The theory of Zangxiang (Viscera and their manifestation)

1. The basic concept of Zangxiang (viscera and their manifestation)
(1) Source of “Zangxiang”: “Suwen Liujie Zangxiang Lun”
(2) Implication: Zangxiang also is called viscera, internal organs and the external manifestations of their physiological and pathological states.
① Zang: Implication: Internal organs inside the body.
Content: Five zang-organs, six Fu-organs, extraordinary organs.
② Xiang: Image or phenomenon.
(2) The relation between Zang with Xiang: Zang is the intrinsic base of Xiang, Xiang is the external manifestations of zang. Xiang can diagnose the changes of the internal organs. This is the method of knowing the interior from the exterior
(3) The differences between Zang with Xiang:
① Different concept:
Zang: pertains to anatomical, physiological and pathological, functional unit concept. It is a unique concept of TCM.
Viscera: internal and external organs. (Internal organs: heart, liver and spleen, etc.); (external organs: eyes, ears and nose, etc.) it pertains to morphological concept.
② Different structure:
Zang is a morphological and functional body.
Viscera: pertains to only morphological structure.
③ Different thinking method:
Zang: TCM concept. Knowing Zang from Xiang.
Viscera: knowing viscera through anatomy.
2. The formation of Zangxiang (viscera and their manifestation):
(1) The ancient anatomical knowledge.
(2) Long-term Living practice
(3) Ancient philosophical effect ：Jingqi, Yin and Yang theory, Five elements theory.
(4) The accumulation of clinical experiences.

3. The features of Zangxiang (viscera and their manifestation):
(1) Holistic view which Five-zang organs are central.
① Exterior and interior viscera connect via meridians and collaterals.
② Five-zang organs connect with body and orifices.
③ combination of shape and soul，heart is domination.
Emotions nourish by essence qi, the function of five-zang organs is adjusted by emotions.
④ Five-zang organs have close relations with essence, Qi, blood and body fluid.
Essence, Qi, blood and body fluid are generated from the five-zang organs. And Essence, Qi, blood and body fluid are the material base of the functions of five-zang organs.
(2) The unity between five-zang organs.with nature.
① Five time, five five directions, five seasons, etc. have the close relations with the five functional system of the body, which is the unity of internal and external environment.
② Asthenia and sthenia of the five-zang organs has the close relations with the changes of four seasons.
③ Regions: Analogy between five elements with five-zang organs.

4. The physiological features of five-zang organs, six-fu organs and exordinary organs.

	Functions	Shape	Features	Connecting meridians and collaterals
Five-zang organs	Generating and storing essence	Substantial organs	Storage without discharge, Full but not solid	Yes, pertains to internal and Yin.
Six-fu organs	Transporting and transforming food	Hollow cavity	Discharge without storage, solid but not full	Yes, pertains to external and Yang
Extraordinary organs	Storage of essence qi	Hollow cavity	Storage without discharge, Full but not solid （Except gallbladder）	No
Diseases of zang are more asthenia, Diseases of fu are more sthenia; five-zang organs are suitable for nourishing, six-fu organs are suitable for purgation.

Written by Hu Xiaohua

Medboo TCM training center