The theory of organs and the five elements

The Chinese look at the organs and various systems in the body differently than we know in the West.

The various medicines differ from each other in all sorts of aspects - the diagnostic method, the therapeutic tools, and more. However, the most significant difference, the one that precedes all others, is the theory on which each of the medicines is based. They all relate to the same body, the same diseases, and all strive for healing, but the way in which they relate to each of these aspects will differ from one medicine to another. Each has its own glasses

To better understand Chinese medicine, it is important that we put on its glasses, that we become familiar with the various concepts through which it describes phenomena and substances. So that you can understand them in depth, I recommend that you erase for a moment the terms you brought with you from home and understand that things do not contradict each other. Later on, you discover that they are even complementary.

Organ theory

The approach to organs in Chinese medicine is different from what we know from Western medicine. In my first year of studies, I remember the confusion I felt in the theoretical courses: the spleen is responsible for processing food and thoughts, the lungs for the skin of the body, and the liver for the smooth flow of qi and blood. I didn't understand what they were talking about and everything sounded strange to me, after all, the spleen is generally related to filtering blood cells, the lungs for breathing, and the liver for a long list of things that certainly don't include the flow of qi. Only after I managed to disconnect everything I knew up until then and make room for learning a language and a new perspective on the body, did things begin to become clearer. Over time, I was also able to make the connection between the two worlds and understand that they complement each other.

What are the Chinese "organs"?

The Chinese defined 12 internal organs, 6 yin and 6 yang. Each organ is considered a complete system responsible for many areas and functions in the body. Some of these functions are performed by the organ itself, and some by the meridian that carries the energy of that organ. There is also great significance to the relationship and proper flow of qi between the various organs so that each of them can perform its function properly. Each organ is attributed both physiological properties and energetic properties - such as temperature, emotion, season of the year or a certain time of day when it is more or less active.

Chinese anatomy is based on the theory of yin and yang, and divides the body's organs into two main groups:

1. Yin organs - heart, liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys and pericardium. These are the Zang organs, the “full organs”. These organs are filled with qi, blood and various body fluids. They contain the pure substances received from the Yang organs.

2. Yang organs – small intestine, gallbladder, large intestine, stomach, bladder and the triple heater. These are the Fu organs, or “hollow organs”. These organs do not contain substances permanently but are constantly filling and emptying. They are responsible for the passage and breakdown of food. They send the pure substances produced in the various processes to the rest of the body.

The Five Elements

Also known as the five movements, elements or phases. The concept of elements, which is at the basis of Chinese philosophy, grew out of the theory of yin and yang and in fact continued it. The theory of elements is based on the idea that every phenomenon in the universe and everything in the human body is affected by the state of the energetic connection between heaven and earth, and can be described through five elements - fire, earth, metal, water and wood. The dynamics between the different elements in the body and in nature can explain the development of physical and emotional states in a person and also suggest treatment strategies that will bring the body back into balance. Each element is attributed to specific organs, meridians (energy pathways in the body), different substances in the body, season of the year, foods, emotions, time of day and more. In addition, each person has all five elements in different doses, but in each person there will always be one element more dominant than the others.

fire


The fire element is associated with the heart and small intestine organs, it embodies qualities of warmth, such as joy and intimate communication, it is represented by the color red, and is associated with the summer season. The movement of fire is upward, in nature and in our bodies as well. The taste associated with fire is the bitter taste, coffee for example is a good example, as one that affects our heart and brings a lot of heat. When the fire element is in balance, it fosters joy, compassion and healthy relationships. However, an excess or deficiency of fire can lead to emotional imbalances, such as anxiety, restlessness and depression. 

tree

The element of wood is associated with the liver and gallbladder. It embodies the qualities of growth, flexibility, and assertiveness. When the element of wood is balanced, it promotes our adaptability, planning, and vision. Wood is associated with the color green, the sour taste, and the season of spring. When the element of wood is unbalanced, it can manifest itself in outbursts of uncontrollable anger. 

land

The element of earth is at the center of all elements. It is associated with the digestive system, which according to Chinese medicine is the spleen and stomach organs. It embodies qualities such as nourishment, stability and security, so when it is in balance, it fosters feelings of contentment, generosity and basic peace. This element is represented by the color yellow/yellow-brown, is associated with the sweet taste, and is responsible for the transition between seasons. Sometimes, unbalanced earth can manifest itself in excessive worry and obsessive thoughts.

metal

The metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine. It is associated with the color white and the pungent taste, and is associated with the season of autumn. The movement of metal is inward, a movement of convergence and contraction. This element embodies qualities of clarity, cleanliness, purity, and the creation of boundaries. When the metal element is in balance, it cultivates qualities of righteousness along with the ability to let go at the same time. Sometimes, unbalanced metal can manifest itself in deep sadness that does not release. 

water

The water element is associated with the kidneys and bladder. It embodies qualities of depth, wisdom, and adaptability. When the water element is balanced, it promotes qualities of strong willpower and high survivability. However, an imbalance in water can lead to feelings of fear, insecurity, or lack of motivation. Water is associated with the colors blue/black, the winter season, and the pungent taste.