The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine stem from ancient China and have been around for centuries. While it has transformed and expanded the core of its foundation has remained the same. This view of medicine is founded on the body’s ability to heal at all times. It embraces the duality and synergistic qualities we each possess and that can be applied to the energy from within and the energies that surround us. The wisdom, knowledge, and remedies reach much further than this guide can provide, but we will break down the core principles and provide resources for you to further explore should you wish. 

“All healing is self-healing, which means you have the power.”- Dr. Lily Choi

TCM at its very core believes in the synchronicity between nature and self. Our bodies and nature are composed of the same basic elements. There is a universal force that directs all energy. TCM uses nature as a mirror to what is happening within and has built principles that embody this truth to guide us through ailments and symptoms so that we can support our vital life force. Those who harness TCM have a goal of preventing illness as much as they do correcting it. They utilize many forms of support that help to nourish the systems within. The body is always attempting to balance and regulate. When you adopt this into your way of living you begin to become in tune with your energy and amplify it to produce harmony and peace. This affects your mind, body, and emotional well-being. 

Yin & Yang 

This is a familiar concept that has been adopted by nearly the entire world. It is the guiding principle of traditional Chinese medicine. This philosophy serves as a representation of the dual energies that make up the entire universe including our body. Yin and yang are two opposing forces that are interdependent on one another. They cannot be in balance without each other. They exist together, without yin there is no yang and without yang, there is no yin. Dis-ease within the body appears as a result of energetic imbalances (yin & yang). When there is an imbalance of one of these forces TCM works to return them to harmony by toning and and restoring. This means that if there is excessive yin and weak yang you would aim to tone the yin and restore the yang. “Tonification” = strengthening and “Restoring” = calming/reducing. A key element of this principle is to always seek a positive outcome. When a situation is present there is always something positive coming from it. The symptoms our body presents are simply there to guide you where you need to go to create balance and harmony in your life. 

Yang: Masculine, sun, bright, energy, heat, Qi, spring, summer, fast, fire, day. Yang stimulates movement in the body. It is fiery, strong, and vibrant. It fuels the movement of Qi (energy) which allows for functions like digestion to take place. It moves nutrients, and toxins through the digestive tract/organs and allows them to be properly absorbed and turned into nutrients while removing the waste. When yang is deficient then the body is lacking energy, it is weak. 

What contributes to yang deficiency? 

• Overexposure to cold: Consuming cold foods in excess, exposing the body to cold weather excessively
• Overworking: Pushing your body past its limit. Over-exertion physically depletes this energy. 
• Mental-emotional overload: Chronic stress, emotional suppression/avoidance, fear, lack of sleep all contribute to yang deficiency 

Symptoms:

• Cold hands, feet, low body temp
• Hypo-activity
• Lower back pain 
• Poor circulation + oxygen flow
• Loose stool
• Digestive issues
• Pale complexion 
• Urinary infections/disorders
• Lack of sex drive
• Infertility 
• Edema 
• Thyroid issues
• Weight gain
• Liver dysfunction & disease
• Menstrual imbalances 
• Cysts, cancer, tumors 

Supporting Yang:

• Sun exposure
• Sitting in front of a fire
• Warmth
• Regular meals
• Warming the feet, mid back, and belly button area
• Assertion in a balanced approach. 
• Foods like: Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, bone broth, eggs, rice, chives, scallions, leeks, mustard greens, pumpkin, and warming foods.

Yin: Feminine, moon, shade, cold, wet, autumn, winter, slow, soft, night. Yin energy is grounding, and calm. It has a soft nature and is responsible for moistening the organs within our body. Blood, lymph, and deeper tissues are considered Yin. When we are lacking Yin our body overheats, becomes rigid, and dry. Since Yin moistens and cools a command symptom of deficiency is dryness. When Yang overpowers Yin the body excessively heats. This deficiency presents itself when stillness and restorative practices are not present. 

Contributing factors to Yin deficiency:

• Overconsumption of stress: Staying in fight or flight too long depletes yin. This can come from too much negativity (socially, news sources, etc)
• Constantly going and never slowing down: Yin is still and calm. When in hyperactive mode constantly you are draining yin.
• Excessive alcohol/drugs 

• Hot flashes 
• Night sweats
• Flushed cheeks
• Wired & tired feeling
• Insomnia/sleep disturbances 
• Constipation
• Cracked tongue
• Ear ringing
• Irritably/ easily angered
• Dry skin 
• Excessive thirst
• Sore throat

Supporting Yin:

• Restorative movement: Tai chi, yoga, slow walks, etc
• Meditation & mindfulness practices 
• Peaceful music & frequencies
• Limiting alcohol & spice
• Increasing blood flow (massage, dry brushing, tapping, reflexology) 
• Rest 
• Foods like: Avocados, artichokes, yams, apples, persimmons, leafy greens, black beans, adzuki beans, adaptogen herbs, seaweed, oysters, pears, and aloe vera

The Three Treasures

The three treasures are the three aspects that are essential to sustaining human life. Each contributes to the overall health and vitality of the body. They are Jing, Shen, and Qi.

Jing: Is the essence of who you are. It is derived from conception and is believed to be inherited from your genetics. It is the carrier of your heritage and makes you who you are. Jing can be compared to DNA and genetic expression. It is the sum of your being that was passed down to you from your parents. The character used for Jing implies that this material is meant to be cherished, respected, preserved, and protected. It is the power source of our internal battery that allows us to execute our daily functions. It provides the energy that circulates through our beings and meridians. Nourishing Jing prolongs your Jing energy reserve. If you deplete your Jing over the years symptoms associated with early aging begin to appear. Over-exertion, substance abuse, chronic stress, and lack of rest/sleep all deplete Jing. 

Nourishing Jing:

• A healthy digestive system
• Balanced emotional response (working through trauma, stored emotions, etc)
• Using tai chi, Qigong, or mediation practices
• Meridian support (acupuncture, reflexology, etc)
• Foods: eggs, bone broths, bee pollen, kidney beans, royal jelly, black rice, walnuts, black sesame seeds. 

Shen: Shen is our spirit. “Traditionally, the term refers to the mechanism of change, the mystery of sudden and profound transformation, and the expression on a person’s face, particularly the eyes. When applied to the human body, the term describes a major part of what would be called physical vitality, mental activity, and spirit.” (Choi, 2023) Jing and Qi are believed to have formed the foundation of Shen. Shen is spiritual but unrelated to beliefs. It comes from the conscious part of our being. Activities and decisions we make from the spiritual, emotional, and creative planes are linked to Shen. The thoughts we form, emotions we feel, and the response we have to them are examples of Shen. When in balance Shen produces rational thoughts, level thinking, clarity in decisions, and an overall peaceful and calm demeanor. The opposite looks like excessive emotions, irritability, poor concentration, mental health struggles, and overall mental/emotional exhaustion. 

Qi: Energy/vital force. Qi (Chee) is the sustenance of who we are and how we function. It flows through us, through nature, and is essential to life and the direction of all matter. Healthy and vigorous Qi can energize and heal the body. It is in all things including that which we consume in the form of food. Qi contains both energy and matter (both of which impact each other and transform) Read more about this topic here. TCM utilizes two main aspects of Qi. There is the Qi we are born with that cannot be replenished, and there is the Qi that is cultivated from the food we eat is transformed by the organ system within the body. These systems directly impact the quality and amount of Qi that is created. The meridian system is how Qi flows throughout the body and is a staple concept when both exploring and applying TCM.

Blood: Blood is a key concept in TCM. It is viewed as its energy force that delivers warmth, moisture, and nourishment throughout the body. Blood is Yin and is how Qi is moved through organ systems and meridian points. The energy of both Qi and Blood are linked and cannot function without one another. Blood deficiency manifests as symptoms that severely impact our quality of life.

These symptoms include: 

• Pale complexion
• Dry/cracked lips
• Vision issues
• Dizziness
• Anemia
• Graying hair at a young age
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Short menstrual cycles
• Weakness in limbs. 

We can restore the nourishment and quantity of blood by consuming nutritious and healing food. Our digestion supports the creation of blood and also impacts our ability to absorb and utilize nutrients that turn into blood. It plays a key role in the detoxification system which is directly linked to the health of our blood. TCM prioritizes dark red foods to build blood. These include organ meats, grass-fed meat, bone broths, dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, black + kidney beans, beets, avocados, blackberries, raspberries, goji berries, cherries, pomegranates, and more. 

The Five Elements

This principle describes the five elements of earth: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Chinese medicine uses these elements to gain deeper insight into what the body is communicating about a person, their physiology, and the pathology within. These elements are associated with our organ systems, colors, senses, emotions, weather, sounds, seasons, personality type, and symptom presentation. Vitality comes from a healthy balance between the elements. Organs are a key element at play here. They are known for their physiological and psychological meanings. They represent aspects of emotions, mind, and spirit and are deeply connected and intertwined by their energy networks. 

Organ networks are broken up into two types: Zang and Fu. Zang organs are Yin they store essence: The liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. Fu organs are Yang they receive and transport energy: Gallbladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, and the bladder. Yang organs are partnered with Yin organs (balance and harmony). The organ systems rely on each other for optimal health and rely on balance to perform optimally. They hold different roles and create space to perform, on the other hand, they can restrict and negatively influence each other when out of balance. Yang organs transmit nutrients and are “hollow” allowing them to transport, fill, and empty. Yin organs are “solid” and stored. They house substances like blood. 

The Liver System— Partnering organ: Gallbladder | Element: Wood | Sense: Eyes | Tissue: Tendons | Emotion: Anger | Season: Spring | Environment: Wind | Color: Green | Taste: Sour | Time: 1 am - 3 am | Gallbladder: 11 pm - 1 am 

Symptoms of dysfunction: constipation, irritability, teeth grinding, prostate inflammation, impatience, hip pain, thyroid issues, toenail discoloration, restless, low energy, allergies, headaches, depression, gloom, indecisiveness, irrationality, impulsive anger, feeling out of control, overheating, anger, digestive issues, waking between 11 pm- 3 am, tightness, decreased mobility, gallbladder stones, irritated eyes, cravings four sour, nightmares, and pain + inflammation

Nourishment & support: Green foods (eating them warm not cold), goji berries, movement to stimulate blood flow and flexibility, freely expressing yourself, eating sour foods multiple times a week, leaving several hours between eating and sleeping, cultivating forgiveness and gratitude practices, release trapped emotions, harbor compassion, serve others, get outside, capitalize on springtime, spend time in the grass, let yourself lean into freedom and away from restriction. 

This system is our primary filter for toxins and takes a massive hit from the synthetic chemicals and overexposure to toxins that surround us in the modern day. These external stressors congest the liver system. Remember the liver is responsible for over 500 functions in the body. It is a huge piece of our health. In TCM the liver is not only acknowledged for its role in digestion and detoxification but it is recognized for its role in balancing emotions, maintaining QI, blood, and other bodily fluids. This organ is an essential factor in reproductive function. The element associated with the liver system is wood. This represents the need for flexibility. The liver requires strong, steady, and free-flowing energy. This system in balance leads to a grounded, calm, fluid state of being. You know your liver is functioning well when you can rationally, confidently, and navigate life and its obstacles from a centered state of being. The eyes are the sense organs and allow for the expression, process, and release of emotional energy through tears. The energy of spring symbolizes a fresh start. The energy during this time amplifies momentum and pushes us out of the resting/hibernating phase of winter. It is strong, vivacious, and renewal. This time signals rebirth. 

The gallbladder stores bile which is considered a pure fluid. TCM views the gallbladder as an organ that acts out the liver’s directions and is responsible for new beginnings in life. The emotional body holds the need for direct action and respect. Our decision-making skills are derived from this organ, as well as our confidence and bravery. The gallbladder plays a significant role in the heart’s ability to influence the mind. It directs and leads Shen while making space for new beginnings and regeneration within life. Important to note that even if your gallbladder has been removed the gallbladder meridian remains. Meridians are the channels of energy that relate to each organ system. You can support the functions of your gallbladder (even without one) by stimulating the acupressure points correlated to its meridian. 

The Heart System: Partnering organ: Small Intestine | Element: Fire | Sense: Tongue | Tissue: Blood vessels | Emotion: Joy | Season: Summer | Environment: Heat | Color: Red | Taste: Bitter | Time: 11 am - 1 pm | Small Intestine: 11 pm - 1 am

Symptoms of imbalance: Abdominal pain, talking quickly, laughing inappropriately, feeling uncertain, low self-esteem, procrastination, dry/dark/swollen tongue, irregular pulse, weak energy, overstimulated, over-excited (out of control), bitter tasting mouth, if you feel an increase in symptoms related to breathing + heart rate between 11 and- 1 pm then that signals heart weakness, if you experience bloating, gas, vomiting, or other digestive symptoms between 11 pm and 1 am then that signals small intestine dysfunction

Supporting the heart system: Gentle & restorative movement practices like yoga, tai chi, and Qigong, red foods support fire and energy, avoiding smoking of any kind, mediation, becoming conscious and in-tuned to the expression of our thoughts/needs, exhibiting grace through speech, San Qi herb, hawthorn berry, managing stress by immersing yourself in activities that stimulate joy, bringing more of what makes you happy into your days, restful and relaxing sleep routines, warm foods/soups/broth

The heart is the core of our being. It coordinates all physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental activities. It embodies consciousness, and intelligence, and commands your blood. It is the home to Shen. Shen relies on the blood to carry it to other organs, and the health of Shen is dependent on the health of the heart and the blood, and the heart and the blood are dependent on Shen. TCM believes that when the heart is out of balance Shen does not have a home base and will wander around at night leading to sleep disturbances such as: sleep walking/talking, waking, insomnia, excessive dreaming, struggling to fall asleep, nightmares, etc. Fire produces light. A balanced heart system produces harmony between our mind, body, and spirit. When you are your most confident, clear, and vibrant self your heart is balanced and supporting you. Words come from the heart. They represent the connection between the mind and the heart. When this is imbalanced you will feel out of control of your words. Think of the word vomit. This exhibits an imbalance in this system. The tongue is the sense organ and when you cannot control your speech or lack taste this signifies an imbalance of the heart. Sweating is the fluid of the heart system. Spontaneous sweating can signal weakness of Qi in the heart. The heart has a delicate and essential relationship to the spleen. The spleen is a digestive organ and when it is functioning and well the heart is too. When there is struggle the heart will keep the consequences as well. The liver and the heart are also tightly correlated. If the liver is struggling to maintain emotional balance the heart will suffer. The health of the heart is interconnected with these systems. 

After the Spleen extracts nutrients and essence from food and fluid it is then transported to the Small Intestine. The small intestine processes that which the stomach was unable to. This is no small task and is impacted by factors like the temperature of the food eaten. Overconsumption of cold foods and drinks makes this organ “cold” and slows down its ability to move through and cleanse waste. The cold temperatures constrict the flow of Qi and disrupt this organ system. The small intestine is responsible for our ability to absorb food, and also information. This organ separates pure and impure by teaming with the bladder and large intestine (other detoxification organs). The small intestine contributes to our mental function. It is viewed as the organ that separates clear thoughts from foggy and negative thoughts. This is highly connected to the heart and mind balance. 

The Spleen System— Partnering organ: Stomach | Element: Earth | Sense: Mouth | Tissue: Muscle | Emotion: Overthinking | Season: End of Summer | Environment: Dampness | Color: Yellow | Taste: Sweet | Spleen Time: 9 am - 11 am | Stomach: 7 am - 9 am

Symptoms of imbalance: weak muscle tone in the face, premature aging, dry/cracked lips and mouth, weak muscle tone, stiff body, anxiety, dread, nervousness, worry, cravings for sugar and sweets, nausea upon waking, no appetite in the morning, fatigue, loose stools, brain fog, swollen tongue with teeth indentations, feeling ungrounded, feeling spacey, heaviness in arms and legs

Supporting the Spleen system: Warmth is deeply healing and nourishing to digestive systems. Warm clothing, warm foods, warm drinks, ginger, rice, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, peppercorns, and cinnamon are all warm, mindfulness practices with an emphasis on cultivating awareness in the present moment, boundaries in social and professional life, nurturing yourself, ample time in nature, grounding (transferring earth energy to your body), time away from electronics, consciously choosing what to digest in the form of thoughts, music, tv, etc, eating hours before bedtime so that your digestive system can rest and reset, consistent meal times and less snacking, cultivating trust/equality, openness, eating breakfast in the morning, 

Traditional Chinese Medicine states that all disease originates in the Spleen and the Stomach. The Spleen is the source of Qi, blood, and all other bodily fluids. The Stomach and Spleen oversee digestion, nutrient/essence absorption, and the transformation of nutrients across the entire body. In addition to the Liver and Heart, the Spleen system is responsible for producing blood and impacting its health and amount. Circulation is dependent on a healthy Spleen system as well, the Spleen is the guiding force that stimulates the nourishment of every cell within the body. The connection between the gut and the brain is the governing factor in our well-being. The Spleen system is responsible for all that we consume— Including that which we see, hear, and think. These organs digest more than just food, they are tied to our thoughts + feelings. The element of this system is Earth and such as the soil, this system thrives in conditions of warmth & moisture. When we consume cold foods and drink the Stomach takes heat and Qi from the lower body to heat up. This impacts circulation and cools our body from the waist down. The end of August through autumn equinox is referred to as late summer in TCM. This is the last time of expansion before harvest. This is the ideal time to nurture your body and store transformative and vibrant energy. 

Our Stomach is responsible for digestion and is reliant on steady and strong flowing Qi. The Stomach is responsible for breaking down and transforming our food and drink. Healthy Qi moves downward working with gravity after being processed by the Stomach. When we see acid reflux symptoms where Qi moves upwards we know that there is an imbalance within the Stomach. Our Stomach ferments and breaks down the food so the Spleen can extract nutrients and essence from food before it transfers to the Small Intestine. This process lays the foundation and groundwork for our other organ systems to function. It is essential to support a healthy Spleen system to achieve balance and harmony within. 

The Lung System— Partnering organ: Large Intestine | Element: Metal | Sense: Nose | Tissue: Skin & Hair | Emotion: Grief | Season: Fall | Environment: Dryness | Color: White | Taste: Spicy | Lung Time: 3 am- 5 am am | Large Intestine: 5 am - 7 am

Symptoms of dysfunction: Prolonged cough, constipation, congestion, runny nose, nasal drip, loss of smell, skin dryness, eczema, acne, dry/brittle hair, sadness, grief, feeling down, melancholy, craving spicy foods, waking between 3-5 signals trapped emotions relating to grief, reoccurring respiratory infections, fall allergies, and frequent colds.

Supporting the Lung system: White foods, garlic, scallions, onions, garlic, turnips, ginger, horseradish, astragalus, ginseng, apples, cordyceps, schizandra, pears, creating balance within the psychical spaces you are in (work, home, bedrooms), clearing out clutter, finding balance in space, looking inward and identifying supportive habits, nourishing your needs, bathing in mineral springs, limiting/balancing mucus forming foods (dairy/sugar)

The Lung System is impacted greatly by external factors. The Lungs bridge our internal environment to our external environment and each breath acts as a link to the outside world. Lungs are the first form of defense we have against pathogens and their main focus is to manage the quality of air and water within our body. Our Lungs generate breath and oxygen and supply Qi to all of our organ systems. The Qi that operates within the immune system is referred to as “Wei Qi” and is directly impacted by the Lung Systems health. Wei Qi is moved throughout the body to warm, defend, and keep an in-balance immune response. When The Lung Qi is weakened so is the Wei Qi which leads us to be more susceptibly to disease and sickness. Conditions such as heat, dryness, cold, or dry Lungs, and large Intestine can impact the fluids within the body. The Lung system is interwoven with boundaries. These boundaries include emotions, physical boundaries, and our skin (patterning organ tissue). The skin and hair attain nourishment and support from the Lungs. The frequency of respiratory infection is deeply connected to the Lung System and focusing on strengthening this system is essential to immune function. 

Just as the Lungs breathe in oxygen and out carbon dioxide, the Large Intestine rids the body of waste as well. The Large Intestine rids waste from the digestive system. The Lungs, Large Intestine, and skin are all detoxification organs which is why they are partnered and linked together. These organs remove what is no longer serving the body. Oftentimes times there is a direct correlation between skin symptoms, sinus issues, and bowel movement irregularities. When bowel movements are compromised the sinuses become impacted (Lungs). The bodily systems are all dependent on one another. Fall is the season of this system and calls us to let go. Just as a tree sheds its leaves now is the time to let go of what is no longer serving you so that you can make space to cultivate stillness and introspective. 

The Kidney System— Partnering organ: Urinary Bladder | Element: Water | Sense: Ears | Tissue: Bone | Emotion: Fear | Season: Winter | Environment: Cold | Color: Black | Taste: Salty | Lung Time: 5 pm - 7pm | Bladder: 3 pm - 5 pm

Symptoms of dysfunction: premature aging, early gray hair, joint pain, bone issues, dental issues, hearing struggles, sexual dysfunction, lower back discomfort/pain, knee pain, anxiety, fear, resistance to change, feelings of uncertainty, overwhelm, depleted physically + emotionally, panic attacks, salty cravings, sugar cravings from 3 pm - 7 pm, blood sugar irregularities.

Supporting the Kidney system: Stimulate the teeth by tapping them, rub your ears (see Kidney meridian points), stomp your feet, cook food slowly and for a long time, soups, porridges, lamb, organ meat, bone marrow, fish, sardines, oysters, salty foods, seaweed, black foods, sesame seeds, blackberries, elderberries, black rice, various black beans, walnuts. 

The Kidney System is composed of the Kidneys, Bladder, and adrenal glands. It regulates body fluids, waste output, saliva, tears, sweat, and fluids that lubricate our joints. This system drastically influences the ears and bones. TCM refers to the Kidneys as the root of life. They store our energy, and life essence (Jing), and govern our growth, maturing, and fertility. Our other organ systems look to the Kidneys to sustain their energy needs when they are struggling. Tell-tale signs of a healthy and vivacious Kidney system are strong libido, mobile and pain-free joints, sustainable energy, strong bones/teeth, clear hearing, and a sense of peace through changes and transitions. This system is tied to our stress response. When excessively stressed the adrenals burn through potassium + sodium when they are constantly excreting cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones). When the body is burning through energy at a rapid rate without replenishment it is no coincidence that our vitality and appearance take a hit. Have you seen before and after photos of many presidents after their terms? An excellent example of a prolonged state of stress. The winter seasons call for stillness, and turning within. It is a time to prioritize Yin activities and foods. The balance of water is essential to well-being and nature. When in excess we “flood” and without we become dehydrated. In moments of overwhelm when this system is lacking we can feel flooded, afraid, doomed, and empty. As this system acts as the root of our foundation, sitting at the base of the body these imbalances throw off our ability to feel safe, steady, and at peace. Consider the feeling of your cup being empty, having no energy stores to draw from, these signal the immense call for help to this system.

The urinary bladder excretes urine from the body and acts as our filtration system. This form of waste is secreted through the Qi provided by the Kidneys. The urinary system dictates the mineral balance and production of hormones. Our blood pressure relies on this system and when there is weakness in either the Kidneys or the Urinary Bladder the partnering organ feels that weight. 

The Meridian System

Meridians are channels that channel Qi, other essences, and fluids. They are a system that allows that encourages flow and acts as vessels for energy. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes the body to be made up of twenty meridians. These channels are divided into two groups: Twelve Major Meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The Twelve Major Meridians otherwise referred to as Primary Meridians are divided into Yin and Yang groups. The Yin meridians are the arms, Heart, Lungs, and pericardium. Yang meridians are the Legs, Stomach, Bladder, and Gallbladder. Each meridian mirrors one another and is connected to an internal organ (which also connects to the Five Elements). 

The Twelve Major Meridians

1. Liver Meridian— Female reproductive system, circulation, flexibility in ligaments and tendons.
2. Gallbladder Meridian— Governs the detoxifying actions that cleanse the Liver of toxins and stores them as needed. 
3. Pericardium Meridian— Regulates the flow of Qi around the Heart acting as a line of defense both physically and emotionally.
4. Heart Meridian— Regulates the Blood flow to all organ systems. 
5. Small Intestine Meridian— Regulates + supports digestion, water absorption, nutrient absorption, and bowel movements. 
6. Spleen Meridian— Breaks down, transforms, and transfers food & fluids to the entire body.
7. Stomach Meridian— Manages nutrient extraction and distribution from food to the body.
8. Triple Warmer Meridian— Governs the metabolism and supports vitality.
9. Lung Meridian— Controls the consumption and use of energy. Directly correlated to respiratory health.
10. Large Intestine Meridian— Responsible for waste removal. 
11. Kidney Meridian— Regulates reproductive systems, hormonal balance, bone marrow production, and Blood health. 
12. Bladder Meridian— Regulates detoxification through urine.  

The Eight Extraordinary Meridians
These meridians represent the body’s deepest energetic system structures. They carry out inherited energy from ancestral lineage. 

1. Du Mai Governing Vessel
2. Ren Mai: Conception Vessel
3. Chong Mai: Penetrating Vessel
4. Dai Mai: Belt Channel
5. Yang Chiao Mai: Yang Motility Channel
6. YIn Chaio Mai: Yang Motility Channel
7. Yang Wei Mai: Yang Regulating Channel
8. Yin Wei Mai: Yin Regulating Channel 
9. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture directs the flow of Qi throughout the meridian systems by using small needles and placing them on specific points across the body. This practice originated in China thousands of years ago. These points support and stimulate bodily functions in many ways. Each point has a name and meaning that was created to bring awareness to the practitioner so they could harness and connect to the healing power the point holds for each patient. This healing practice has profound effects across the body and any symptoms, discomforts, or imbalances that are present. It can direct and move the flow of Qi across meridian appoints and by doing so stimulates an immediate healing response. It has been successfully used for chronic disease, physical ailments, and emotional imbalances. This practice along with others like acupressure, gua sha, and Qigong stimulates widespread and thorough change.

Dis-ease Through The Lens of Chinese Medicine:

Anything that interrupts the balance, harmony, and flow of Qi and Yin-Yang manifests as disease and symptoms within the body. When our organ systems are not operating from a strong place we are going to see dysfunction arise. TCM uses patterns to reveal the root cause behind various diseases. The first order of business is to address the organ system associated with the symptoms presenting rather than attacking or suppressing symptoms. Various symptoms and complaints stem from the same root cause. However, TCM can approach different symptoms similarly, but the same symptoms differently depending on the various factors that a person has. For example, some symptoms require the same remedy, but one person with a migraine can be treated than another person with a migraine depending on what dysfunction is manifesting the migraine, 

The Six Evils & The Seven Emotions

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that there are six elements that when consumed or exposed to in excessive amounts can cause pathogenic responses within the body. They are Cold, dryness, dampness, wind, fire, and summer heat. Each of these elements symbolizes and represents various symptoms and relations to organ systems. There are in-depth symptoms, and chronic illness associated with each. The Seven Emotions are the main categories to break down the various emotions we have. They are one of the most influential factors in our internal health and manifest physically. They are as follows: Anger, joy, worry (anxiety), nervousness (overthinking), grief, fear, and fright. Excess in any of these emotions severely impacts the harmony of dying and yang energy. They block meridians and impact our blood flow throughout the body. This plays hand in hand with trapped emotions (read about those here).

Each of these emotions is connected to an organ system that is the most impacted by them

• Joy = Heart and refers to states of overexcitement, and agitation. When you become overstimulated this can present as irritability, insomnia, and heart palpitations (among others)
• Anger = Liver Excess anger results in stagnation of Qi and forces the energy of the liver to rise & increase. This can cause headaches, dizziness, irrational outbursts of anger, high blood pressure, issues with the stomach/spleen, etc. 
• Worry = Lungs. Anxiousness blocks Qi and negatively impacts the function of the Lungs. The Lungs control the movement of Qi throughout the body. This imbalance shows up as shortness of breath, panic attacks, and feeling like you can’t breathe. The Lung’s connection to the Large Intestine makes symptoms associated with ulcers/constipation likely to occur as well. 
• Nervousness = Spleen. Otherwise referred to as overthinking/pensiveness is when you are thinking too much and over-excreting your mind. When your thoughts feel out of control and hyper-fixated on negativity. Anything that includes excessive mental activity can lead to imbalances. This may show up as fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, mental exhaustion, etc.
• Grief = Lungs. When you think of releasing grief sobbing comes to mind which is driven by the deep movement of breath from your Lungs. The sob comes from the force of the air releasing. When this is not allowed to come up and process/release the stagnancy of this energy deeply disturbs the harmony within our Lungs. This is why those who have experienced grief and have not had the space to process it often find themselves waking between 3-5 a.m. or have issues with respiratory function, asthma, etc
• Fear = Kidneys. The feeling of fear descends downwards creating that pit in your stomach, sinking into the ground sensation. It is also what occasionally triggers the release of the Bladder (Kidney’s partnered organ) when exceedingly terrified. The body acts to protect itself when it feels afraid and has various mechanisms in place to do so. This is by nature, however, especially in modern-day living, we are exposed to a stimulus that triggers these responses more often than our body is equipped for. When chronic and out of balance disharmony spreads throughout the body. 
• Fight = Kidneys. The primary organ system impacted by a persistent state of fright is the Kidneys. The Heart is also negatively impacted as well, especially at the onset of the emotion. Fright is unexpected and spontaneous. Excessive creates dysfunction in two of our most core organ systems. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine does a beautiful job of connecting the dots to the orchestra within our body. Our systems are deeply woven together and rely on one another to work optimally. It is an excellent source of profound insight into the wisdom our bodies hold. It teaches us how to utilize this knowledge to address symptoms of any degree and how to restore stability and harmony within. TCM values, healing modalities, and doctors are excellent resources to dive into and utilize when getting to the true root of dysfunction. There is not one symptom that a person can experience that does not correlate to an organ system in the body. These principles have been successfully healing and transforming people’s lives for thousands of years. The knowledge available to us from Chinese Medicine is extensive and by nature restorative. Even by taking the time to learn these key principles and concepts the potential to become substantially more aware of the inner workings of the human body is empowering and impactful in and of itself. 

References:
Choi, L. (2023). Chapter 2: Understanding The Body Through Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Heal Yourself With Traditional Chinese Medicine (pp. 22–22). essay, Page Street Publishing.