The “Extraordinary Fu Organs” has similar functions as the “Five Zang Organs” (Storage of Essential Substances) but similar physical form as the “Six Fu Organs” (Hollowness). Therefore it is called the “Extraordinary Fu Organs”.
The Extraordinary Fu Organs include the brain, marrow, bones, vessels, gallbladder, and uterus.
Note: As I mentioned in a previous article, the organs in Chinese Medicine (CM) focuses on the physiological functions of a system rather than an anatomical organ. Therefore the organs in CM does NOT equal to the organs in Western Medicine.
If you haven’t read the introduction to “Internal Organ Systems in Chinese Medicine”, click HERE.
Vessels
The vessels house blood and are the vehicle for the circulation of Qi and Blood. The vessel transports blood, qi and food essences throughout the body.
Gallbladder
I have actually mentioned gallbladder in the Six Fu Organs already, why is it here as well?
It’s because the hollow organ and its ability to release bile are properties of a “Fu Organ”. But its ability to store bile from the liver seems to be a property of a “Zang Organ”. Therefore the dual properties grant it to be under the “Extraordinary Fu Organs”.
Marrow
The marrow is the soft, fatty substance that fills the hollow parts of the bones, the vertebral canal and the skull. And the marrow is transformed from and nourished by the kidney essence.
Bones
The bones forms the body’s shape and support it. They are also responsible for body movements.
The bones rely on the kidney essence. If one has a deficiency in kidney essence, the bone will be weak.
The Brain
The Brain is located inside the skull. It is where the marrow accumulates. The brain has the following functions.
1) Dominating the Mind
The brain is the source of consciousness, thinking and emotions. The human brain dominates thinking and memory.
2) Dominating the Senses
The brain dominates senses such as vision, hearing, smelling, etc. This depends on the brain marrow. If the brain marrow is sufficient, one will have the capability to hear and see well. If the brain marrow is insufficient, one may have a blurred vision and impaired hearing.
3) Dominating the Motion of Limbs and Trunk
The brain dominates the movement abilities. If the brain is impaired, it may lead to disordered movements.
The Uterus
The uterus is located in the abdomen behind the urinary bladder and in front of the intestines of females.
The uterus is responsible for carrying and nourishing offsprings before birth. It is also responsible for regulating menstruation.
This concludes the introduction of the Organ Systems in Chinese Medicine. Next up, I will be discussing a very interesting topic, which is the “energy channels”, or the “Meridians”. Stay-tuned!
Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac), Alex Hui created this blog to share with the world the treasures in Chinese Medicine (CM).
The Six Fu Organs