The analysis of disease in oriental medicine is based on a concept called ‘zangfu’. The zang are solid and the fu are hollow organs. The focus of Chinese medicine on the different organs reflects the increased reliance on concepts therein. Other major concepts are ‘yin yang’ and the ‘5 elements’.
The Urinary Bladder
According to Western medical concepts, the urinary bladder is responsible for the storage and excretion of urine. In traditional Chinese medicine, its functionality is extended considerably. During urine production, liquids are transformed in various ways; this is one of the functions of the urinary bladder according to our thinking. The extent to which the bladder performs lies almost entirely on the kidney yang. Where the kidney is yang deficient, the bladder lacks the sufficient heat and qi to effectively transform fluids into urine. The most vivid result, in this case, is clear urine that is excreted relatively more.
The Kidney
The kidney is referred to as the shen 腎 in Traditional Chinese medicine and refers to two viscera that are found on either sides of the spine. Rather than the anatomical organ inferred by western medical concepts, the kidney is compromised of various interrelated parts. The kidneys are associated with the “Ming Men” and “the Gate of Vitality”. The kidney is known as the organ of fire and water, the sea of essence, the main determination of life and death, and the dwelling of yin and yang. As a zang organ, the kidney is a yin organ storing the essence of life.
For a personal consultation with our registered Chinese medicine practitioner, please call 03 5956 7011 or book an appointment online
The analysis of disease in oriental medicine is based on a concept called ‘zangfu’. The zang are solid and the fu are hollow organs. The focus of Chinese medicine on the different organs reflects the increased reliance on concepts therein. Other major concepts are ‘yin yang’ and the ‘5 elements’. As there are 12 meridians and only 5 elements, we have two additional organs to make up 12. These are:
The Pericardium
The pericardium is referred to as the heart protector. For Chinese medicine purposes, the pericardium is referred to as a yin organ; it is mainly paired with the San Jiao (triple burner) which is a yang organ. This organ is said to prevent the heart from external pathogenic attacks. Most heart problems are normally approached through the pericardium as opposed to a direct approach. This is due to the heart being the ‘emperor’ the sovereign and it’s not touched so the pericardium (the heart envelope) will be treated instead. The pericardium operates at its optimum between 7pm and 9pm.
The Triple Burner or San Jiao
The triple burners is known as the san jiao in Chinese medicine. The organ is responsible for the passage of fluids and heat throughout the body. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases may directly be linked to the triple burner not functioning effectively. With the main trunk of the body, we differentiate between upper, middle and lower burner. It is a general metaboliser or a pathway to fluid, gas and heat to flow through.
For a personal consultation with our registered Chinese medicine practitioner, please call 03 5956 7011 or book an appointment online
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has not a know cause, however, recent findings link it go genetic predisposition. This means that if you have relatives with restless legs, you are more likely to experience it as well.
As a secondary symptom, restless legs are associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (any damage or disease of the nerves that impairs sensation, movement or gland function depending on which nerves are affected).
Restless legs syndrome is a condition where there is an uncomfortable feeling (itching, pulling, twitching, creepy crawly sensations) in the legs, and an incredible urge to move those legs. The symptoms are often worse at night or when relaxed.
5 – 10% of the adult population in Australia could be affected by it. The conditions is more typical in adults older than 45 years of age, but both females and males are equally affected.
How do we differentiate RLS in Chinese medicine?
In Chinese medicine, we associate restless legs with several patterns. To establish the pattern, we will be taking other aspects of your physiology into consideration and will also check out and relate other symptoms.
As basis of our diagnosis there is always yin and yang, Excess and deficiency, interior or exterior. In general, it’s often a combination of several factors. Once, we have found the pattern, we will treat endeavor to restore balance by addressing that pattern. Theoretically, this will resolve the restless legs.
Example of patterns in restless legs syndrome:
Qi & blood deficiency
If vital substances of the body are lacking or are deficient, physiological function will be impaired. In the case of restless legs, the aspect of blood (not flowing harmoniously around physical structures of the body) will be playing a major role. Blood deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean that blood is physically lacking but blood is not nourishing in the right place at the right time.
In todays societies of stress and ongoing pressure and tension, coupled with sub-optimal diet and a balanced lifestyle, it’s easy to run out of juice (qi and blood)!
With this pattern, the symptoms will most likely be intermittent and will be aggravated when feeling more tired.
Blood stasis blocking channels and collaterals
Once blood deficiency has been present for some time, the blood becomes stagnant, as the body is no longer able to overcome the deficiency. Hence the sensations will be more constant and stronger, perhaps more stabbing and intense pain and discomfort each time you sit or rest. This pattern might be more predominant the elderly patients as naturally, the blood becomes weaker later in life.
Coldness and dampness blocking the meridians
If there is more heaviness or a distending sensation, twitching and a legs that are cold to touch, it could be caused by damp obstruction. In this case, the symptoms will be aggravated by too much cold or damp/phlegm producing (acidic) food such as dairy, sweets, meats and uncooked food.
Dampness combined with heat in the lower part of the body
If there is more burning and perhaps swelling with your legs, you could suffer from damp-heat obstruction of the lower burner. This means, that dampness and heat have combined in the lower part of the body which will block the meridians and prevent the blood and qi from flowing uninterruptedly.
Once we have established the pattern that causes your restless legs syndrome, we will apply treatment (acupuncture and/or herbal medicines and or Tui Na massage). This will improve the quality of your sleep and most likely increase your health in general.
The analysis of disease in oriental medicine is based on a concept called ‘zangfu’. The zang are solid and the fu are hollow organs. The focus of Chinese medicine on the different organs reflects the increased reliance on concepts therein. Other major concepts are ‘yin yang’ and the ‘5 elements’.
The Heart
The heart is considered as the emperor among the organ in Chinese medicine. The inner-outer relationship is with the small intestine, and they are both part of the fire element. The heart is also responsible for governing the blood (xue) and is in charge of the blood vessels. The wellness of the heart is said to reflect in one’s facial colour and expression. The functionality of the heart is exceedingly strong between 11am and 1pm. A malfunctioning heart is characterized by insomnia, poor memory, arrhythmia, palpitations, and restlessness among others.
Small Intestine
The small intestine is considered to be a fu organ, in line with the zang fu theory. It’s most important responsibility is the management of the separation of the clear food essences from the turbid. The essence of grain and water, and a large amount of fluid is termed as “the clear”. The body will assimilate this part as energy by the spleen. From there it is distributed throughout the whole body. At the same time, the turbid is transferred downwards to the large intestine while the useless water is directed towards the bladder. A slight disorder in the small intestine is mainly characterized by failure to separate the clear from the turbid. The disorders associated with such a failure include urinary and stool disturbances, scanty urine, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain among others. The fire element (manifesting as those two organs) is associated with the emotion of joy.
For a personal consultation with our registered Chinese medicine practitioner, please call 03 5956 7011 or book an appointment online
The analysis of disease in oriental medicine is based on a concept called ‘zangfu’. The zang are solid and the fu are hollow organs. The focus of Chinese medicine on the different organs reflects the increased reliance on concepts therein. Other major concepts are ‘yin yang’ and the ‘5 elements’.
The Stomach
The stomach is paired with the spleen. They are related to the element of earth. The emotions associated with these organs are those of stress, anxiety and worry. The stomach is responsible for controlling the ripening and rotting of food. After the process of fermentation, the refined essence resulting from food is extracted by the spleen. The stomach is also responsible for transporting different food essences. As such, strong energy is associated with a strong stomach qi. Where the stomach has a reduced qi to transport the food essences to the whole body, fatigue is experienced. Controlling the descending of the qi also lies within the functionality of the stomach. For the stomach to function accordingly, it is imperative to have the right amount of liquids.
The Spleen
The spleen is a zang organ and it is considered to be a yin organ that is associated with the stomach. The spleen is responsible for extracting and governing the transportation and absorption of food essences. So the purer the energy of your food, the easier it will be assimilated by the spleen. All food essences are subsequently distributed to the other zang organs. The limbs and muscles are governed by the spleen as well and the flesh often represents the state of the spleen. Furthermore, the spleen’s functionality is said to be stronger between 9 and 11am. Ideally, when the spleen functions accordingly, digestion is good. This, in turn, leads to strong muscles and efficient circulation and movement of the body. On the other hand, a dysfunctional spleen is characterized by malnutrition, excessive bleeding, diarrhea, and edema among other symptoms as well.
For a personal consultation with our registered Chinese medicine practitioner, please call 03 5956 7011 or book an appointment online
