Understanding the Five Organs and Energy Flow in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Yellow Emperor said: The five internal organs are where the spirit and soul are stored, while the six hollow organs are responsible for receiving and transforming the fluids from food and drink. The subtle energy derived from food circulates within the body—internally, it enters the five internal organs, and externally, it flows through the muscles, meridians, and joints. The energy that is external and does not circulate within the meridians is called Wei Qi (defensive energy); the energy that flows through the meridians is called Ying Qi (nutritive energy). Wei Qi, which circulates outside the meridians, is associated with Yang, while Ying Qi, circulating within the meridians, is associated with Yin. Yin and Yang follow each other, moving in harmony, much like a never-ending loop, or the endless flow of water from its source.

However, when distinguishing the properties of Yin and Yang, there are points of differentiation, such as their roles as primary or secondary, and whether they are deficient or excessive. Understanding these distinctions allows us to comprehend how diseases manifest. By discerning whether there is deficiency or excess, we can locate the exact areas of illness. When we understand the pathways of energy circulation in the six hollow organs, we can diagnose and treat illnesses as easily as unraveling a knot or unlocking a door. Knowing when to tonify deficiency or disperse excess enables effective treatment. Moreover, understanding the locations of the six meridians in the hands and feet—knowing where the primary and secondary branches are—makes dealing with complex diseases much more manageable and leaves no room for confusion.

Qi Bo said: Such profound and vast theory! I will now share what I know. The primary branch of the Foot Tai Yang Bladder Meridian is located five inches above the heel (measured from the ground at the external ankle). The secondary branch is located at the Jingming point, near the eyes. The Mingmen (Life Gate) refers to the eyes.

The primary branch of the Foot Shao Yang Gallbladder Meridian lies between the outer side of the fourth toe and the Qiaoyin point. The secondary branch is located at the Tinggong point, in front of the ear. The primary branch of the Foot Shao Yin Kidney Meridian is located one inch below the inner ankle, extending upward three inches to the Fuliu and Jiaoxin points. The secondary branch is at the Shenxu point on the back, and the Lianquan point below the tongue.

The primary branch of the Foot Jue Yin Liver Meridian is located five inches above the Xingjian point at the Zhongfeng point. The secondary branch is at the Ganxu point on the back. The primary branch of the Foot Yang Ming Stomach Meridian is located at the Lidu point on the end of the second toe. The secondary branch is at the Renying point near the throat.

The primary branch of the Foot Tai Yin Spleen Meridian is four inches above the Zhongfeng point, at the San Yin Jiao point. The secondary branch is at the Pishu point on the back, near the root of the tongue.

For the Hand Tai Yang Small Intestine Meridian, the primary branch is located at the Yanglao point, just behind the outer wrist. The secondary branch is one inch above the Jingming point. The primary branch of the Hand Shao Yang San Jiao Meridian is located at the Yumen point between the ring and middle fingers. The secondary branch is at the Jiao Sun point behind the ear and the Sizhukong point at the outer corner of the eye.

The primary branch of the Hand Yang Ming Large Intestine Meridian is located at the Quchi point on the elbow and the Binao point at the shoulder. The secondary branch is at the Renying point, one inch below the chin, and the Futu point.

The primary branch of the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian is located at the Taiyuan point in the wrist. The secondary branch is at the Tianfu point, three inches under the armpit, at the artery.

The primary branch of the Hand Shao Yin Heart Meridian is located at the Shenmen point at the end of the palm’s sharp bone. The secondary branch is at the Xinshu point on the back.

The primary branch of the Hand Jue Yin Pericardium Meridian is located two inches within the Nei Guan point, between the two tendons of the palm. The secondary branch is at the Tianchi point, three inches below the armpit.

To assess the disease of the twelve meridians, it is important to note that those located at the lower parts are considered primary, and the lower part is related to the deficiency or excess of Qi. If the lower part is deficient, it results in Yang deficiency and coldness; if excessive, it leads to heat and inflammation. The upper parts reflect secondary conditions—if the upper part is deficient, it leads to dizziness and the inability of the clear Yang to ascend; if excessive, it causes pain and heat.

In treating conditions of excess, it is necessary to disperse the energy to eliminate the root cause; for deficiencies, one must tonify and support the energy to restore balance.

Now, let me discuss the flow of energy in different parts of the body: the chest, abdomen, head, and shins each have their own pathways of energy. Energy in the head gathers in the brain; energy in the front chest gathers at the sides of the chest; energy in the back chest gathers at the back, from the eleventh vertebra upwards to the diaphragm, and in the Bladder Meridian. In the abdomen, energy gathers in the back, from the eleventh vertebra down, as well as in the front, at the Chong Mai and near the navel (in acupuncture points such as Blind Cave, Tian Shu, etc.). In the shin, energy gathers at the Qichong point in the Foot Yang Ming Meridian and the Chengshan point in the Foot Tai Yang Meridian, as well as around the ankle.

When needling these points, a fine needle should be used, and the practitioner should apply pressure to the area for an extended period until the energy flows, before inserting the needle to either tonify or disperse the energy. Stimulating these points can help treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, abdominal pain, bloating, sudden swelling, and newly developed masses. For pain that moves upon pressure, the treatment is usually more effective; for conditions where the mass does not cause pain, recovery is more difficult.