Organs in TCM vs. Western Biology

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the Zàng-Fǔ (脏腑) system refers to internal Organs, but these are functional systems, not anatomical structures. They include not only the physical organ but also a network of physiological, emotional, and energetic roles. So when TCM says "Kidney" or "Lung," it doesn't just mean the physical kidney or lung tissue—it refers to a broader set of relationships and functions.

For example:

• The Kidney (肾 Shèn) in TCM is responsible for storing jīng (essence), governing birth, growth, reproduction, and bones. It also controls water metabolism and is linked to willpower.
• The Lung (肺 Fèi) governs qì and respiration, but also controls the skin and body hair, regulates water passages, and is associated with grief.
• Western medicine, on the other hand, focuses on anatomical and biochemical roles: the pancreas regulates blood sugar through insulin and glucagon; the lungs oxygenate blood; the kidneys filter waste.

Example: Diabetes in TCM

In TCM, what we call "diabetes" in Western medicine is traditionally categorized under "Xiaoke" (消渴) in TCM, meaning "wasting and thirsting" disorder. It's characterized by excessive thirst, hunger, urination, and weight loss. These symptoms are interpreted not in terms of insulin resistance, but in terms of yin deficiency, dryness, and heat affecting the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems.

• Lung Yin deficiency leads to thirst and dryness.
• Stomach and Spleen disharmony leads to excessive hunger and digestive issues.
  Kidney Yin deficiency manifests as excessive urination and fatigue.
• The pancreas, while central to diabetes in biomedicine, is not classified as a distinct Organ in TCM. Some of its functions (like producing insulin and regulating digestion) are understood to fall under the roles of the Spleen and Stomach.

Why It Matters

This difference affects treatment. TCM treatments for diabetes don't aim to "increase insulin" directly. Instead, they nourish yin, clear heat, and strengthen Spleen and Kidney qi, often with herbs, acupuncture, and dietary therapy. For example, someone with thirst, red tongue, and a thin rapid pulse might get herbs to cool and moisten.

So when a TCM article says diabetes may be attributed to Kidney or Lung dysfunction in TCM, it's speaking in terms of functional imbalance, not physical organ failure.

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