Foods 'n' Herbs

The Five Vital Organs and Systems 

Heart system controls blood vessels. Most cardiac problems are related to problems with blood vessels. A red complexion mirrors the color of the heart and indicates that the heart-qi is profound. A pale complexion indicates a deficiency of blood. Tongue is the opening of the heart so Chinese doctors analyze the tongue carefully to tell the condition of the heart. When someone is having a heart problem, the tip of the tongue is bright red. When we are frightened, it is natural to protrude our tongue to release the shock. When someone is having a stroke or heart problem, they become tongue-tied and cannot speak. The small intestine and the heart are a pair. When there is excessive heart fire, there is a burning sensation during urination.

Spleen system digests food, absorbs nutrients and is responsible for the production of qi. It controls blood movement to the muscles and limbs. When it is functioning properly, food is easily digested and turned into nutrients and energy. Healthy muscles indicate the spleen system is healthy. When indigestion exists, symptoms include bloated stomach, poor appetite, loose stool, low energy and weight lose. Our mouth is the opening of the spleen. Indigestion will result in bad breath, dry lips and oral diseases.

Lungs system is responsible for healthy skin and hair because they need plenty of oxygen from the lungs to nourish them. The nose, the orifice of the lungs, reflects clearly the lungs' condition. If the lungs are healthy, breathing is smooth and even. If the lungs have lost control, there are symptoms such as runny nose and breathing difficulties. Lung-qi is descending, helping to send fresh air down the system. But when lung-qi is moving upwards, it causes coughing, wheezing, and watery phlegm. Lungs and the large intestine work together. Proper elimination is dependent on the descending force of the lung-qi. Constipation is a sign of lung-qi deficiency.

Kidneys system is regarded as the root of life. It controls reproductive functions, growth and development, and metabolism of water and salt. It is also responsible for controlling the yin and yang for all the other organs. If any organ is out of balance, it will eventually affect the kidneys. Kidney-qi determines our basic constitution, strength and sexuality. Kidney-qi deficiency affects physical and mental development, infertility or impotence. Kidney-yang deficiency turns into excess kidney-yin can result in fatigue, cold feeling in both knees and the lower back, and impotence or premature ejaculation in men, and infertility in women. Kidney-yin deficiency turns into kidney-yang excess and can result in sensation of heat in the chest, palms and soles of the feet, night sweating and seminal emission.

Kidneys also control the wellness of bones and marrow. People with bone problems have kidney problems. Therefore, the treatment for arthritis with Chinese medicine includes nourishing the kidneys. Teeth are the ends of bones, so they reflect the health of the bones and kidneys. Hair is also a good indication. The ears rely on kidneys for nourishment and are the opening of the kidneys. Hearing problems are common to older people with weaker kidneys. Bowel movement and passing of urine also depend on the function of kidney-qi.