The Yellow Emperor Chapter 11 - Basic Questions - A Discourse on the Five Zang (Organs) 五藏别论

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, a foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, questions Qibo, a renowned physician, about the categorization of internal organs as zang (organs) or fu (viscera), highlighting the differing viewpoints among practitioners. Qibo explains the physiological distinctions, differentiating organs based on their functions of storing (zang) versus transporting (fu) vital energy (qi). He further emphasizes the importance of the stomach as a central energy source and the need for holistic diagnosis, considering pulse, spirit, and overall condition. Finally, Qibo cautions against relying on superstition in medical practice.