Song Fou and Organ Theory in Chinese Medicine

Introduction

• Focus: Simplified overview of Song Fou and Organ Theory (TCM Foundation)
• Yin-Yang Theory, Five Elements, Four Substances also available
• Importance of foundations for proper diagnosis and treatment

Yin Organs (Zang Organs)

General Overview

• Functions: Produce, store, and reserve (Qi, Blood, Body Fluid, Essence)

Organs

Heart

• Functions:
  • Governs blood circulation
  • Controls sweat
  • Governs happiness and joy
  • Houses the mind (Shen): Memory, consciousness, thinking
  • Opens into the tongue and influences speech
• Diagnosis Clues:
  • Tip of the tongue for diagnosis
  • Speech and emotional issues
  • Pulse strength
  • Facial color

Spleen

• Functions:
  • Governs digestion with the stomach
  • Transforms and transports nutrients
  • Opens into the mouth and manifests on lips
  • Controls saliva
  • Prevents water retention and bloating
  • Produces blood and prevents hemorrhage
  • Controls muscles and limbs for strength
  • Keeps organs from prolapsing
  • Raises Qi and supports clear thinking

Liver

• Functions:
  • Ensures smooth flow of Qi
  • Stores blood for menstruation
  • Manifests on the nails
  • Opens into the eyes and controls tears
  • Controls tendons, ligaments, and joints
  • Houses the ethereal soul (planning, envisioning)

Lung

• Functions:
  • Governs Qi and respiration
  • Controls immune system (Wei Qi)
  • Influences skin and body hair
  • Opens into the nose
  • Regulates water metabolism
  • Controls meridian Qi
  • Connects mind and body

Kidney

• Functions:
  • Foundation for growth, reproduction, and aging
  • Regulates lower orifices
  • Opens into the ears
  • Manifests on the hair
  • Stores essence (related to bone marrow, brain, bone health)
  • Governs water
  • Interacts with other organs (lung, spleen)
  • Houses willpower
  • Manages Ming Men Fire (Gate of Vitality)

Yang Organs (Fu Organs)

General Overview

• Functions: Transport and transform food and fluids

Organs

Stomach

• Functions:
  • Paired with the spleen
  • Begins digestion
  • Transports food Qi
  • Origin of fluids
  • Opposite functions to the spleen (e.g., excess vs. deficiency)

Small Intestine

• Functions:
  • Separates clear from turbid
  • Influences mental clarity

Large Intestine

• Functions:
  • Excretes waste
  • Influenced by emotions (letting go)
  • Connection with lung (immune function, skin health)

Bladder

• Functions:
  • Removes water via Qi transformation
  • Influences emotions (jealousy, grudges)
  • Paired with kidneys

Gall Bladder

• Functions:
  • Stores bile
  • Influences judgment and decision-making
  • Paired with the liver
  • Classified as an extraordinary organ

Triple Burner (San Jiao)

• Functions:
  • Divided into Upper, Middle, Lower burner
  • Upper: Lung and heart (disperses fluids)
  • Middle: Spleen and stomach (digestive system)
  • Lower: Intestines, bladder, kidneys, liver-gallbladder (fluid separation and excretion)

Extraordinary Organs

General Overview

• Related to Kidney essence and function

Organs

Uterus

• Comprehensive term for female reproductive system
• Located below the navel
• Paired with the male counterpart, the Dantian
• Influences hormones, menstruation, and reproduction

Blood Vessels

• Contain and circulate blood

Bones

• Store marrow

Marrow

• Produced by essence
• Nourishes brain and spinal cord

Brain

• Controls memory, concentration, senses
• Paired with heart and blood

Gall Bladder

• Functions as both a Fu organ and an extraordinary organ due to its role in Qi production and essence connection

Conclusion

• Understanding foundational theories aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Additional resources and courses available on the speaker's website