Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to internal organ names we are all familiar with in Western Medicine (e.g. the Heart), however TCM theory of the functionality of these organs is broader than that of Western Medicine and this distinction is crucial to the understanding of TCM.
Western Medicine refers to each organ’s functions in relation to its anatomical function, whereas TCM refers to the organ’s anatomical function, but also to its mental, emotional and spiritual effects. TCM sees emotion and mental processes ARISING from the internal organs to affect brain function and emotions as opposed to the reverse in Western Medicine (where emotions and mental processes come down from the brain).
There are aspects of Western Medicine that just starting to touch on this theory that mental function is not a purely top-down process. Namely the increased understanding of a gut-brain connection is the most prevalent shift away from the “brain rules all” approach.
TCM takes this further and posits that not only does our gut affect mental processes, but so does our Liver, Lungs, Heart, Spleen and Kidneys. Furthermore, specific emotions and symptom patterns can provide insights into which organs are being affected.
This is the basic understanding of TCM theory of internal organs; that in addition to their anatomical functions (e.g. the heart pumps blood), each organ also has related emotions, vital substances, tissue correspondences, sensory organs, and even tastes that can be used to diagnose where a patient’s symptoms arise from.
The next post will cover “The Functions of the Liver in Chinese Medicine”
Stay tuned for upcoming posts investigating the functions of each internal organ 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 in need of an acupuncturist, contact me for a free consultation here.
