Traditional Chinese Medicine Organ Systems | TCM

Organs Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

By: Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, L.Ac.

Confused by the terms "Spleen Qi Deficiency",

"Kidney Yang Deficiency", and "Liver Qi Stagnation"?

The concept of the Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine 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.

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 refer to the specific tissue, but rather to semi-abstract concepts of interrelated functions.

Each Organ system has an affect on the other Organ systems when it becomes imbalanced. These functions are not based on surgical discoveries, but on clinical observation of patients over many thousands of years. This is a brief overview of the major Yin Organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Kidney Organ System

Control the waterways

Store the essences

Bases of all Yin & Yang of the Body

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

Liver Organ System

Affects joints and eyes

Spread Qi of all organs in all directions

Stores blood

Controls tendons

Common Symptoms of Liver Imbalances

Headaches, PMS, anger and frustration

Acid reflux

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Osteo-arthritis and stiff joints

Brittle nails

Lack of vision and direction in planning one’s life

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

Spleen Organ System

Controls the raising of Qi

Contains the blood

Transforms and transports foods and fluids

Common Symptoms of Spleen Imbalances

Poor appetite

Gas and abdominal distension

Dampness

Tiredness or weakness

Loose stools

Prolapsed organs

Uterine bleeding

Varicose veins

Easy bruising

Obsessive worry

Lack of empathy

Lung Organ System

Receives the qi from the heavens

Governs over the skin & hair

Open into the nose

Controls immune system

Common Symptoms of Lung Imbalances

Coughing, bronchitis, asthma

Sinusitis

Frequent colds or flu

Sadness or unresolved grief

Dogmatism

Lack of self-worth

Poor boundaries

Related Links:

For information on Chinese Medicine, visit the National Library of Medicine, the The Chinese Medical Journal, or Chinese Medicine News. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

Organs Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Secure Online Ordering!

Ageless

Herbs

Chinese Herb Formulas for Optimal Health and Wellness!

The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Herbal formulas, natural remedies, and aromatherapy products related to alternative health products on this site have not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The statements on this website are based principally on traditional knowledge accumulated over thousands of years of Chinese medical practices. The content provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information on this site to diagnose or treat any health issues. As always, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, beginning an exercise program, using herbs or other supplementation programs, before taking any pharmaceutical medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Unless specifically mentioned in the product label or recommended by your professional health care provider, our herbal supplements, natural remedies, and alternative health products are not intended for children under the age of 18, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Ingredients and dosage recommendations may change - see product label for current information. Please refer to our policy/FAQ’s page before making a purchase.