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Chinese Medicine Simplified

According to Chinese Medical theory, many diseases come from adverse environmental conditions such as heat, cold, dryness and humidity, nutrition, bad eating habits, and much more.

Internal conditions can arise from excess or deficient emotions of anger, joy, sympathy grief and fear. Inappropriate mental attitudes and beliefs can also cause maladies of the spirit, which can also cause serious problems. These problems can cause one's "CHI" OR QI to become excessive, deficient, blocked congested or stagnant, and thereby cause all sorts of problems.

When the immune system is strong and one is emotionally centered the qi and blood flow freely and in turn cause most diseases to disappear. The goal of Chinese Medicine is to help us resist and overcome imbalances and their resulting disharmony.

I have often found that the word "DIS-EASE" is one who is not at ease with one's state of being. In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions are directly related to our internal organs. There are twelve primary Qi channels along with eight meridians. In our bodies there are six Yang organs and six Yin organs. Each Yang organ is associated with a Yin organ by a special Yin/yang relationship. Here is a brief but simplified version of each organ and their resulting emotional disturbances, which may lead to illness.

The Lung Channel

Known as the "delicate" organ, the lungs are sensitive to emotional changes, especially when you are sad or angry. They also control part of the liquid metabolism that distributes liquid to the skin. The lungs (yin) and the large intestine (yang) are considered paired organs. When the weather is changing from damp hot summer into dry cool fall, the lungs are the first organs to sense the change.

The large intestine/stomach/spleen

The Yin/Yang relationship between the spleen and stomach is a particularly strong example of the relationship between organs. The stomach receives food, while the spleen is a transporter of nutrients. Most stomach disorders are caused from excess. The large intestine's main function is the metabolism of water and the passing of water. Learning to regulate your breathing will smooth out the Qi flow in the large intestine. The stomach is related to the emotion of repression, feelings and pensiveness. When one is upset the stomach and its neighbors will not function properly. Regulating the mind is the first step in maintaining the stomach in a healthy condition. Diet and excess can also cause the stomach to produce high amounts of acid and the Qi will stagnate.

The Heart

The Heart is considered a Yin organ and almost all disorders of the heart are associated with weakness. The main functions of the heart are associated with spirit and the blood vessels. The Heart is commonly weak during summer months and is considered a yin channel and can be plagued by excitement grief and even extreme changes in disposition. Unresolved issues and dietary intake can also cause disturbance.

The Kidneys

Most Chinese medicine experts consider the kidneys as the most important organs. The emotion of fear is often a common emotional tie to stagnated qi circulation and the role of the metabolism of water. They are also considered the most original source of human vitality, and the residence of our original essence. The diet is very important in maintaining good kidney health. Too much salt is harmful to the kidneys and eating too much eggplant is also something to avoid. Because the kidneys are representations of yin and yang in the body, any disorder, if sufficiently chronic will involve the kidneys. A disease of the kidneys will usually cause problems in other organs as well. Such things as over working and stress without proper rest will increase tension on the kidneys and make the qi flow stagnant.

The liver

The main task of the liver is the spreading and regulating of Qi throughout the whole body. Its natural state is free flowing and free. Therefore, depression or frustration can disturb the functioning of the liver. In addition the liver is also responsible for storing blood when the body is at rest. This function along with its control over the lower abdomen makes it the most critical organ in regards to women's menstrual cycle. A bad temper along with prolonged frustration and depression is the cause of many women's disorders, including menstrual irregularities and swollen and painful breasts etc.

In summary, our mind and emotions are directly related to problems in our internal functions. I remember a line of dialogue from the movie, The Godfather Part Three, when Michael Corleone confessed his unresolved guilt issue to a prominent cardinal and suddenly had a diabetic seizure. The Cardinal replied with compassion, "When the mind is in agony the body cries out." Through a spiritual practice, or exercises such as Qi Gong, Tai chi, yoga, and/or prayer, one can heal and restore oneself to a natural state of peace, love and harmony.