Overview of Yang Organs

Known as the hollow (fu) organs, the yang organs play a critical role in expelling impurities from food. These include the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, urinary bladder, gallbladder, and the "triple burner."

The theory of Eastern organs was established during the Confucian era (559-479 B.C.), a time when dissection was seen as a sacrilege to the sanctity of life.

Rather than resorting to dissection, Taoist scholars developed a profound understanding of human physiology through meticulous observations of bodily functions in their natural state.

Chinese medical theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of organs, with each yang organ paired with a corresponding yin organ. For example, the spleen and stomach work together during the digestive process. While there are some parallels to Western medicine, it is crucial to approach Eastern practices within their own framework.

Continue to the next page to explore the role of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine in traditional Chinese medicine.

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Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

The stomach (wei), small intestine (xiao chang), and large intestine (da chang) collaborate in the digestive process. Each of these yang organs is paired with a corresponding yin organ, and all play a crucial role in maintaining health and balance.

Stomach (Wei)

The stomach is paired with the spleen and marks the beginning of digestion. Its functions complement the spleen’s yin characteristics, helping to regulate appetite and digestion. Symptoms of stomach issues may include irregular appetite, nausea, vomiting, excessive or insufficient thirst, and sores in the mouth.

The stomach's main responsibility is to receive and break down food. It acts as a cauldron, 'rotting and ripening' the food to prepare it for the spleen to extract its essence. As the 'middle burner' in conjunction with the spleen, the stomach’s proper functioning is vital for overall health and vitality.

The stomach is responsible for the digestion of both food and water. If the stomach is weak in its ability to prepare food for digestion, the spleen cannot generate enough qi and blood, leading to weakness in other organs. The stomach also initiates the process of separating the pure from the impure, sending the pure essence of food and liquids to the next yin organ for storage and transformation, while the waste is directed to the next yang organ for further processing or elimination.

Stomach qi moves downward. When stomach qi is functioning correctly, it moves downward, transferring the pure essence to the spleen. The 'rotted and ripened' food is then sent down to the small intestine for further digestion.

However, if this downward movement is disturbed, stomach qi moves upward, a condition known as rebellious stomach qi. This leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, belching, hiccups, and acid regurgitation (commonly referred to as acid reflux in Western medicine). The stomach prefers dampness and dislikes dryness. As a yang organ, it tends to overheat when out of balance.

Maintaining a moist environment with adequate fluids in the stomach is key to preventing stomach yin deficiency. This can be achieved by avoiding alcohol, excessive spices, and dry foods like popcorn, bread, crackers, and dried fruit when not consumed with fluids.

Small Intestine (Xiao Chang)

The small intestine works in harmony with the heart, forming a yin/yang relationship. Imbalances in the small intestine can manifest as lower abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, dark or burning urine, or blood in the urine.

The small intestine plays a key role in separating the clear and impure components of food and in producing urine. After the stomach sends the pure essence of food to the spleen, the remaining food is directed to the small intestine for further processing. The spleen then receives the 'clear' part of the food (the nutrients), while the 'dirty' portion (the waste) is passed on to the large intestine.

Once food is further digested, any remaining impure fluids are sent to the kidneys and bladder, where they are ultimately excreted as urine.

Large Intestine (Da Chang)

The large intestine continues the digestive process by receiving waste, absorbing fluids, and eliminating feces. It is paired with the lungs. Disorders of the large intestine may lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or lower abdominal pain.

The large intestine is responsible for expelling waste and impurities from the body. After receiving the impure material from the small intestine, it serves as the final stage of digestion. The waste products are then formed into stools and eliminated from the body.

The large intestine regulates the body's fluid balance. As the final stage of fluid metabolism, it absorbs water from the digested materials while forming stools. Disruptions in this function can result in diarrhea (too much fluid) or constipation (insufficient fluid).

Continue to the next page to explore the roles of the urinary bladder, gallbladder, "triple burner," and "curious organs" in traditional Chinese medicine.

For further information on traditional Chinese medicine, treatments, cures, beliefs, and other intriguing topics, check out the following resources:

Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, Triple Burner, and Curious Organs

The urinary bladder (pang guang), gallbladder (dan), triple burner (san jiao), and curious organs make up the second set of yang organs in traditional Chinese medicine. Like the first set, these organs are involved in the digestive process. Some, like the gallbladder, are also believed to have an influence on emotions and personality.

Urinary Bladder (Pang Guang)

The urinary bladder functions similarly to its role in Western medicine: it stores urine and releases it periodically. It is paired with the kidneys. Bladder dysfunction can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, burning sensations, pain, urgency, bleeding, and retention. The bladder receives and excretes urine.

After receiving impure fluids from the lungs, small intestine, and large intestine, the kidneys extract the last traces of pure essence. The remaining waste is then sent to the bladder, where it is stored until it is excreted from the body through urination.

Gallbladder (Dan)

The gallbladder is paired with the liver, and imbalances in the liver often affect the gallbladder, and vice versa. Gallbladder imbalances may cause symptoms such as intercostal pain (pain between the ribs), irritability, hasty decisions, shyness, digestive issues, and emotional instability.

The gallbladder’s function is to store and secrete bile. While the liver produces bile, the gallbladder stores it. When fatty foods are consumed, the gallbladder contracts to release bile into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Excessive consumption of fatty foods can negatively impact the liver and gallbladder. The gallbladder governs decision-making. A person who struggles with indecision or timidity may have a weak gallbladder. Conversely, someone who acts rashly or out of anger might be dealing with an excess of yang in the gallbladder.

Triple Burner (San Jiao)

The triple burner is not a single organ, but rather a collection of organs grouped by their functions and locations. Paired with the pericardium in a yin/yang relationship, the primary role of the triple burner is in water metabolism. The organs are organized as follows:

Upper Burner: Comprised of the heart and lungs, the upper burner is often referred to as a "mist" or "fog." Its function is to disperse the essence of food and qi throughout the body. Illness tends to first target this burner before spreading to the middle and lower burners.

Middle Burner: Made up of the spleen and stomach, the middle burner functions like a "foam." This burner is responsible for transforming food and water into a digestible, soupy consistency. Imbalances in digestion are typically associated with the middle burner.

Lower Burner: The lower burner includes the organs below the navel: the intestines, kidneys, and bladder. It is considered the "swamp" of the body, responsible for expelling waste as part of the body's sewage system.

The Extra or "Curious" Organs

The curious organs are so named because their existence can be observed, yet they don't fit neatly into any specific category. These organs include the marrow, bones, blood vessels, brain, uterus, and gallbladder.

While the gallbladder is classified as a yang organ, it is also regarded as a curious organ, being the only yang organ that stores a vital substance (bile). The marrow, a vital essence stored by the kidneys, is associated with growth and development and nourishes the brain. The other organs function similarly to their Western counterparts.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bill Schoenbart has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) since 1991, the year he obtained his Master's degree in TCM. He currently teaches TCM medical theory and herbalism at a California acupuncture school, while also running a clinical practice.

Ellen Shefi is a licensed massage therapist, acupuncturist, and registered dietitian. She holds membership in the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the American Herb Association, and the Oregon Acupuncture Association.