Organ Systems

Zang–Fu Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The concept of the organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is radically different from that of contemporary western medicine. Understanding this difference is very important because the physiology and pathology of the Organs is fundamental to the understanding and treatment of disease.

Chinese medical theory is not a quick study, but we have tried to break it down for you throughout this website so that you can be a better advocate for your own health and well-being. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

acupressure points for organs

Aroma Acu-therapy™ for Organ-Level Imbalances

Kidney 3

Apply the Water Element Aroma Acu-Stick ® to activate Acupressure Point KI 3

Why? Acu-point Kidney 3 is the Source Point of the Kidney energetic organ and is used to nourish Yin of not only the Kidney Organ, but the also the Heart, Liver, Lung Organs according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Stomach 36

Apply the Earth Element Aroma Acu-Stick ® to activate Acupressure Point ST 36

Why? Acu-point Stomach 36 nourishes Qi and Blood of the Stomach and, fortifies the Spleen. It is a major point for boosting the immune system and maintaining wellness.

LU 9

Apply the Metal Element Aroma Acu-Stick ® to activate Acupuncture Point Lung 9

Why? LU 9 is the tonification point for the Lung Energetic Organ System of Chinese medicine.

Liver 3

Apply the Wood Element Aroma Acu-Stick ® to activate Acupressure Point LV 3

Why? LV 3 is the energy source point for the Liver energetic organ system that is able to normalize the Liver function as Liver Qi Stagnation is often the root cause of dozens of diseases affecting Organs of the body.

Pericardium 6

Apply the Fire Element Aroma Acu-Stick ® to activate Acupuncture Point Pericardium 6

Why? Acu-point PER 6 regulates Heart Qi and is able to harmonize Stomach and Spleen Qi.

Related Articles:

How to Use Self-care to Balance the Organ Systems, or Zang-Fu of Chinese Medicine

Zang – The Yin organs Kidney, Liver, Heart (Pericardium), Spleen, and Lungs are considered as deeper than the Yang organs, generally more solid, and are involved with the regulation, manufacturing and storage of fundamental substances such as Blood and Essence.
Fu – The Yang organs Stomach, Gall Bladder, Large Intestine, Small Intestines, Bladder, and San Jiao are the hollow organs are viewed as being closer to the surface, or exterior of the body. They are not store substances, and are instead involved with an ongoing process of change through functions of receiving, separating, distributing, and excreting substances.

Kidney Organ System of Chinese Medicine

Controls the waterways and regulates fluid balance in the body.
Stores the Essences (Jing) and produces marrow; this ‘Bone Marrow’ is essential in the formation of bone, the spinal cord, Blood, and the brain.
Is the base of all Yin and Yang of the body and maintain the Gate of Vitality, or Mingmen Fire.
Open into the ear and influence hearing, and manifest in the hair reflecting Kidney health through vital, lush, shiny hair.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Imbalances

Afternoon and night sweats
Low energy
Fear, panic attacks, phobias and anxiety
Premature aging including graying of hair
Memory loss
Sexual dysfunctions including impotence
Infertility
Urinary disorders

Acupressure Source Point for Kidney

Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3

Liver Organ System

Opens in to the eyes providing nourishing Liver Blood for vision health.
Spread Qi of all organs in all directions and allows the free flow of Qi throughout the body necessary for the healthy function of the body.
Stores Blood and regulates the amount of Blood in circulation, storing and releasing it as bodily demands present themselves.
Controls tendons and nourishes the tendons and joints with Liver Blood.

Common Symptoms of Liver Imbalances

Headaches, PMS, anger and frustration
Acid reflux
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Osteo-arthritis and stiff joints
Brittle nails
Lack of vision and direction in planning one’s life

Acupressure Source Point for Liver

Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3

Heart Organ System

Governs all emotion
Sexual warmth
Controls blood vessels

Common Symptoms of Heart Imbalances

Emotional instability
Insomnia
Palpitations
Heart disease
Poor memory
Mouth and tongue ulcers

Acupressure Source Point for Heart

Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Heart 7

Spleen Organ System

Controls the raising of Qi
Contains the Blood
Transforms and transports foods and fluids

Common Symptoms of Spleen Imbalances

Acupressure Source Point for Spleen

Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3

Lung Organ System

Receives the Qi from the heavens
Governs over the skin and hair
Open into the nose
Controls immune system

Common Symptoms of Lung Imbalances

Acupressure Source Point for Lung

Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 9

Chinese Medical Concept of Energetic Organ Systems

To a modern westerner, the Chinese concept of organs might seem unusual as the Chinese medical concept of organs lack emphasis on a physical structure. Although many terms used when speaking of organs are similar to western concepts, they do not always refer to the specific organ tissue or structure, but rather to semi-abstract concepts of interrelated functions.

Each organ system has an impact on the other organ systems when it becomes imbalanced; additionally, each organ has an impact on the emotions. Chinese medicine views the individual person as a whole, interactive entity rather than individual parts and pieces. This is how Chinese medicine is able to differentiate disease patterns and devise effective treatment strategies. One disease can have many different patterns depending on a person’s individual body make-up, genetic dispositions, and lifestyle habits. The functions listed are not based on surgical discoveries, but on clinical observation of patients over many thousands of years, making Chinese medicine very practical in actual application.

References

Shen, C. Y., Jiang, J. G., Yang, L., Wang, D. W., & Zhu, W. (2017). Anti-ageing active ingredients from herbs and nutraceuticals used in traditional Chinese medicine: pharmacological mechanisms and implications for drug discovery. British journal of pharmacology, 174(11), 1395–1425. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13631

Chen, Z., Cao, Y., Zhang, Y., & Qiao, Y. (2019). A Novel Discovery: Holistic Efficacy at the Special Organ Level of Pungent Flavored Compounds from Pungent Traditional Chinese Medicine. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(3), 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20030752

Zhang, W., Tao, Q., Guo, Z., Fu, Y., Chen, X., Shar, P. A., Shahen, M., Zhu, J., Xue, J., Bai, Y., Wu, Z., Wang, Z., Xiao, W., & Wang, Y. (2016). Systems Pharmacology Dissection of the Integrated Treatment for Cardiovascular and Gastrointestinal Disorders by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Scientific reports, 6, 32400. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep32400

Lao, Y. M., Jiang, J. G., & Yan, L. (2009). Application of metabonomic analytical techniques in the modernization and toxicology research of traditional Chinese medicine. British journal of pharmacology, 157(7), 1128–1141. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00257.x

Yang, F., Song, J., Liang, M., Ma, F., Mao, X., Ma, C. W., Zhang, W., & Huang, Z. (2014). Overview of beverages with anti-aging functions in Chinese market. Rejuvenation research, 17(2), 197–200. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2013.1514

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.