“The Inner Workings of the Human Body”

The ancient Chinese understanding of the human body, as depicted in classical texts, offers a fascinating perspective on anatomy and physiology, intertwining physical elements with metaphysical concepts. This holistic approach not only highlights the physical attributes and functions of the organs but also associates them with specific energies, spirits, and cosmic elements, revealing a comprehensive view of health and well-being.

Lungs (肺):

The lungs are described as weighing three jin and three liang (approximately 1.65 kg), with six lobes and two ear-like extensions, making a total of eight lobes. They are considered the residence of the hun and po, which are spirits associated with the body’s vitality and soul. The text emphasizes the lungs’ role in controlling breathing and their connection to the nose, allowing the sense of smell. The lung spirits include a celestial entity named Tai He Jun, residing in the Jade Hall Palace, and a retinue of 3,600 officials. This mystical representation underscores the lungs’ critical function in maintaining the body’s overall harmony and health.

Kidneys (肾):

The kidneys, weighing one jin and one liang (about 0.55 kg) collectively, are crucial for storing the essence and willpower. The kidneys are associated with the water element, symbolizing their role in regulating water metabolism and balancing fluids in the body. The kidney spirits are six in number, including officials like the Ministers of War and Law, symbolizing their role in governance and regulation within the body.

Gallbladder (胆):

Situated between the liver’s lobes, the gallbladder weighs three liang and three zhu (around 0.15 kg) and contains three he (approximately 0.15 liters) of bile. The gallbladder’s function is associated with courage and decision-making, as the bile is believed to empower these qualities. The gallbladder spirits include the Great Daoist Lord, who resides in the Purple Room Palace, along with 3,600 subordinate spirits, reflecting the gallbladder’s importance in Chinese medicine and philosophy.

Stomach (胃):

The stomach, weighing two jin and fourteen liang (around 1.45 kg), is described as a convoluted organ measuring two chi and six cun in length (approximately 80 cm) and one chi and five cun in width (around 50 cm). It can hold up to two dou of food (about 20 liters) and one dou and five sheng of water (15 liters). The stomach’s role is to receive and process food, with its twelve spirits representing various energies and functions related to digestion and nourishment.

Small Intestine (小肠):

Weighing two jin and fourteen liang (about 1.45 kg), the small intestine is 32 chi long (approximately 10 meters) and can hold up to two dou and four sheng of food (24 liters) and six sheng and three he of water (6.3 liters). It is described as responsible for further digesting food and absorbing nutrients, with its spirits known as the Prime Minister’s Emissaries, indicating its vital role in distributing nourishment throughout the body.

Large Intestine (大肠):

The large intestine weighs three jin and twelve liang (approximately 1.85 kg) and measures 21 chi in length (around 7 meters). It can hold one dou of food (about 10 liters) and seven sheng and five he of water (7.5 liters). Its primary function is to absorb water and expel waste, with its spirits identified as the Prime Minister’s Emissaries, similar to the small intestine.

Bladder (膀胱):

The bladder, weighing nine liang and two zhu (around 0.45 kg), measures nine cun in length and can hold up to nine sheng and nine he of urine (9.9 liters). It is described as a vessel that stores and expels urine, with its spirits managing the fluid balance in the body.

Oral Cavity and Tongue (口舌):

The mouth is described as being two cun and a half wide, with a tongue that weighs ten liang (0.5 kg) and measures seven cun in length. The tongue’s ability to articulate speech and sense taste is highlighted, with the description emphasizing its role in communication and sensory perception.

Esophagus and Throat (咽喉):

The esophagus weighs ten liang (0.5 kg) and is one chi and six cun long (around 50 cm). It serves as the passage for food and liquids, connecting the mouth to the stomach. The throat, weighing twelve liang (0.6 kg), is described as being hollow and serving as the pathway for breathing and swallowing.

Rectum and Anus ():

The rectum and anus are described as weighing twelve liang (0.6 kg) and measuring eight cun wide, with a length of two chi and eight cun (around 85 cm). They are responsible for expelling waste from the body, with the anus likened to a gateway, reflecting its function in the digestive system.

Meridians and Energy Channels (经络):

The text also details the meridians, or energy channels, through which qi (vital energy) flows. The hand’s three yang meridians are described as extending from the hand to the head, measuring five chi in length. The three yin meridians of the hand reach from the hand to the chest, measuring three chi and five cun. The leg’s three yang meridians extend from the foot to the head, measuring eight chi, while the three yin meridians extend from the foot to the chest, measuring six chi and five cun. Additionally, the text describes the two qiao meridians of the legs and the Du and Ren meridians, which run along the spine and midline of the body, respectively.

This ancient anatomical and physiological knowledge illustrates the complex interplay between the physical body and the metaphysical elements. The organs and meridians are not just physical structures; they are seen as dynamic entities governed by spirits and cosmic forces. This holistic view underscores the importance of balance and harmony in maintaining health, as disruptions in this delicate equilibrium can lead to illness. The detailed descriptions of the organs, their associated spirits, and functions provide a unique insight into how ancient Chinese medicine viewed the human body, blending empirical observation with philosophical and spiritual beliefs.