What are the Zàng-fu Organs?

Each of the 12 main meridians is related to an organ/ function in the body, to the 12 organs of Zàng-fu.

The term Zàng includes the Yin organs - the Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Kidneys, Liver and Pericardium. Their main function is to produce, store and transport Qi and Blood.

The term Fu represents the Yang organs such as the Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder and the San Jiao - the triple heater, which in this case has no equivalent anatomy in Western medicine. Their main function is the absorption, processing/ digestion, transport and excretion of substances such as food and liquids.

Each Zàng organ is linked to a Fu organ and stagnation, excess or deficiency can be balanced through the appropriate partner. It should be emphasized that the Zàng-fu organs in Chinese medicine should not be compared to the anatomical body organs in Western medicine. It is an equivalent terminology that only symbolizes bodily functions.

For example, the Zàng organ of the Lungs (Fei) is responsible, as in Western medicine, for the creation of energy through breathing and the associated body opening is the nose. In the TCM approach the Lungs (Fei) are also responsible for the water passages and the transfer of fluids to the Fu organ of the bladder. In addition, they stabilize the surface of the body and thus the skin and they control the distribution of Wei-Qi (the protecting energy against external diseases). The Lungs are paired with the Fu organ of the Large Intestine.

In cases of diseases such as colds and flu, asthma, but also constipation, the Lung meridian is stimulated. On the other hand, skin diseases can be treated through stimulation of the Large Intestine meridian.