Modern View on the Theory of Channels, Collaterals, and Organs

Dr Ang’s introduction

A longtime associate of mine, Dr Mikhail Teppone, sent me his latest paper on the modern view of the theory of channels, collaterals and organs.

I am reposting his paper here. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Dr Mikhail; his contact details appear in the published article.

Abstract

The theory of channels, collaterals and organs is one of the most important, but at the same time one of the most difficult, in traditional Chinese medicine. Do we need to preserve the original terminology, or is it possible to match traditional terms with equivalents in modern medicine? The authors review the main ideas of channel and organ theory and provide their own explanation.

The authors propose that ancient Chinese doctors understood the complexity of the human body and divided it into two morpho-functional parts: cells and intercellular spaces. In their interpretation, the theory of channels and collaterals describes the physiology and pathology of intercellular spaces, while the theory of Zang and Fu organs describes cellular physiology and pathology.

Key words: channels, collaterals, meridians, organs, cells and intercellular space.

Introduction

In developed Western countries, people are increasingly aware of different forms of complementary medicine. Despite growing interest, traditional and modern forms of medical practice have often remained separate.

The authors argue that a principal obstacle to integration is the difference in views of the human organism, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the broad terminology used in traditional Chinese medicine.

They ask whether terms such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, Excess and Deficiency, Heat and Wind can be compared with terminology used in modern medicine without losing their original meaning.