Wuxing and Internal Organs

Introduction

Yin-yang and wuxing are classification methods used by ancient Chinese to explain the universe. Contrary to popular belief, they are not as mysterious as they seem. To make these concepts easier to understand, we use examples like the circulation of water in nature and directions on Earth.

So, what is the relationship between yin-yang, wuxing, and our health?
In traditional herbal medicine, the most important aspect of the human body is yuanqi and its operation. If the yuanqi is strong and flows smoothly, the person is healthy. If the yuanqi is weak or obstructed, the person will become ill.

There is a saying in traditional herbal medicine:

• If the yuanqi is strong, a person will be strong.
• If the yuanqi is weak, the person will get sick.
• If the yuanqi is present, a person will live.
• If the yuanqi is scattered, the person will die.

The birth, aging, illness, and death of a person all depend on one breath. The strength and smoothness of the yuanqi determine the body’s health. The operation of yuanqi follows a continuous cycle of rise and fall. If the yuanqi is weak, blocked, or rotating incorrectly, it is affected by pathogenic factors, leading to illness. This principle is fundamental in traditional herbal medicine for diagnosing symptoms.

In the cycle of yuanqi operation, besides the general law of yin and yang, there are key points corresponding to wuxing. When applied to the human body, this is known as the law of wuzang (five internal organs).

The Heart

The five internal organs in traditional herbal medicine differ from the organs we are familiar with. For example, the heart in traditional herbal medicine is considered the place where the spirit rests and the mind is controlled. Mental issues like insomnia and frequent dreams are attributed to the heart, whereas modern medicine treats these in the psychiatric department.

From a herbal medicine practitioner’s perspective, insomnia is caused by excessive heart fire. Additionally, some vascular system problems are related to the heart, similar to modern medical concepts. The heart is a hub for blood circulation and is responsible for blood pressure. Thus, in herbal medicine, the heart is not only about its familiar functions but also controls blood vessels.

The Liver

The liver is another example. It detoxifies the body by cleaning the blood, preventing blockages in blood vessels. This function is called shuxie (dredging) in traditional herbal medicine. The liver’s role extends beyond detoxification to include maintaining unobstructed vas deferens, fallopian tubes, and meridians. In herbal medicine, the liver controls dredging and excretion.

Moreover, tendons are also under the hepatic duct, controlled by the liver. This highlights the difference between the five internal organs in traditional herbal medicine and the organs in modern anatomy.

The functions of the five internal organs in traditional herbal medicine cover a broader range than their anatomical counterparts. Take hypertension, for example. It is caused by excessive blood pressure on the vessels due to viscous blood and garbage attached to the vessel walls, making them thicker and less elastic. This narrows the blood vessel channel, causing hypertension.

Typically, hypertension treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, but this is not a long-term solution. The garbage in the blood remains, and the vessel walls do not return to their original state. Herbal medicine practitioners aim to clean the blood and dredge the vessels, involving the liver.

The Kidneys

In traditional herbal medicine, the kidneys are responsible for bone and marrow production. Therefore, kidney nourishment is essential for treating bone diseases. Modern medicine often prioritizes pain relief, but traditional herbal medicine focuses on curing the bone disease itself. Pain relief herbs are used only when necessary, as they can weaken a person’s yuanqi.

Patients with conditions like rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, frozen shoulder, femoral head inflammation, necrosis, cervical spondylosis, and lumbar spondylosis are treated with kidney nourishment first.

Looking ahead

For more herbal medical theories of Huang Yuanyu and his contributions to traditional herbal medicine, and how it helps in rejuvenating our health, stay tuned for the next episode.

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