Important qualities of the Five Elements
The qualities of the Five Elements: organs, soul and the spiritual dimension of TCM
Five Elements theory describes not only the physiological functions of the organs — it goes further and also describes the mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In TCM, each of the five major Yin organs is not only a physiological centre, but also the seat of a specific aspect of the human soul. This makes TCM one of the few medical traditions that does not regard body and mind as separate domains, but as inseparably connected expressions of one living whole.
The five Zang organs and their Yang partners
Each element has one Yin organ (Zang) and one Yang organ (Fu). The Zang organs — Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung and Kidney — are the storehouses of vital substances and the seats of the soul. The Fu organs — Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine and Bladder — are the transforming and transporting organs. In Five Elements theory, each Zang-Fu pair forms the organ core of an element.
The five aspects of the soul
Each of the five Zang organs houses a specific aspect of the soul — a mental or spiritual quality inseparably linked to the physiological state of that organ. Together these five aspects form the Chinese view of the human mind and soul.
The Shen (Spirit) resides in the Heart. Shen is the overarching consciousness: the capacity to think, feel, remember and be clearly present. A strong Heart gives a clear, calm Shen; a weak or disturbed Heart leads to restlessness, sleep problems and confusion.
The Hun (Ethereal Soul) resides in the Liver. The Hun is the more ethereal, visionary dimension of the soul — connected with dreams, plans, life goals and the direction a person gives to life. The Hun is described as "that part of the soul that leaves the body after death." During the day, the Hun gives direction and inspiration; at night, during sleep, the Hun withdraws into the Liver for restoration.
The Po (Corporeal Soul) resides in the Lung. The Po is the more bodily, somatic dimension of the soul — connected with the senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting), physiological activities and direct bodily sensation. The Po is "that part of the soul that is inseparably connected with the body and after death goes with it to the earth." The Po makes us sensory beings who can experience the world directly.
The Yi (Thought) resides in the Spleen. Yi is analytical, intellectual thinking — the ability to process information, remember and concentrate. A strong Spleen gives sharp thinking and a good memory; a weak Spleen leads to concentration problems, pensiveness and a "cloudy" head.
The Zhi (Willpower) resides in the Kidney. Zhi is the deepest, most fundamental motivating force — the will to live, persevere and pursue goals. Strong Kidney Jing gives strong willpower and perseverance; depleted Kidney Jing leads to lack of motivation, fear and a feeling of powerlessness.
Body and soul as one whole
The five aspects of the soul show that TCM has never made a sharp distinction between physical and mental health. The state of Qi and Blood in each organ directly influences the corresponding dimension of the soul — and conversely, emotional and spiritual states directly influence organ functions. Those who understand the five soul aspects understand why TCM has such a rich and holistic approach to the human being — and why treatment in TCM always touches both body and mind.