Colors and Organ Systems of Chinese Medicine

beautiful flowersEvery Organ is associated with a color

The connection of body-mind-emotions-spirit is woven into all aspects of Classical Chinese medicine. As humans, we are understood to be fully in a relationship with Nature. Nature is full of colors; as reflections of Nature, we have colors also.
Organ Systems are webs of relationships within the human body and mind. Every Organ System is made up of an organ, such as the heart; it also has many corresponding attributes, both physical and energetic. This web of associations reflects the holistic perspective of Chinese medicine.

5 colors of Chinese MedicineThe 5 Colors

  1. Red is associated with the Heart Organ System
  2. Yellow is associated with the Spleen Organ System
  3. White is associated with the Lung Organ System
  4. Blue/Black is associated with the Kidney Organ System
  5. Green is associated with the Liver Organ System

Practitioners of Chinese medicine become keen observers of these colors. We look for these colors in the face in particular, but we also notice what colors a person may be drawn to consistently. For instance, are most of your clothes a particular color? Are you strongly attracted to a particular color?

Being a good observer takes practice.

Being able to differentiate these colors on living people of different skin color takes practice. Observation is a key skill for practitioners of Chinese medicine because our evaluation of the Organ Systems is based on observation. Develop your observation skills by noticing different shades of color, brightness, and texture in the faces of those around you. Over time, you will be able to decipher these colors in most people.

Cindy Black

Cindy Black is the Founder of Big Tree School of Natural Healing and the author of Meridian Massage, Pathways to Vitality. She is appreciated for her ability to make the complex accessible, fun, and practical.

5 Comments

  1. Susie Mann on July 17, 2023 at 7:12 pm

    I think Michelle,
    You are seeing the client’s aura from time to time. It is something anyone can learn. When I am dowsing I sometimes see a violet shimmer around the pendulum or rods. It has increased with time. I have also see auras in trees as well as around people.
    Susie.

  2. Kathleen on February 9, 2021 at 5:56 am

    This system reminds me of Jin Shin Jytsu, by Mary Burmister.

  3. Michele on March 27, 2017 at 1:08 am

    I see flashes of color on my clients and have for years. But I see more than what is listed here such as lavender and pink and magenta. Any idea what I am seeing? It is quick flashes mostly small circles. But have been other shapes.

    • Cindy Black on March 29, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Michele,
      Thanks for commenting. I know other people who see colors while they are working, I’m not sure what to make of it as I don’t have the experience myself. I do think it is worth your time to notice all that you can about what you are seeing – there are many ways of understanding things.
      Perhaps others who know more will comment here.

  4. Genesis M. Roy, LMT, ISHA on October 28, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    Fantastic! Thanks Cindy … Excited about the awakening of the Organ System into the Meridian Massage … color is a fascinating tool in healing which I have personally explored. I can feel how wonderful the combination along with the other parts of our study will bring, there is a phrase that says, “The parts are greater than the whole” … Aaahhhhh, Thank you for Blessing us with your teaching skills that awaken this knowledge of TCM.

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