In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the small intestine is considered to be one of the most important organs in the body, as it plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of food, and in the distribution of nutrients throughout the body. Here are some of the key functions of the small intestine in TCM:
Separating the Pure from the Impure: In TCM, the small intestine is responsible for separating the pure nutrients from the impure waste products in food. This is accomplished through a process of “separating the clear from the turbid,” which refers to the separation of the nutrients from the waste products. The clear or pure part is absorbed and sent to the rest of the body, while the turbid or impure part is eliminated as waste.
Transporting Nutrients: The small intestine is responsible for transporting the nutrients that have been absorbed from the food to the rest of the body. In TCM, this function is referred to as “transforming and transporting.” The small intestine transforms the nutrients into a form that can be used by the body, and then transports them to the organs and tissues that need them.
Governing the Waterways: In TCM, the small intestine is said to “govern the waterways.” This means that it is responsible for regulating the flow of fluids throughout the body, including the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. The small intestine helps to maintain the balance of fluids in the body, and is important for the overall health and well-being of the body.
Opening into the Tongue: In TCM, the small intestine is said to “open into the tongue.” This means that the health of the small intestine is closely related to the health of the tongue. A healthy small intestine is thought to result in a healthy, pink tongue with a thin white coating, while an unhealthy small intestine can result in a tongue that is swollen, red, or has a thick coating.
Overall, the small intestine is considered to be an important organ in TCM, and is believed to play a vital role in the digestive, metabolic, and overall health of the body