For an overview of how internal organs are thought of in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I highly recommend my first post in this series “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine.”
In many of my previous posts on the organ systems of Chinese Medicine, I have been able to start with the similarities of these organs with the Western Medicine organs of the same name. That ends with the Triple Burner because there is no concept of a Triple Burner in Western Medicine, and even in Chinese Medicine its specific form is debated.
In my attempt to describe the functions of the Triple Burner, I would compare it to our growing understanding of fascia and, more generally, all of the connective tissue of the body. Just as connective tissue pervades every area of our bodies, so does the Triple Burner. The Triple Burner’s main role is to act somewhat like a facilitator that allows for the movement of Qi and Body Fluids throughout the body.
It is named the Triple Burner because there are three parts to it: the Upper Burner, the Middle Burner and the Lower Burner (NOTE: the Triple Burner is also referred to collectively as the San Jiao and separately as the Upper Jiao, Middle Jiao and Lower Jiao).
The Upper Burner is a way to reference the organs systems and functions of the Heart, Pericardium and Lungs. The Middle Burner is a way to reference the organ systems and functions of the Stomach, Spleen and Gall Bladder. The Lower Burner is a way to reference the organ systems and functions of the Liver, Kidneys, Urinary Bladder and Intestines.
The Triple Burner is responsible for the movement of Qi and Body Fluids within each Burner, but also between the three Burners. It connects all of the organs of the body (sounds like connective tissue to me!) and affects our psycho-emotional wellbeing by being involved in forming and maintaining relationships with others.
I hope you enjoyed this series on the Organs in Chinese Medicine!
To start this series from the beginning, go to “The Internal Organs in Chinese Medicine”
Like what you’re reading and want to learn more about how these concepts may be useful in your health care? If you are in the Austin area, contact me for a free consultation here.
