The Hollow Internal Organs and TCM
Chinese Medical Terminology Relating to the Organs of the Body
Aug 6, 2008
In order to explain how the body functioned early practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine developed a system of explaining illness and health. When TCM was introduced to the western world, some of those concepts matched the functions of the internal organs.
But there are differences between the two systems so it is important to know how each organ is perceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each of the hollow organs discussed in this article is matched with a solid organ as they have complementary functions.
The Stomach
The anatomical stomach is a musclo-membranous structure, which secretes gastric juices and initiates digestion. TCM sees the Stomach in a very similar way but there are some essential differences. The Stomach is paired with the Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine, delivering partially digested nutrients to it to finish their transformation and diffusion.
The Gall Bladder
This organ is simply considered a reservoir for bile in western medicine. In Chinese medicine, the Gall Bladder governs decision-making. This function would be considered part of the nervous system in the west. A balanced Gall Bladder allows one to think clearly and make sound decisions. The Gall Bladder works with the Liver in harmonizing the emotions.
The Urinary Bladder
For westerners, the urinary bladder is a membranous sac for holding fluid waste, or urine. To a TCM practitioner the Bladder is paired with the Kidneys in much the same way as in western medicine but it also aids the Kidneys in the transformation of Qi.
The Small Intestine
In the western medical world, the small intestines are responsible for the majority of the breakdown of food for absorption by the body. Again, this function is similar in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This organ is paired with the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Heart Fire, or certain emotional and mental disturbances are thought to spill over into the Small Intestine.
The Large Intestine
This organ is responsible for the final phase of digestion, where water is absorbed and waste products are passed from the body. TCM pairs the Large Intestine with the Lung in the management of fluids, in addition to the digestive and waste removal aspects of this organ which are similar in TCM and in western medicine.
These are the hollow or Yang Organs of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The solid or Yin Organs should be viewed from a TCM perspective as well.
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
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