immediately, and one packet of herbal tea was given. Pain relief was reported 10 minutes after consumption. First consultation prescribed 30 packets of herbal tea.Contact WeChat: 18043587885.
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