Tag: fitness

The TCM Connection: How the Body’s Orifices Relate to Organs and How to Use for Self-Diagnosing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ is associated with specific orifices, reflecting the deep interconnection between the body’s internal systems and external openings. Here’s a breakdown of these relationships:

Zang (Yin) Organs and Their Corresponding Orifices:

  1. Liver (肝) – Eyes (目)
    • The Liver stores Blood and nourishes the eyes. Poor Liver function can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, or floaters.
  2. Heart (心) – Tongue (舌)
    • The Heart governs Blood and houses the Shen (mind/spirit), which manifests in speech and tongue appearance. Issues like a pale tongue may indicate Heart Blood deficiency, while a red tongue with ulcers could point to Heart Fire.
  3. Spleen (脾) – Mouth and Lips (口, 唇)
    • The Spleen controls digestion and transformation of food. A weak Spleen may result in a poor appetite, swollen tongue, or pale lips.
  4. Lungs (肺) – Nose (鼻)
    • The Lungs control respiration and are connected to the nose. Conditions like nasal congestion, loss of smell, or a runny nose often relate to Lung imbalances.
  5. Kidneys (肾) – Ears (耳) and Urethra/Anus (二阴)
    • The Kidneys store Essence (Jing) and govern growth and aging, which influence hearing and ear health. Tinnitus or hearing loss can be a sign of Kidney deficiency.
    • The Kidneys also influence the lower orifices (urethra and anus), affecting urination and defecation.

Fu (Yang) Organs and Their Orifices:

  • While the Yang Fu organs (Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder, San Jiao) do not directly control external orifices, they interact with the Zang organs to support their functions.

Below is a table for your reference

Each Zang (yin) organ is linked to a specific orifice and external sign:

Organ (Zang)Associated OrificeExternal ManifestationCommon Signs of Imbalance
Liver (肝)Eyes (目)NailsDry/red/itchy eyes, blurred vision, brittle nails, dizziness
Heart (心)Tongue (舌)Face & ComplexionStuttering, speech issues, palpitations, flushed or pale complexion
Spleen (脾)Mouth & Lips (口)MusclesPale or cracked lips, excessive saliva, muscle weakness
Lung (肺)Nose (鼻)Skin & Body HairNasal congestion, loss of smell, dry skin, excessive sweating
Kidney (肾)Ears (耳)Hair & BonesTinnitus, hearing loss, premature graying or hair loss, weak bones

How to Use for Self-Diagnosing

By observing changes in the orifices and external signs, you can get clues about underlying organ imbalances:

  • Dry, red, itchy eyes → Possible Liver disharmony (Liver Heat or Blood Deficiency).
  • Pale lips and weak muscles → Possible Spleen Qi Deficiency, affecting digestion.
  • Tinnitus and lower back pain → May indicate Kidney Deficiency (common in aging).
  • Red tip of tongue and speech issues → Possible Heart Fire affecting mental clarity and speech.
  • Nasal congestion and dry skin → May signal Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung Dryness.

This organ-orifice relationship is crucial in TCM diagnostics, as observing changes in the orifices (e.g., tongue coating, eye brightness, or nasal discharge) provides insights into your internal organ health.

Benefits from drinking body-temperature or warm water

In Asian Medicine, the temperature of water plays a crucial role in balancing the body’s internal energy (Qi) and supporting organ function. Here’s how drinking body-temperature or warm water aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Asian healing traditions:

  1. Supports Digestive Fire (Yang Energy)

The Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion in TCM. They rely on warm energy (Yang) to transform food into Qi and Blood.

Drinking ice or room temperature, which is generally lower than the body temperature, water can weaken the digestive fire, leading to bloating, sluggish digestion, and Dampness accumulation.

Warm water helps the Stomach function optimally, reducing symptoms like nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

  1. Prevents Qi and Blood Stagnation

Warm water promotes smooth Qi and Blood circulation, helping prevent stagnation that could lead to pain, headaches, or fatigue.

Cold water, especially after meals, may constrict blood vessels and slow circulation, causing discomfort or sluggish energy flow.

  1. Clears Cold and Dampness

Cold and Dampness in the body can contribute to conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and sinus congestion.

Drinking warm water helps dispel internal Cold and supports the Kidney Yang, which governs warmth and vitality.

This is especially important for people with Yang Deficiency, who often feel cold, have low energy, or weak digestion.

  1. Strengthens the Kidney and Lung Systems

The Kidneys (associated with Water element) regulate fluids in the body. Drinking warm water supports Kidney function, preventing excessive Cold accumulation.

The Lungs control breathing and fluid metabolism. Warm water helps loosen mucus, making it beneficial for coughs and respiratory health.

  1. Aids Menstrual and Reproductive Health

In TCM, cold in the uterus can cause menstrual cramps and fertility issues.

Warm water helps maintain proper Blood circulation in the uterus, reducing pain and promoting smooth menstruation.

Practical Tips from TCM Perspective

Drink warm water or herbal teas instead of cold beverages, especially in the morning and with meals.

Avoid iced drinks, particularly in colder seasons or if you have a cold constitution.

Add ginger or lemon to warm water for extra digestive and warming benefits.

Drink warm water slowly to support absorption and avoid overwhelming the Stomach.