Chinese Physiology and Philosophy 

The first two articles briefly explained the history and philosophy of Chinese Medicine. We now proceed with a short introduction to Chinese physiology, anatomy, and philosophy. It is important to understand this aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its particular application to the horse. An ailment or injury can only be effectively treated by having a practitioner accurately diagnose through the utilization of the Yin/Yang and the Five Elements theory. In this manner, the cause of the problem can be identified and treatment prescribed accordingly. Benefits of such a treatment program are long-term in most cases.  

While diagnosing a horse, the TCM practitioner has to first identify the syndrome related to the condition. (A syndrome is a group of disease symptoms commonly found in association with one another.) Chinese medicinal formulas and acupuncture are based on syndromes. For example, when the lungs are energy deficient and symptoms appear such as coughing and/or shortness of breath, this is identified as the Fei Qi Xu syndrome. Other symptoms such as poor appetite, bloated stomach, loose stools, or tiredness of the limbs indicate that there is a problem with the spleen. Consequently, this syndrome is now called Fei Pi Qi XU or lungs/spleen energy deficiency. A correct identification of the syndrome simplifies the treatment of the problem and thereby focuses on dealing with the cause. 

The following illustration explains the nourishing and controlling cycles of the Five Elements. The cycles are important to know to do a proper diagnosis. In the nourishing cycle, each element is the mother of one element and the son of another. For example, the element wood is the mother of fire as wood generates or gives birth to the element fire. The element fire generates the element earth, etc. 

Balance cannot be maintained with uncontrolled growth. Therefore, each element must also control another and so keep growth within reasonable limits. The controlling cycle keeps in mutual balance growth and destruction. Fire works to control metal, earth works to control water, etc. 

In Chinese medical books, references to "organs" do not usually mean only the physical organs within the body, but the external phenomena which are caused by the organs as well. This is the prime concept behind Chinese medical diagnosis and must be thoroughly understood. The parts, functions, tastes, and emotions which are said to belong to an organ are manifestations of the same energy which creates that organ. 

The anatomy in TCM is related to twelve organs and the meridian system. The organs are divided into two categories: the Yin organs, also called Zang; and the Yang organs, also called Fu. The Yin organs are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and also the Pericardium. The Yin organs are paired with the Yang organs. They are the gall bladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, bladder, and the San Jiao (triple heater). 

The Zang produce the Yin energy whereas the Fu are concerned with the transformation and regulation of external influences (food) which is a Yang activity. The Zang/Fu are closely linked in all physiological and pathological activities. A little more detail is required to further understand the Zang/Fu.  

The heart is the most important of all the Zang. It is also called the Emperor of organs. All consciousness and every thought belongs to the heart. The tongue is linked to the heart.  

The liver is a major factor in the regulation of the blood supply. During movement and exercise, the blood circulates through the body, but during rest, the blood returns to liver. Anger causes disturbances in the liver. It also guards against external attacks, and liver diseases usually incur a breakdown of the body's defense mechanism. It engenders tendons and hooves. Its opening are the eyes. 

Spleen and pancreas are regarded as linked and acting almost as one organ. The transportation and transformation of food throughout the body is performed by the spleen. It is also in charge of the stomach and its digestive fluids. It distinguishes useful and useless foods and separates them. It controls the nourishment and energy for the entire body, as well as muscles and limbs. Its opening is the mouth. It is the master of the flavors. It is thus often a causative factor in the development of nutritional and digestive disorders. 

The lungs control the skin and hair (of fur). Their opening is the nose. The lungs are the principal organ involved in the diffusion and exchange of energies between the interior and exterior of the body. Since the skin pores are a part of this process of energy diffusion, a lung disorder gives rise to temperature loss at the body surface. The lungs are masters of the energies and govern breathing, therefore disorders of the lungs affect the totality of the respiratory system. 

The essence of the Zang/Fu comes from food and air and is the basic nourishment of life. It is stored in the kidneys and can be released on demand by any organ. The kidneys engender the bones and marrow. Their opening are the ears. The kidneys are the water organ, master of the body fluids. Kidneys' orifices are the urethra and anus, therefore disorders of this organ give rise to anomalies in the evacuatory functions, both urinary and fecal. The kidneys are also in charge of the reproduction system. 

The second aspect of Chinese anatomy and physiology is related to the meridians which are the channels of energy. The meridians bind all parts of the body. They move in response to the smallest external change and inform the organs. The Yin and Yang meridians follow each other throughout the body without end. Because the practitioner of acupuncture knows how to diagnose according the Five Elements theory, the proper method of sedation or tonification on each of the points will be chosen along each channel. 

The actions and locations of the meridians are derived from many years of observation and from experience in treatment and response. Stimulation or sedation of various parts of the body produce an effect on the functioning of internal organs. Thus, a stimulation on the cannon bone may affect the stomach whereas a point in the fetlock joint will affect the face. Internal sicknesses often produce painful areas on the skin and these areas follow definite lines or pathways. Finally, the meridian may reflect internal disease and may become painful and other superficial symptoms will appear but the organ related to the meridian is still unaffected. Long usage has shown that the meridians are certainly no abstract theory and therefore we must approach the study of them from the practical aspect of how they relate to organic functions and their use in pathology. 

The next article will be oriented toward the Yao (medicine), their actions, and the Eight Methods.