Each channel has a pathway that connects to the internal organs and also to the brain. An electrical energy or Qi circulates through these meridians and it is by needling acupuncture points you can affect a change in the organs function and thereby relieve the associated symptoms.

Every internal organ has associated symptoms that manifest when it is malfunctioning, so when the stomach and Spleen/Pancreas energy is low there is a craving for sweet food, tiredness, muscle problems, loose stools, excess phlegm, gum ulcers, blood sugar problems and weight gain and a tendency to mentally procrastinate.

The functioning of the stomach and Spleen/Pancreas affects the condition of all the body muscles, inversely, when we exercise it improves the function of these organs. In late summer, August and September, these organs are more susceptible to problems.

The organs also have a peak and low functioning time during the 24 hour clock. So the Stomachs function is at its peak between 7:00-9:00 a.m. as we have more digestive enzymes in the morning, and less in the evening when the stomachs function is low between 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hence the old adage, Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince and Supper like a Pauper.

The function of the internal organs affects the mind in a particular way. If the Liver and the Gall Bladder are below par, the ability to plan and make decisions is impaired, people may be quick to anger or prone to resentment, will not see clearly and can be prone to depression and eye problems. The tissues connected to the Liver and Gall Bladder are the tendons and ligaments, so inflexibility and stiffness are symptoms related to a malfunction in these organs. It is also been proven scientifically that excess alcohol affects the executive functions of planning and decision making. In spring, especially February and March, these organs are more vulnerable, thus light diet, fasting and no alcohol at this time of year is very beneficial.

If the Kidney and Bladder organs are weak, a person’s determination will be impaired. There can be tiredness in the afternoon. The person is prone to fear and anxiety, as well as often having back problems and are more prone to bone problems, apathy and seasonal affective disorder and adrenal fatigue. The months of December and January are important to treat these organs. Winter is a time for conserving energy and people benefit from having some rest.

The Heart and Small Intestine are paired and if their functions are affected, people may have problems with addiction and control over alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling and food. The blood vessels and circulation will be more vulnerable and there may be difficulty hearing. They often have a high inflammatory response and are more prone to ulcers

Finally, if the Lungs and Large Intestine are not functioning efficiently, there may be problems with communicating, lack of sense of smell and when the Lungs are weak people are more prone to catching colds. If grief is repressed it will adversely affect the Lungs. The month of October pertains to the lungs and November to the colon traditionally it was a month associated with detoxification.