The Yellow Emperor’s Inquiry: The Duties of the Twelve Organs

The Yellow Emperor asked: “I would like to hear about the roles and hierarchies of the twelve organs in the human body. How are their duties distributed?”

Qi Bo responded: “Your question is quite thorough! Allow me to elaborate. The heart is the sovereign, the ruler of the entire body, governing the mind, spirit, and consciousness. The lungs are the prime minister, assisting the ruler by regulating the body’s vital energy. The liver, associated with anger, is like a valiant general, and thus called the general of the body, from which strategies originate. The Pericardium, surrounding the heart and conveying its commands, is the minister of internal affairs, relaying the heart’s joy. The spleen and stomach, responsible for processing and distributing food, are the granary officials, ensuring the digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients. The large intestine is the official of conveyance, transporting waste to be excreted. The small intestine, the official of reception, further differentiates pure from impure substances received from the stomach. The kidneys, known as the officials of strength, empower the body with vigor and skill. The triple burner (San Jiao) is the official of waterways, ensuring the smooth passage of fluids. The bladder, the official of the reservoir, stores and excretes urine through the process of transformation.”

“These twelve officials, though having distinct roles, must function in harmony without discord. If the ruler is wise and clear-sighted, the subordinates will be stable and normal. By applying these principles to health maintenance, one can achieve longevity and remain free from serious illness. When applied to governance, it ensures a prosperous and thriving nation. However, if the ruler lacks wisdom and clarity, the twelve officials, including the ruler himself, will face danger, leading to blocked functions and severe harm to the body. In such a scenario, discussing health and longevity is futile, as it only invites disaster and shortens life. Similarly, a ruler’s incompetence jeopardizes governance, necessitating utmost vigilance.”

“The profound principles are subtle and elusive, their transformations endless. Who can fully comprehend their origins? It is indeed challenging! Scholars diligently explore these mysteries, but who can grasp their essence? These principles are obscure, like being veiled, making it difficult to discern their core. Minute quantities accumulate exponentially, transforming into the diverse world we see. The Yellow Emperor said: ‘I have heard a clear and pure explanation of these profound principles. This is indeed the foundation of a great sage’s endeavors. Such a grand theory, if not approached with dedicated practice and chosen auspicious days, would be unworthy of acceptance.’ Thus, the Yellow Emperor selected an auspicious day, stored these writings in the Ling Tai Lan Room, ensuring their preservation for future generations.”