The Extraordinary Yang Organs
Besides the regular
Zang Fu organs, in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory there are 6
extraordinary Yang organs. They function like a Yin organ by
storing essence (Kidney Essence, Marrow, or blood) and not
excreting, but have the shape of a Yang organ (hollow). They are
all directly or indirectly functionally related to the Kidneys.
Uterus
This is considered
the most important of the extraordinary organs. It regulates
menstruation, conception and pregnancy. It is very closely related
to the Kidneys, Ren and Chong Mai. Both Mai originate from the
Kidneys and have major functions of regulating menstruation,
conception and pregnancy, they also both flow through the Uterus.
If Kidney Essence is strong, Ren and Chong flourish, hence the
Uterus is nourished with Qi and blood. Since the Heart governs
blood, the Liver stores the blood, and the Spleen controls the
blood, the Uterus has very close relations with them. Disorders of
blood associated with any of these organs directly effects the
health and functioning of the Uterus, in particular the
menstruation. For example, if the blood is deficient there can be
amenorrhea. If the blood is hot there can be metrorrhagis or
menorrhegia. If Liver Qi is stagnated there will be clotted
menstrual blood and painful periods. The relationship between Liver
blood and the Uterus is very important in practice. Disorders of
reproduction on the other hand are often from weak Kidneys
(miscarriage, infertility).
The Uterus is also
related to the Stomach via the connection from the Chong Mai.
Morning sickness is usually due to changes in the Uterus explained
through this connection.
Brain
“The Sea of
Marrow”. The Brain controls memory, concentration, sight, hearing,
touch, and smell (the special senses). The Kidney Essence produces
Marrow which fills the Brain and spinal cord. Therefore the Brain
is closely related to the Kidneys both anatomically and
functionally. The Brain also depends greatly on nourishment from
Heart blood. If the Heart blood and the Kidney Essence are healthy
the brain and it’s functions are normal.
Marrow
This Marrow
according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is the common substance
which forms the bone-marrow, and fills the brain and spinal cord.
It is produced by the Kidney Essence.
Bones
The Bones are also
related to the Kidneys. They are considered an extraordinary organ
because they store bone-marrow. If the Kidney Essence or Marrow are
deficient the Bones will be weak and easy to fracture or breakage.
Treating the Kidneys can help with the healing of bone fractures or
breaks.
Blood Vessels
The Blood Vessels
are considered an extraordinary organ because they contain blood.
They can also be traced back to the Kidneys because the Kidneys
produce bone-marrow and the bone-marrow contribute to the making of
blood. Yuan Qi from the Kidneys also contributes to the
transformation of Food (Gu) Qi into blood.
Gallbladder
The Gallbladder is
considered a Yang organ and an extraordinary organ because unlike
other Yang organs it stores bile which is a refined essence.
Otherwise it’s functions are discussed under the Fu organs.
