Zang Fu theory

Each zang, or viscus, associates with the other zang and the rest of the body through five element and jingluo (channels and networks) relationships. Zang organs are also known as yin or solid organs, and each has a fu partner, a yang or bowel organ (see Yin Yang).

The association between the zangfu and particular souls or spirits is a later accretion and has been largely absent from the discourse of traditional Chinese medicine for at least the past 200 years.

The five elements are associated with the following Zang-Fu organs

• Wood: Liver, home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul), paired with the Gall Bladder
• Fire: Heart, home of the Shen (Aggregate Soul) paired with the Small intestine (and secondarily, the San Jiao or Triple burner and Pericardium)
• Earth: Spleen, home of the Yi (Intellect), paired with the Stomach
• Water: Kidney, home of the Zhi (Will), paired with the Bladder
• Metal: Lung, home of the Po (Corporeal Soul), paired with the Large Intestine

See also