Zang-Fu Functions

It can be seen that there is the use of a capital letter when naming the Zang-Fu organs. Whilst in TCM, these organs carry out the same functions as those regarded in Western Medicine, the Zang-Fu organ systems carry out additional tasks. To prevent confusion, a capital letter is used to differentiate the two.

Spleen:

  • Governs transformation and transportation of food

  • Controls the Blood

  • Manifests in the lips

  • Dominates the muscles and limbs

  • Opens into the mouth

  • Controls the raising of Qi

  • Houses Thought (Yi)

Stomach:

  • Rotting and Ripening of food

  • Controls the transportation of food essences

  • Controls descending of Qi

  • Origin of fluids

Heart:

  • Governs the Blood

  • Controls the blood vessels

  • Manifests in the complexion

  • Controls sweat

  • Opens into the tongue

  • Houses the Mind (Shen)

Small Intestine:

  • Controls receiving and transforming

  • Separates fluids

Kidneys:

  • Stores Jing

  • Dominates reproduction, growth and development.

  • Produces marrow, fills the brain, dominates the bones and assists with Blood production.

  • Governs water

  • Controls the reception of Qi

  • Opens into the ears

  • Dominates the 2 lower yin orifices

  • Root of Yin and Yang

  • Conserves and controls the fire of Ming Men

  • Houses Willpower (Zhi)

 Bladder:

  • Removes water by Qi transformation

San Jaio/ Triple Burner:

  • Avenue for Original Qi

  • Motive force for Kidneys

  • Activates all physiological functions

(Upper Burner/Jiao- Mist; Middle Burner/Jiao-Maceration Chamber; Lower Burner/ Jiao-Ditch)

Pericardium:

  • Protects the Heart

(Related to the upper burner)

Liver:

  • Stores the Blood

  • Ensures smooth flow of Qi

  • Controls the sinews

  • Manifests in the nails

  • Opens into the eyes

  • Houses the Ethereal Soul (Hun)

Functions of the Gall Bladder:

  • Stores and excretes bile

  • Controls judgement

  • Controls the sinews