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:
- Liver (肝) – Eyes (目)
- The Liver stores Blood and nourishes the eyes. Poor Liver function can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, or floaters.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Orifice | External Manifestation | Common Signs of Imbalance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver (肝) | Eyes (目) | Nails | Dry/red/itchy eyes, blurred vision, brittle nails, dizziness |
| Heart (心) | Tongue (舌) | Face & Complexion | Stuttering, speech issues, palpitations, flushed or pale complexion |
| Spleen (脾) | Mouth & Lips (口) | Muscles | Pale or cracked lips, excessive saliva, muscle weakness |
| Lung (肺) | Nose (鼻) | Skin & Body Hair | Nasal congestion, loss of smell, dry skin, excessive sweating |
| Kidney (肾) | Ears (耳) | Hair & Bones | Tinnitus, 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.
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