Did you know he root cause of many diseases often arised from stagnant qi and emotional blockages?
In the profound realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a fundamental belief exists: all diseases often stem from stagnant qi and emotions. TCM views the human body as an intricate whole, where the smooth flow of qi and blood and the harmonious functioning of organs are crucial for health. When negative emotions like anger, anxiety, or sadness persist, they disrupt the normal flow of qi, resulting in qi stagnation and blockages.
This stagnant qi, similar to silt in a river, gradually impairs the normal functions of various body systems. Starting from the liver's abnormal qi regulation, followed by the spleen's weakened digestion and transportation, and even affecting the heart's mental state, a series of chain reactions ensue, creating a breeding ground for diseases. Whether it's a common headache, stomachache, or complex chronic illness, the root cause often traces back to qi stagnation and negative emotions. Understanding this enables us to better grasp the TCM concept of "preventing disease before its onset." We can then protect our health at the source by regulating emotions and caring for our physical and mental well - being.
An Analysis of the TCM Principles Regarding the Correspondence between the Five Elements and the Body Structure
The Foundation of the Five - Element Theory
The Five Elements, namely Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, constitute crucial concepts within ancient Chinese philosophy. The Five - Element theory posits that all phenomena in nature and human society can be categorized according to the characteristics of these Five Elements. Moreover, there exist relationships of generation and restriction among them. The generative sequence is as follows: Wood engenders Fire, Fire engenders Earth, Earth engenders Metal, Metal engenders Water, and Water engenders Wood. The restrictive sequence is that Wood restricts Earth, Earth restricts Water, Water restricts Fire, Fire restricts Metal, and Metal restricts Wood. This dynamic equilibrium relationship underpins the operational laws of all things in the universe and furnishes a theoretical framework for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to elucidate the physiology and pathology of the human body.
The TCM Principles of the Correspondence between the Five Elements and the Body Structure
Wood and the Liver - Gallbladder System: Growth & Frustration
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In the context of the Five Elements, Wood is characterized by germination and unobstructed growth. The liver in the human body corresponds to Wood. The liver is responsible for dredging and dispersing, performing functions such as regulating the flow of qi, promoting blood circulation, and modulating emotions, which is analogous to the stretching and growth characteristics of trees in nature. The liver opens into the eyes, and the visual function depends on the nourishment of liver blood, just as trees rely on an adequate water supply for thriving. The gallbladder is attached to the liver and has an interior - exterior relationship with it. The secretion and excretion of bile are regulated by the liver's dredging and dispersing function, and together they complete the digestion of food, similar to the absorption and transformation of soil nutrients by tree roots.
When the Wood - related functions in the body become disordered, it gives rise to diverse manifestations. Physiologically, it may lead to ophthalmic problems such as poor eyesight, dry eyes, and blurred vision due to insufficient nourishment of liver blood. Digestive disorders such as anorexia, abdominal distension, and irregular bowel movements can also occur as the digestive function of the liver - gallbladder system is disrupted. Emotionally, individuals may experience irritability, anger, and a proneness to frustration. Mentally, there may be difficulties in concentration and decision - making, as the liver's function of regulating qi flow also impacts mental lucidity.
Fire and the Heart System: Joy & Overstimulation
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Fire is characterized by heat and an upward - moving tendency. The heart dominates life activities within the human body, much like the central position of the sun in nature. The heart governs the blood vessels and propels the circulation of blood within the vessels, supplying nutrients to all internal organs and tissues of the body. Its warm nature is similar to that of fire. The heart stores the spirit, and human mental, conscious, and thinking activities are governed by the heart. When heart yang is abundant, the mind is clear, and the spirit is vibrant, just as the sun shines brightly on all things. The tongue is the sprout of the heart. By observing changes in the appearance of the tongue, such as color and shape, the physiological and pathological state of the heart can be inferred.
In the event of a Fire - related imbalance, physically, symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and a flushed complexion may manifest. Abnormalities of the tongue, such as a red - tipped tongue with ulcers, can also be noted. Emotionally, it often leads to restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. People may be overly excited or prone to sudden mood fluctuations. Mentally, cognitive function may decline, with difficulties in memory, learning, and maintaining attention.
Earth and the Spleen - Stomach System: Stability & Worry
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Earth is characterized by solidity and the capacity to bear all things. In the human body, the spleen and stomach are regarded as the "foundation of acquired constitution." The stomach is responsible for receiving and digesting food, initially converting it into chyme. The spleen is in charge of transformation and transportation, absorbing the nutrients from food and distributing them to all parts of the body to nourish the internal organs and tissues, much like the earth nurturing all things and providing sustenance. The spleen ascends the clear substances, sending the nutrients from food upward to the heart, lungs, head, and eyes to maintain the normal physiological functions of the human body. The stomach descends the turbid substances, causing the food residues to move downward and be excreted from the body. The spleen and stomach cooperate with each other to jointly complete the digestion, absorption of food, and water metabolism, which are fundamental to human life activities.
When the Earth - related functions are disrupted, physically, it can result in digestive problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation. Weakness and fatigue are common, as the body fails to effectively absorb and utilize nutrients. Emotionally, individuals may experience worry, anxiety, and excessive rumination. A sense of heaviness and a lack of motivation can also set in. Mentally, there may be a decline in mental energy and an inability to think clearly, often associated with the body's overall weakened state due to poor nutrient supply.
Metal and the Lung System: Clarity & Grief
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Metal is characterized by clarity, purity, and convergence. The lung governs qi and respiration, inhaling the clear qi of nature and exhaling the turbid qi within the body, regulating the ascending, descending, entering, and exiting of qi in the human body. The orderly operation of its function hinges on the descending of the clear and purifying qi of the lung, similar to the clear and stable nature of metal. The lung is responsible for dispersion and descent. It disperses defensive qi and body fluids to the body surface to warm and nourish the skin and resist external pathogens. The descent action enables the body fluids in the body to flow downward to the kidney and bladder. The lung is related to the skin in the body, and the normalcy of its function can be reflected by the color of the skin and the excretion of sweat. Additionally, the lung opens into the nose, and the nose serves as the gateway of respiration. Whether the qi of the lung is unobstructed directly affects the olfactory function of the nose.
If there is a disorder in the Metal - related functions, physically, respiratory problems such as coughs, shortness of breath, and asthma may occur. The skin may become dry, rough, and prone to rashes. Emotionally, sadness and grief are prevalent emotions. People may be more inclined to cry easily and experience a sense of loss. Mentally, there can be a lack of focus and a feeling of being "disoriented," as the body's overall qi regulation, which is closely linked to the mental state, is disrupted.
Water and the Kidney System: Wisdom & Fear
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Water is characterized by moistening, downward movement, and storage. The kidney is responsible for storing essence. The essence stored in the kidney encompasses both innate essence and acquired essence, which plays a pivotal role in nourishing and reproducing life, similar to water containing the potential for the growth of all things and being deeply hidden underground. The kidney governs water and assumes a dominant role in the water metabolism of the human body, regulating the generation, distribution, and excretion of water. The kidney is responsible for receiving qi, assisting the lung in maintaining the depth of respiration and preventing shallow breathing. The kidney is related to the bones in the body, generates marrow, and the marrow converges in the brain, with the brain being the sea of marrow. Therefore, the sufficiency of kidney essence is closely related to the growth and development of the bones and the function of the brain. The kidney opens into the ears and the two lower orifices. Ear symptoms such as tinnitus and decreased hearing, as well as abnormal excretion of urine and feces, are often associated with kidney dysfunction.
When the Water - related functions are imbalanced, physically, problems such as lower back pain, weak knees, and frequent urination or difficulty in urination may occur. In terms of bone health, osteoporosis may be more likely to develop. Emotionally, fear and timidity are common emotions. People may be overly cautious and lack confidence. Mentally, cognitive decline, especially in aspects related to memory and learning, can be observed, as kidney essence is closely tied to brain function.
The Generation, Restriction of the Five Elements and Human Physiology and Pathology
The generative relationship of the Five Elements reflects the mutual nourishment among the internal organs in human physiology. For instance, Liver Wood engenders Heart Fire. The liver stores blood to nourish the heart and ensure the normal blood supply of the heart. Kidney Water engenders Liver Wood. The essence qi in the kidney nourishes Liver Wood to enable the liver to function properly. When this generative relationship is disrupted, corresponding pathological changes ensue. For example, if kidney yin is insufficient and fails to nourish Liver Wood, it can lead to hyperactivity of liver yang, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision, a condition known as "failure of water to nourish wood." Besides physical symptoms, this imbalance can also cause emotional instability, with increased irritability and restlessness, and mental confusion, making it arduous to focus on tasks.
The restrictive relationship of the Five Elements maintains the balance and coordination of the functions of the internal organs in the human body. For example, Lung Metal restricts Liver Wood. The descending of lung qi can restrict the excessive ascending of liver qi and prevent the upward reversal of liver qi. If the restrictive relationship is abnormal, pathological phenomena of over - restriction or counter - restriction will occur. For instance, if liver qi is hyperactive, it will over - restrict the spleen and stomach, leading to a disorder in the spleen and stomach's function of transformation and transportation, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is termed "excessive wood over - restricting earth." Emotionally, this can lead to a combination of anger from the liver and worry from the spleen, creating a complex emotional state. Mentally, it may impinge on concentration and decision - making ability due to the overall disruption of the body's internal equilibrium. Conversely, if the spleen and stomach are weak and cannot withstand the restriction of liver qi, manifestations of disharmony between the liver and spleen will also occur, which is called "earth deficiency and wood over - restriction." This can give rise to feelings of fatigue, both physically and mentally, along with emotional distress. Counter - restriction, that is, reverse restriction, for example, if Lung Metal is weak and unable to restrict Liver Wood, it will lead to the upward flaming of liver fire, resulting in symptoms of Lung Metal being insulted such as coughing and hemoptysis, namely "wood - fire insulting metal." Emotionally, it may evoke a mixture of anger and sadness, as the unrestrained energy of the liver and the compromised function of the lung both impact the emotional state. Mentally, it can lead to a state of mental agitation and difficulty in calming the mind.
The Five - Element theory offers a unique perspective for TCM to understand human physiology and pathology. Through an in - depth comprehension of the correspondence between the Five Elements and the body structure, it aids TCM in comprehensively and systematically grasping the laws of human life activities, guiding the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and playing a vital role in maintaining human health.