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Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine ia a multi-part article written for those that would like to have a better understanding of the concepts behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We will cover basic terminology, briefly describe the differences from Western medicine, describe how TCM treats illness and give examples in the form of case histories to help improve your understanding of TCM.
Part 1 can be found here
Part 2 can be found here
Part 3 can be found here
TCM Physiology - continued.
Physiology is crucial to any medicine and TCM has developed its own unique understanding of physiology. In the previous installment we looked at Substances and tissues in this part we examine Meridians and Organs.
JING LUO (MERIDIANS)
The Jing Luo or Meridians are a network of channels or pathways that permeate the body and in which Qi and Xue (Blood) flow. They are unique to TCM because their existence can only be understood by understanding Qi. Their function is to provide the means for Qi and Xue (Blood) to communicate with all the organs and tissues of the body. There are many meridians but they are divided into groups depending on their functions and distribution.
The 12 Main Meridians.
Each of the 12 main meridians runs bilaterally near the surface of the body and communicates internally to their related Zang-Fu (organs). They are responsible for the smooth and coordinated action of all the internal organs. These are the meridians most commonly used by Acupuncture to effect the internal organs and treat disease.
The Eight extra meridians.
A group of eight meridians which communicate between the main meridians and perform special functions. These are less commonly used by Acupuncture but are very important.
Collateral, muscular and cutaneous meridians.
Vessels which communicate between the main and eight extra meridians, and the tissues and skin. Frequently they are used in massage, and various skin and surface manipulation techniques.
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| The Kidney meridian showing 29 acupuncture points. From the Huang Ti Nei Jing attributed to The Yellow Emperor (Huang Ti) 2674 B.C. |
Although Acupuncture is by far the most important use of the meridian system it would be wrong to under estimate its importance to all of Chinese Medicine.
Herbal medicine, massage, exercise and breathing therapies all make use of an understanding of the meridians and their functions. That is one reason why they differ so much from the Western counterparts.
ORGANS
In TCM, the organs are termed ZANG-FU and once again are grouped into Yang and Yin. The Zang referring to the Yin organs and Fu to the Yang.
An Organ or Substance in TCM is not so much a structure as a set of coordinated functions and responsibilities. No direct parallel with the western anatomical structures can be drawn. Though some degree of overlap does occur there are many differences.
By historical convention the Organs and Substances have been translated with names of the organ or substance most closely fitting the actions of the TCM Zang-Fu or Substance. Following is a brief summary of the Zang-Fu:
ZANG - Yin in nature
XIN (Heart) - Considered as the Emperor of the body. It rules the blood and blood vessels, is essential for the correct functioning of the brain and mind. It rules the tongue and controls speech. Its relates to joy or happiness, and its health reflects in the complexion.
PI (Spleen/Pancreas) - rules the transportation and transformation of Substances within the body including transformation of food and air into body Substances. Its Qi moves Up and holds organs in place. It nourishes the muscles and limbs and holds the blood in the vessels. It provides the sense of taste and its health is reflected in the lips. It is involved in the transformation of ideas and is injured by excessive worry or study.
FEI (Lung) - rules Qi, governs respiration, moves water around the body, controls sweating and defends the surface from invasion. Nourishes the skin and body hair. Disperses and moves Down. Is damaged by grief or worry. Controls the nose, throat and sense of smell.
SHEN (Kidneys) - Stores the Jing and is the foundation of reproduction, growth, development and aging. Nourishes the bones, assists the spleen to produce blood and controls body fluid. Considered the most fundamental of all the organs it is involved in supporting the functions of all other organs. It controls the hearing. Its health is reflected in the ear and the head hair. It is easily damaged by fear.
GAN (Liver) - Rules the free flow of Qi which in turn is responsible for all movement in the body. It is responsible for the smooth and harmonious action of all body functions. This especially includes Harmony of the emotions, of digestion, of menstruation and the secretion of bile. It stores the Xue when the body is less active, and releases it when the body is more active. It regulates the nerves and nourishes the tendons. It nourishes the eyes and provides good vision. It is the organ most effected by stress of any kind. But it is particularly involved in anger and frustration. Its movement is Spreading.
XIN BAO (Pericardium) - Considered a lesser organ its responsibility is to protect the Xin (Heart) from harm. Its functions closely relate to those of the Xin (Heart). However it can also benefit the digestion and clear and obstructions in the chest.
FU - Yang in nature.
XIAO CHANG (Small Intestine) - receives food and fluids from Wei (Stomach). Separates the pure from the impure. Assists the spleen in transformation of food into body Qi, Xue and fluids. Assists in the removal of excessive Heat in the body by directing Heat into the urine for excretion. Its movement is down.
WEI (Stomach) - very closely related to Pi (Spleen). It rots and ripens the food, separates the pure from impure and sends the pure to the Pi (Spleen) and the impure to the Xiao Chang (Small Intestine) for further processing. Its movement is down. It requires is warmth to break down foods and is easily damaged by cold food or drinks.
DA CHANG (Large Intestine) - receives the turbid from the Xiao Chang (Small Intestine). Absorbs water from it and hold the waste as faeces till ready to eliminate. Its movement is down.
PANG GUANG (Urinary Bladder) - very closely related to the Shen (Kidneys). Receives impure water from the body. Transforms it into urine and holds it till ready to eliminate.
DAN (Gall Bladder) - very closely related to the Gan (Liver). Produces, stores and releases Bile. Assists in digestion. Assists in decision making and its movement is down.
SAN JIAO (Triple Warmer) - Consists of three regions the Upper, Middle and Lower. It is responsible for the movement and actions of fluids and Yuan Qi in these regions. And for harmonious communication of all the organs. It moves in all directions as required. The Upper region communicates with the Xin (Heart) and Fei (Lung), the Middle region with the Pi (Spleen) and Wei (Stomach) in the Lower region with Gan (Liver), Shen (Kidneys), Xiao Chang (Small Intestine) and Da Chang (Large Intestine).
In part 5 of the series we will look at how the TCM physiology provides the basis for practitioners to diagnose and treat illness. |
