TCM and The Internal Organs
The Relationship Between the Organs and Chinese Medical Terminology
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Organs are not exactly equivalent to the anatomical structures defined in western medicine. The use of those western terms is based on the similarity between the western concept of how that organ functions and the physiological processes described in the Chinese medical texts. The following are some of the most commonly mentioned Organs.
The Kidneys
The Kidneys as an organ in western medicine are responsible for filtering blood, balancing electrolytes in circulation and excreting metabolic waste. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the Kidneys govern water, part of which is the filtering, regulating and excreting functions listed above.
But the Kidneys also store the Essence, which is responsible for growth, development and reproduction. Essence may also be called Qi or Chi. And the Kidneys rule the bones and the hair and open at the ears, reflecting the link made in TCM between hearing and healthy Kidneys.
The Lungs
The lungs in western medicine are the anatomical structures responsible for respiration and the aeration of the blood. Chinese medicine states that the Lungs govern the Qi, which corresponds to the breathing function in western medicine.
The Lungs also govern the exterior, meaning they have a protective function in keeping pathogens or external evils out of the body. In some ways this reflects the western concept of airborne disease transmission.The Lungs also govern the movement of water, giving them a role in metabolism of fluids.
The Liver
The liver is the organ responsible for storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile and metabolic actions such as converting sugar into glycogen. This function is matched in Tradtional Chinese Medicine where the Liver stores and governs the Blood, ensuring its free movement.
Liver also has many more functions in Chinese Medicine, including governing the sinews and joints, the eyes, and most interesting - the Liver governs the making of strategies. In other words, a healthy Liver function is necessary in order to make sound decisions. Anger and fear are within the realm of Liver. Liver Qi Stagnation results in anger, impatience and rash actions.
The Spleen
The role of the anatomical spleen in western medicine is that of a blood reservoir which also breaks down red blood cells and releases hemoglobin. The similarity is that in the TCM definition creating Qi, Blood and Fluids is a role for the Spleen. However, that definition also includes assimilating nutrients, which would be a function of the digestive tract in western medicine.
The Spleen also governs the flesh and limbs, meaning a healthy Spleen is necessary for healthy muscles and strong limbs. It also has a part in water regulation. Edema and respiratory congestion can be related to a poorly functioning Spleen.
The Heart
In western medicine the heart is simply listed as the anatomical structure that maintains circulation of the blood. This definition is reflected in Chinese Medicine as well. But again, that is just the start of the functions of the Heart.
The Heart stores the Spirit and blooms in the Face. This is much more like a romantic’s view of the heart. As the seat of consciousness in TCM, the Heart is responsible for mental vitality and unclouded thinking.
These are the so-called solid or Yin Organs of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The hollow or Yang Organs (Urinary Bladder, Gall Bladder, Stomach and Large and Small Intestines) must also be looked at from a TCM view.
Sources:
Wiseman, N & F Ye. A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine.1998.Paradigm Publications.Brookline MA
Dorland’s Pocket Medical Dictionary, Twenty-second Edition. 1977.W.B. Saunders Company.Philadelphia PA
