Zang Fu theory

Zang-Fu theory is a concept within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that describes the functions of the organs of the body and the interactions that occur between them. Zang 臟 refers to the yin organs - heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, pericardium - whilst Fu 腑 refers to the yang organs - small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder, urinary bladder, stomach and san jiao. Each of the twelve zang-fu organs listed have a corresponding organ, except the pericardium and san jiao which both describe functions that are not related to an organ. A recognised protocol in TCM texts will capitalise the first letter of the organ name when referring to the TCM concept of the organ (for example Liver, instead of liver; Spleen instead of spleen). Each zang is paired with a fu, and each pair are assigned to one of the five elements.

The functions of the organs

Each organ has unique and distinct functions according to TCM; each organ also has a unique way of disfunctioning. A thorough understanding of each organ's signs of function and disfunction will give insight into the process of disease and illness according to TCM. In TCM theory, the description of each organ often defines a number of functions throughout the body, not just the biomedically recognised function of the organ itself.

The Lung

The function of the Lung is to descend and disperse qi throughout the body. It receives qi through the breath, and exhales the waste. The Lung governs the skin and hair and also governs the exterior (one part of immunity). A properly functioning Lung organ will ensure the skin and hair are of good quality and that the immune system is strong and able to fight disease. The normal direction of the Lung is downwards, when Lung qi "rebels" it goes upwards, causing coughing and wheezing. When the Lung is weak, there can be skin conditions such as eczema, thin or brittle hair, and a propensity to catching colds and flu. The Lung is weakened by dryness.

The Liver

The function of the Liver is to ensure the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. The liver governs the sinews and tendons. A properly functioning Liver organ will ensure that the tendons are properly nourished and not too tense or gristly. The normal direction of Liver qi is downwards, when Liver qi "rebels" it can attack the Spleen causing nausea and poor appetite, it can rebel upwards causing tenseness in the shoulders and headaches, or it can stop flowing and become stagnant - leading to irritability and anger. When the Liver is disfunctional there can be conditions such as headaches, premenstrual symptoms, tense muscles, loss of appetite, insomnia, anger, irritability and frustration.

The Spleen

The function of the Spleen is to transform food and drink into qi and blood and transport these substances around the body. The Spleen governs the extremeties, the muscles and the blood vessels. When the Spleen is functioning well, digestion will be good, the muscles will be strong and circulation will be strong. When the Spleen is weak there can be nausea, this often occurs when the Liver "attacks" the Spleen. Cold hands and feet, lack of muscle tone, easy bruising or poor concentration can be signs that the Spleen is weak. The Spleen is weakened by dampness.

The Kidney

The Heart

The association between the zangfu and particular souls or spirits is a later accretion and has been largely absent from the discourse of traditional Chinese medicine for at least the past 200 years.

This theory treats each of the Zang organs as organs that nourish the body. The Zang systems include organs, senses, emotions, and the musculoskeletal system--essentially, the entire person divided into five categorical systems. Zang organs are also known as yin organs, and each has a Fu partner, a yang organ (see Yin Yang). Fu organs can be viewed as hollow organs that aid in digestion. In addition to bodily functions, each Zang organ is the home of an aspect of the spirit.

With a thorough understanding of the Zang Fu organs, practitioners can achieve therapeutic results accordingly. The theory is always in service of practical, therapeutic application, with the goal of an "elegant" treatment. An elegant treatment uses the least amount of force for the greatest therapeutic benefit, and requires true mastery of the art of traditional Chinese Medicine.

The five elements are associated energetically with the following Zang-Fu organs

Wood: Liver, home of the Hun (魂, Ethereal Soul), paired with the Gall Bladder
Fire: Heart, home of the Shen (神, Aggregate Soul) paired with the Small intestine (and secondarily, the San Jiao or Triple burner and Pericardium)
Earth: Spleen, home of the Yi (意?, Intellect), paired with the Stomach
Water: Kidney, home of the Zhi (志?, Will), paired with the Bladder
Metal: Lung, home of the Po (魄, Corporeal Soul), paired with the Large Intestine