Whatever condition exists at the visible level of the body means something deeper is happening within. This “something” is an imbalance in how the organ systems are designed to cooperate, since all the organs are in constant communication.
Most messages zip around faster than the speed of light! They are also intimately connected with beliefs, thoughts and emotions. Nothing is separate. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root cause of conditions exists at the invisible, energetic level first, then migrates to the physical. If there is a disconnect between organs, the body has the wisdom to send us a warning signal.
How do we decode the signals?
First, we take a look at the body’s vital triangle: Liver/Gallbladder, Spleen/Stomach and Kidney/Bladder. These three organ pairs must function well independently and also communicate with each other harmoniously in order for the body to enjoy healthy metabolism function.
Liver/Gallbladder
In Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Five Element framework, the Liver and Gallbladder is a critical team. This organ pair is the first to receive the brunt of stress on the body. Its main energetic function is to allow Qi, blood and emotions to flow smoothly through the body. This organ system is critical to women’s health. Virtually all menstrual issues and reproductive cancers can be traced to the Liver.
One of the jobs of the Liver/Gallbladder is to protect nail health. If the nails have ridges, are thin, brittle and break frequently, the Liver is seeking out help performing its functions. If the nails’ half-moons are small or non-existent, Qi or vital energy is low. It’s like a warning sign that the body is running out of gas. Migraines, particularly on the left side, are a sign the Gallbladder meridian has energy stagnation. The Liver also takes responsibility for eye function. The eyes are the Liver’s opening to the external world. Vision problems, blurry, red or dry eyes indicate Liver dysfunction.
Spleen/Stomach
The Spleen and Stomach are vital to digestive health. Belching, bloating, and burping are all signs of a Spleen-Stomach imbalance. Studying the tongue can give clues as to the energetic health of this organ system. A white coating on the tongue indicates excess cold—viewed by Traditional Chinese Medicine as a disease-causing agent. Excess heat—displayed by a greasy, yellow tongue—can be damaging as well.
Provide this organ pair with some TLC by avoiding foods and beverages with a cold temperature and essence, like salads and iced drinks. Those with a warm essence, including ginger and cinnamon, support this organ system. A skilled acupuncturist can also help re-balance Stomach and Spleen function, allowing the body to do the rest of the healing work.
Kidney/Bladder
The Kidney and Bladder also work harmoniously as a team. What kicks these hardworking organs out of balance? Often, it’s emotions—like deep-rooted fear—or overuse of the Kidney’s inborn Qi. The Kidney uses the ear—often through a challenging condition called tinnitus, or ringing in the ear—to send a signal to the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine associates the Kidney with the knee, lower back and heel—places where people commonly experience pain. These painful joints, muscles, and tendons are signs of a deeper imbalance in the body. One unmistakable sign of sluggish Kidney Qi is cold hands and feet. The body is begging for more internal warmth to keep its flame going. How do we respond to these signals and start to rebuild our low energy reserves? Rest is a main ingredient, as is warmth. Drink a simple hot tea made with real ginger root, honey and lemon juice, and warm the Kidney with a heating pad. Would-be parents need to know that infertility and low sperm count are associated with poor Kidney function.
Heart/Small Intestine and Lung/Large Intestine
Each of the organ pairs above must also cooperate with the Heart-Small intestine and Lung-Large intestine. When all organ systems function well independently, the Heart acts as the conductor of the orchestra, coordinating their vibrations into a harmonious symphony. When the body is in this beautiful state of balance, emotions and weight are balanced, digestion is smooth, and the person feels creative and energized, yet calm and peaceful. However, if the organ systems don’t operate in sync, the body will find a way to send a signal—in the form of fatigue, digestion issues, muscle and tendon problems, memory loss and more. Our bodies are truly born with amazing wisdom.