{"id":8655,"date":"2012-12-05T17:51:46","date_gmt":"2012-12-05T22:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=8655"},"modified":"2012-12-05T17:51:46","modified_gmt":"2012-12-05T22:51:46","slug":"the-extraordinary-fu-organs-qi-heng-zhe-fu-part-2-of-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=8655","title":{"rendered":"The Extraordinary Fu Organs (Qi Heng Zhe Fu) – Part 2 of 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Scientific Qi Exploration<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n

The Extraordinary Fu Organs (Qi Heng Zhe Fu)<\/span><\/h1>\n

Part 2 of\u00a0 2<\/span><\/h1>\n

by Marty Eisen Ph.D.<\/span><\/h2>\n

continued from September\/October 2012 issue<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Bones (Gu)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bones are related to the Kidneys because they store Marrow, produced from Kidney Essence.\u00a0 If Kidney Essence and Marrow are deficient, the Bones will lack nourishment and will be unable to support the body.<\/p>\n

The relation between the bones and the Kidneys is also shown from clinical experience in speeding up the healing of fractures by treating the Kidneys.<\/p>\n

Western Concept of the Bones\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Composition<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bone is composed of several layers of different materials.\u00a0 The periosteum<\/strong>, outermost layer, is a thin, tough membrane of fibrous tissue. It supports the tendons that secure the muscle to the bone and also serves as a protective sheath. This membrane encloses all bones completely except at the joints where there is a layer of cartilage.\u00a0 Dense, hard layers of bone tissue called compact bone<\/strong> lie beneath the periosteum. Its composition is fibrous rather than solid and it gives bone its resiliency. Cancellous<\/strong> or spongy bone<\/strong> is enclosed within these layers.\u00a0\u00a0 It contains little hollows like those of a sponge and makes up most of the volume of bone. The innermost compartment of the bone is a hollow cavity containing marrow.\u00a0 In the newborn, bones are filled exclusively with red marrow, but as the child ages it is mostly replaced by yellow, or fatty<\/em> marrow, as described in Section 2.<\/p>\n

Blood vessels run through every layer of bone, carrying nutritive elements, oxygen, and other products. Bone tissue also contains a large number of nerves. The basic chemical in bone, which gives bone its hardness and strength, is calcium phosphate.<\/p>\n

Development and Restructuring<\/strong><\/p>\n

The major part of bone in the very young consists of cartilage.\u00a0 This accounts for the great flexibility and resiliency of the infant skeleton.\u00a0 Calcium phosphate gradually is deposited in the cartilage, and it becomes harder and more fragile. Some of the cartilage containing cells break loose, so that channels develop in the bone shaft. Blood vessels enter the channels, bearing with them small cells of connective tissue, some of which become osteoblasts<\/strong>, cells that form bone. The osteoblasts enter the hardened cartilage, forming layers of hard, firm bone. Other cells, called osteoclasts<\/strong>, work to tear down old or excess bone structure, allowing the osteoblasts to rebuild it with new bone. This process continues throughout life, although it slows down with age.<\/p>\n

Cartilage formation and the subsequent replacement of cartilage by hard material is the mechanism by which bones grow in size. During the period of bone growth, cartilage grows over the hardened portion of bone. In time, this layer of cartilage hardens as calcium phosphate is added, and a fresh layer grows over it, and it too hardens. The process continues until the body reaches full growth. Long bones grow in length because of special cross-sectional layers of cartilage, growth plates<\/strong>, located near the flared ends of the bone.<\/p>\n

Functions<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protection:\u00a0 Bones protect internal organs.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0 Structure:\u00a0 Bones support the body.<\/p>\n

(iii)\u00a0 Movement:\u00a0 Bones, skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints function together to generate and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0transfer forces so that individual body parts or the whole body can move.<\/p>\n

(iv)\u00a0 Sound transduction:\u00a0 Bones are important for this aspect, especially the ear ossicles in hearing.<\/p>\n

(v)\u00a0\u00a0 Blood production: The marrow produces blood cells.<\/p>\n

(vi)\u00a0 Mineral storage:\u00a0 Bones act as reserves of minerals important for the body, especially calcium and phosphorus.<\/p>\n

(vii)\u00a0 Growth factor storage:\u00a0 The mineralized bone matrix stores important growth factors such as insulin-like growth factors, transforming growth factor, bone morphogenetic proteins and others.<\/p>\n

(viii)\u00a0 Fat storage:\u00a0 The yellow bone marrow acts as a storage reserve of fatty acids.<\/p>\n

(ix)\u00a0\u00a0 Acid-base balance:\u00a0 Bone buffers the blood against excessive pH changes by absorbing or releasing alkaline salts.<\/p>\n

(x)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Detoxification:\u00a0 Bone tissues store heavy metals and other foreign products.\u00a0 This removes them from the blood, thereby reducing their effects on other tissues.\u00a0 Later, these can be released gradually and excreted.<\/p>\n

(xi)\u00a0\u00a0 Endocrine organ:\u00a0 Bone controls phosphate metabolism by releasing fibroblast growth factor \u2013 23<\/strong> (FGF-23)<\/strong>, which acts on kidneys to reduce phosphate reabsorption. Bone cells also release a hormone called osteocalcin<\/strong>, which contributes to the regulation of blood sugar (glucose) and fat deposition. Osteocalcin increases both the insulin secretion and sensitivity of cells.\u00a0 Moreover, it boosts the number of insulin-producing cells and reduces stores of fat.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Blood Vessels (Mai)<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blood Vessels contain Blood.\u00a0 Blood is produced from Marrow which is produced from Kidney Essence and also from the transformation of Food Qi with the help of the original Qi of the Kidney.\u00a0 Thus, the Blood Vessels are indirectly related to the Kidneys.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> Western Concept of Blood Vessels<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are three major types of blood vessels: arteries<\/strong>, capillaries<\/strong>, and veins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

(a) Capillaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Capillaries consist only of a layer of endothelium and occasional connective tissue.\u00a0 This structure allows the exchange of water, nutrients and chemicals between the blood and the tissues. <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

(b)\u00a0 Arteries<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.\u00a0 They are composed of three layers of tissue.<\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tunica intima,<\/strong> the thinnest layer, is a single layer of simple squamous endothelial cells.\u00a0 It is held together by a polysaccharide intercellular matrix and surrounded by a thin layer of subendothelial connective tissue.\u00a0 Interspersed in this tissue are circularly arranged elastic bands, called the internal elastic lamina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tunica media<\/strong>, <\/strong>the thickest layer consists of circularly arranged elastic fiber, connective tissue and polysaccharide substances.\u00a0 In some arteries, this layer contains many vascular, smooth muscles, which control the caliber of the vessel.\u00a0 The second and third layers are separated by another thick elastic band called the external elastic lamina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

(iii)\u00a0\u00a0 Tunica adventitia or externa<\/strong> is composed of connective tissue, which contains nerves.\u00a0 This layer, in larger arteries also contains nutrient capillaries.<\/p>\n

(c)\u00a0 Veins<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart with the exception of the pulmonary and umbilical veins, both of which carry oxygenated blood to the heart.<\/p>\n

The thick outermost layer of a vein is the tunica adventia, composed of connective tissue.\u00a0 The tunica media contains bands of smooth muscle, which are generally thin as veins do not function primarily in a contractile manner.\u00a0 Veins will collapse when their lumens are not filled with blood.\u00a0 Their interior, the tunica intima, is lined with endothelial cells.<\/p>\n

Most veins have one-way flaps, called venous valves<\/strong>, which are protrusions of the tunica intima.\u00a0 The valves prevent blood from flowing back and pooling in the lower extremities due to the effects of gravity.\u00a0 \u00a0Venous return to the heart is dependent upon contraction of regional skeletal muscles.<\/p>\n

The location of veins is much more variable from person to person than that of arteries.\u00a0 Many veins are located close to the skin, whereas arteries run deeper.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Uterus (Zigong)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Uterus functions in controlling menstruation, conception and pregnancy.\u00a0 In Chinese medicine, the Uterus is connected to the Kidneys by the Directing or Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and the Penetrating or Thrusting Vessel (Chong Mai), originating in the Kidneys (2).\u00a0 The Conception Vessel provides Blood and the Thrusting Vessel provides Qi to the Uterus.\u00a0 Abundant Kidney Essence ensures that these two Vessels will supply the Uterus with adequate Qi and Blood, so that menstruation and pregnancy will be normal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If there is inadequate Kidney Essence, then the Uterus will not receive sufficient Qi and Blood, which may result in irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, miscarriage or infertility.<\/p>\n

The functions of the Uterus depend on an abundant supply of Blood.\u00a0 Thus, the Uterus is physiologically connected to the Heart, Liver and Spleen, which govern, store and control Blood, respectively.\u00a0 If the Spleen doesn\u2019t produce enough Blood and Heart Blood becomes deficient, the Uterus may be inadequately supplied with Blood, resulting in amenorrhea.<\/p>\n

Menstrual irregularities often result from dysfunctions of the Liver because it stores and regulates the volume of Blood.\u00a0 Amenorrhea or scanty periods can also result from deficient Liver Blood.\u00a0 Liver Qi stagnation may cause Liver Blood stasis, leading to irregular or painful periods.\u00a0 If the stored Liver Blood is hot, then the Blood in the Uterus may flow out improperly producing metrorrhagia or menorrhagia.<\/p>\n

Reproductive disorders often result from a deficiency of Kidney Essence, since the Uterus will be undernourished.\u00a0 For example, a deficiency of Kidney Essence may result in miscarriages or infertility.<\/p>\n

The Uterus is closely connected to the Stomach via the Thrusting Vessel which links these Organs.\u00a0 Nausea and vomiting, which sometime occur during menstruation, and morning sickness of pregnancy are often the result of stomach dysfunction caused by the changes in the Uterus.<\/p>\n

In Chinese medicine, instead of Uterus, the Red Field (Dan Tian)<\/strong> or Room of Essence (Bao)<\/strong>, plays the role of the Uterus.\u00a0 It stores and produces Sperm and is closely related to the Kidneys and Governing Vessel (Du Mai).\u00a0 Deficiencies in the Kidneys and Governing Vessel may affect the Red Field.\u00a0 This can lead to dysfunctions such as, premature ejaculation, clear and watery sperm, impotence, nocturnal emissions and spermatorrhea.<\/p>\n

Western Concept of the Uterus<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uterine (Fallopian) tubes:<\/strong> very fine tubes lined with ciliated epithelia, leading from the ovaries into the uterus. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Infundibulum<\/strong>:\u00a0 first part of the uterine tube.<\/p>\n

Fimbriae<\/strong>: <\/strong>An ovary is not directly connected to its adjacent Fallopian tube. When ovulation is about to occur, the sex hormones activate the fimbriae, causing \u00a0it to swell with blood and execute a sweeping motion.\u00a0 When the oocyte is released from the ovary into the peritoneal cavity, the cilia of the fimbriae sweep the ovum into the Fallopian tube.<\/p>\n

Fundus:<\/strong> <\/strong>rounded top portion of the uterus above the opening of the fallopian tubes<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The uterus<\/strong> or womb <\/strong>is a major female hormone-responsive, reproductive organ. It has three major functions: to prepare an appropriate surface to embed a fertilized ovum and execute the menstrual cycle if fertilization doesn\u2019t occur, to nourish the developing embryo and to expel the newborn infant.<\/p>\n

Figure 6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The uterus with connected structures<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

The womb is shaped like an inverted pear (see Fig. 6) and is in the pelvis.\u00a0 The uterus and its Fallopian tubes are held in place by ligaments and folds of the peritoneum.\u00a0\u00a0 The cervix<\/strong> (derived from the Latin cervix uteri, meaning “neck of the womb”) is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus and joins with the top end of the vagina. The cervix has an opening to allow sperm and menstrual fluid to move through.<\/p>\n

The thickest layer of the uterus is the myometrium<\/strong>. It is composed of an inner layer of smooth muscle fibers, arranged in a circular pattern, a middle layer of interlacing oblique fibers and an outer layer arranged in a longitudinal pattern. \u00a0The endometrium,<\/strong> the inside, cellular lining of the myometrium, has \u00a0\u00a0a glandular (secretory) surface.\u00a0 The myometrium is responsible for contractions of the uterus, important during labor.\u00a0 The endometrium undergoes changes in every cycle to prepare for an embryo and its inner lining is shed during menstruation.\u00a0 Hence, before menopause, the womb is an extremely active organ, whose changes are controlled by secreted hormones.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Gallbladder (Dan)\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Gallbladder is considered an Extraordinary Organ because it stores bile, a pure substance, unlike the other Yang Organs.\u00a0 Its functions are just those of the Gallbladder, which were already discussed with the Yang Organs.<\/p>\n

The Gallbladder is indirectly, psychologically related to the Kidneys.\u00a0 The Kidneys control will power, while the Gallbladder controls decisiveness and courage, which are interrelated.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Johnson, J.A.\u00a0 Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy.\u00a0 Int. Institute of Medical Qigong, Pacific Grove, CA, 2000.<\/li>\n
  2. Maciocia, G.\u00a0 The Foundations of Chinese Medicine.\u00a0 Churchill Livngstone, New York, 1989.<\/li>\n
  3. Zu Bing andWang Hongcai, Eds.\u00a0 Basic Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine.\u00a0 Singing Dragon, Philadelphia, PA, 2010.<\/li>\n
  4. Guyton, A.C.\u00a0 Textbook of Medical Physiology, W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA, 1971.<\/li>\n
  5. 5.\u00a0\u00a0 Doya, K.\u00a0 Complementary roles of basal ganglia and cerebellum in learning and motor control.\u00a0 \u00a0Curr. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Op. Neurobiology 10 (6): 732\u2013739, 2000.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/strong>

    Marty Eisen<\/p><\/div>\n

    Marty Eisen, PhD<\/strong> <\/strong>– a retired scientist, who constructed mathematical models in medicine. He has studied and taught Judo, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Qigong, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. Dr. Eisen studied Chinese herbology, as well as other branches of Chinese medicine, and was the Director of Education of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Institute in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. For more information about Dr. Eisen please visit\u00a0http:\/\/home.comcast.net\/~carolezak<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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