Zang-fu

Each zàng has a corresponding "orifice" it "opens" into. This means the functional entity of a given zàng includes the corresponding orifice's functions (e.g. blurry vision is primarily seen as a dysfunction of the Liver zàng as the Liver "opens" into the eyes).

In listing the functions of the zàng organs, TCM regularly uses the term "governing" (主, pinyin: zhǔ) – indicating that the main responsibility of regulating something (e.g. blood, qì, water metabolism etc.) lies with a certain zàng.

Although the zàng are functional entities in the first place, TCM gives vague locations for them – namely, the general area where the anatomical organ of the same name would be found. One could argue that this (or any) positioning of the zàng is irrelevant for the TCM system; there is some relevance, however, in whether a certain zàng would be attributed to the upper, middle or lower jiaō.

The Heart:

• "Stores" (藏, pinyin: cáng)[7] the shén (神, "Aggregate Soul", usually translated as mind), paired with small intestines
• Governs xuě (blood) and vessels/meridians
• Opens into the tongue
• Reflects in facial complexion

Since there are only five zàng organs but six yin channels, the remaining meridian is assigned to the Pericardium. Its concept is closely related to the Heart, and its stipulated main function is to protect the Heart from attacks by Exterior Pathogenic Factors. Like the Heart, the Pericardium governs blood and stores the mind. The Pericardium's corresponding yang channel is assigned to the Sānjiaō ("Triple Burner").

The Spleen:

• "Stores" (藏, pinyin: cáng) the yì (意, Intent)
• Governs "transportation and absorption" (运化, pinyin: yùn-huà), i.e. the extraction of jīng weī (精微, lit. "essence bits", usually translated with food essence, sometimes also called jīng qì [精气, essence qi])[8] – and water – from food and drink, and the successive distribution of it to the other zàng organs.
• Is the source of "production and mutual transformation" (生化, pinyin: shēng-huà)[9] of qì and xuě (blood)
• "Contains" (统, pinyin: tǒng)[9] the blood inside the vessels
• Opens into the lips (and mouth)
• Governs muscles and limbs

The Liver:

• "Stores" (藏, pinyin: cáng)[10] blood, and the hun (魂, Ethereal Soul)
• Governs "unclogging and deflation" (疏泄, pinyin: shū-xiè)[11] primarily of qì. The free flow of qì in turn will ensure the free flow of emotions, blood, and water.
• Opens into the eyes[12]
• Governs the tendons
• Reflects in the nails

Metal. Home of the Po (魄, Corporeal Soul), paired with the large intestine.

The function of the Lung is to descend and disperse qi throughout the body. It receives qi through the breath, and exhales the waste. The Lung governs the skin and hair and also governs the exterior (one part of immunity). A properly functioning Lung organ will ensure the skin and hair are of good quality and that the immune system is strong and able to fight disease. The normal direction of the Lung is downwards, when Lung qi "rebels" it goes upwards, causing coughing and wheezing. When the Lung is weak, there can be skin conditions such as eczema, thin or brittle hair, and a propensity to catching colds and flu. The Lung is weakened by dryness and the emotion of grief or sadness.

Water. Home of the Zhi (志, Will), paired with the bladder.

The Kidneys store Essence, govern birth, growth, reproduction and development. They also produce the Marrow which fills the brain and control the bones. The Kidneys are often referred to as the "Root of Life" or the "Root of the Pre-Heaven Qi". Kidneys house the Will Power (Zhi).