Zangfu

Zang-fu or Zangfu theory is a fundamental concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that describes the functions of the organs and their interactions. The term "Zang" refers to the organs considered to be yin in nature - Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, and Pericardium, while "Fu" refers to the yang organs - Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder, Urinary Bladder, Stomach and Sanjiao (Triple Burner).

Concept

The Zang-fu theory is based on the concept of Yin and Yang, two opposing but complementary forces that shape the world and all life. In TCM, the Zang organs are considered to be yin as they are involved in production and storage of vital substances such as Qi, blood and body fluids. The Fu organs, on the other hand, are yang in nature and are mainly responsible for receiving and digesting food, absorbing nutrients and excreting waste.

Zang Organs

Heart

The Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs and governs blood and houses the mind. It is associated with the emotion of joy.

Liver

The Liver stores blood and ensures the smooth flow of Qi. It is associated with the emotion of anger.

Spleen

The Spleen transforms food into nutrients and transports them to the rest of the body. It is associated with the emotion of worry.

Lung

The Lung governs Qi and respiration. It is associated with the emotion of sadness.

Kidney

The Kidney stores essence and governs birth, growth, reproduction, and development. It is associated with the emotion of fear.

Pericardium

The Pericardium protects the heart and is associated with the emotion of joy.

Fu Organs

Small Intestine

The Small Intestine receives partially digested food from the stomach and further breaks it down.

Large Intestine

The Large Intestine absorbs water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmits the waste material from the body.

Gall Bladder

The Gall Bladder stores and excretes bile that is used by the body to digest fats.

Urinary Bladder

The Urinary Bladder stores urine, and expels it from the body.

Stomach

The Stomach receives food and begins the digestive process by secreting gastric juice.

Sanjiao (Triple Burner)

The Sanjiao is a unique organ in TCM and is responsible for the movement and transformation of various solids and fluids throughout the body.

See Also

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Yin and Yang
• Qi
• Five Elements Theory

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