What is a TCM organ system?
On this website, you will encounter terms such as Spleen Qi deficiency , Liver Qi stagnation and Kidney Yin deficiency . These names seem to refer to the organs familiar from conventional medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), they have a broader meaning.
A TCM organ system describes a set of functions and relationships. It therefore does not refer solely to the physical organ with the same name. If a practitioner refers to the Spleen system , for example, this does not automatically mean that there is something wrong with your spleen as an organ.
An example: the Spleen system
In conventional medicine, the spleen plays a role in the immune system and the blood, among other things. In TCM, the Spleen system is also associated with processing food and drink and making energy available to the body.
The term Spleen Qi deficiency names a TCM pattern. This pattern may fit, for example, fatigue, reduced appetite and loose stools. Whether it is present in your case is determined from your overall presentation and other findings.
What does an organ system describe?
TCM organ systems help connect different complaints and bodily functions. A practitioner considers, for example:
- your digestion, sleep and bowel movements;
- complaints in different parts of the body;
- your response to heat, cold, exertion and stress;
- examination findings, including your tongue and pulse.
A single complaint does not automatically indicate one particular organ system. It is always the combination of characteristics that matters.
How are organ systems and channels related?
TCM organ systems are associated with channels, also called meridians . According to Chinese medicine, these channels connect different areas of the body. Each channel is linked to an organ system and also follows a pathway along particular body areas and tissues.
The Stomach channel , for example, is linked to the Stomach system, but does not run only through the abdomen. Its pathway also passes along the face and leg. Acupuncture points on this channel lie at different places along that pathway. Within TCM, a practitioner may therefore choose a point on the leg or foot for a complaint in another area, such as around the head or eyes.
When choosing a point, the practitioner considers both the channel's pathway and the functions of the associated organ system. The appropriate point depends on your complaints and overall TCM pattern.
Which organ systems are there?
Names you will often encounter on this website are Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys . TCM also recognises the Stomach, Intestines, Gallbladder and Bladder as organ systems, among others. These systems are considered in relation to one another within TCM.
Their names should not be translated directly into the function or health of the organ with the same name in conventional medicine. Liver Qi stagnation , for example, does not automatically mean you have liver disease. Conversely, someone with diagnosed liver disease may have various TCM patterns.
How does a practitioner use this information?
During your initial consultation, the practitioner discusses your complaints, health history and other characteristics. They may also examine your tongue and pulse. From the overall picture, a TCM pattern involving one or more organ systems may be recognised.
This pattern helps tailor acupuncture or Chinese herbal treatment to your situation. As complaints and findings can change, the practitioner reassesses what is most prominent during the course of treatment.