Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine: How the Organs Guide the Body’s Well-Being

The Body as an Inner Kingdom: An Interpretation Inspired by the Yellow Emperor’s Classic

Once upon a time—and still today—there exists an enchanted Kingdom that each of us carries within our chest, in our breath, in our blood. Not a kingdom made of stone and banners, but of vital currents, rivers of essence, emotions that dance and thoughts that shine like stars.

It is a Kingdom not ruled by sword or decree, but by wise balance and deep listening. In the legendary Book of the Yellow Emperor, written more than two thousand years ago from the wisdom of a mythical sovereign who spoke with the wind and the rivers, this Kingdom is described in all its splendor: an inner Empire where every citizen has a magical and precise role.

So let us think of our body not as a machine, but as a living fairy tale, where the organs are characters in a wondrous court. Let us discover their story together.

The Heart – The Sovereign on the Throne of Blood

At the center of the palace, upon the shimmering Throne of Blood, sits the Heart, the Emperor or the Empress. Its crown is made of pure light, called Shen, the Spirit. From it radiate clarity, awareness, and the peace that allows the entire Kingdom to flourish. When the Sovereign is serene, a calm golden sun shines over all the lands. When it is disturbed or agitated, clouds of confusion envelop everything, and all the ministers lose their way.

The Small Intestine – The Wise Guardian of the Silver Sieve

Beside the Throne works the Small Intestine, the Wise Guardian. Its task is magical: it possesses a Silver Sieve through which everything the Kingdom receives must pass. With infinite wisdom, it separates pure gold (that which nourishes the Blood and the Vital Breath, Qi) from the dust that must be released. It is the master of discernment, transforming experience into pure substance of life.

The Lung and the Large Intestine – The Master of the Breaths and the Guardian of the Boundary

Clad in a mantle of white silk, the Lung is the Master of the Breaths, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom. From its lofty tower, it regulates the inner winds and breezes, distributing vital energy and defensive forces to every corner. It decides which new air may enter through the gates of the Kingdom (the skin).By its side, steady and pragmatic, stands the Large Intestine, the Guardian of the Boundary. Its task is a sacred work of separation: it retains the last precious drop of water, yet opens the gates to let go—without regret—of what has now become mere residue. It teaches the entire Kingdom the sacred art of letting go.

The Liver and the Gallbladder – The General of Flow and the Counselor of Courage

In the eastern quarters of the palace, where the movements of life are planned, resides the Liver, the Great General. Its army wields no swords, but ensures the free and harmonious flow of Qi, like rivers that must never become obstructed. It governs the emotions and acts as the strategist who prevents inner rebellions, tensions, and blockages that paralyze.At its side, ever watchful, is the Gallbladder, the Counselor of Courage. It is she who whispers the right decision into the General’s ear at the right moment, granting the Kingdom the strength to act with clarity and without hesitation.

The Liver and the Gallbladder – The General of Flow and the Counselor of Courage

In the eastern quarters of the palace, where the moves of life are planned, resides the Liver, the Great General. Its army wields no swords, yet ensures the free and harmonious flow of Qi, like rivers that must never be blocked. It governs the emotions and acts as the strategist who prevents inner rebellions, tensions, and blockages that paralyze.At its side, ever vigilant, is the Gallbladder, the Counselor of Courage. It is she who whispers the right decision into the General’s ear at the right moment, granting the Kingdom the strength to act with clarity and without hesitation.

The Spleen-Pancreas and the Stomach – The Transforming Fairies of the Celestial Kitchen

In the warm and welcoming Celestial Kitchen of the Kingdom, two powerful fairies work in perfect harmony. The Spleen-Pancreas is the Transforming Fairy. With a wave of its wand, it turns food and liquids into Vital Breath (Qi) and precious Blood. It supports clear thinking and keeps everything in its proper place, like a gentle gravity.The Stomach is the Fairy of Reception. It opens the doors of the grand kitchen, lovingly receives all incoming nourishment, warms it, and prepares it for the magic of transformation.

The Kidneys and Bladder – The Ancient Guardians of the Root and the Deep River

In the deepest, darkest cellars of the palace, where the primordial treasures are kept, dwell the Kidneys, the Ancient Guardians. They safeguard the Jing, the inherited vital Essence, the magical seed from which everything is born. They are the very root of the Kingdom, giving rise to both the cooling shadow (Yin) and the active light (Yang). They govern bones as strong as rock, luminous marrow, and unwavering will.At their side works the Bladder, the Minister of the Deep River, who manages with precision the flow and ebb of waters, teaching the Kingdom to wisely release what has already fulfilled its purpose.

The Pericardium – The Guardian of the Protective Cloak

Around the Sovereign, invisible yet always present, wraps the Pericardium, the Guardian of the Heart. It is a barrier of tenderness and firmness, filtering every visitor and incoming emotion, protecting the sacred intimacy of the Sovereign. It allows for joy and connection, but ensures that the Heart is never struck directly.

The Triple Burner – The Architect of Invisible Bridges

Then there is a special minister, formless yet omnipresent: the Triple Burner, the Architect of Invisible Bridges. Its task is to ensure that between the high towers of thought, the fertile plains of digestion, and the deep forests of the roots, there are always bridges, stairways, and open paths. It ensures that Qi and fluids communicate smoothly throughout every level of the Kingdom.

The Two Great Rivers – The Canal of Heaven and the Canal of Earth

Encircling everything, two Great Energetic Rivers flow silently. Along the back, like a cascade of golden light, flows the Governor Vessel, carrying the energy of Heaven, of Yang, which gives strength and support. Along the front, like a calm silver river, flows the Conception Vessel, carrying the energy of Earth, of Yin, which nourishes and embraces. Together, they create the eternal balance that sustains the magic of the Kingdom.

Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Visit of the Touching Mage

In this tale, Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine are not a medicine, but the visit of a Touching Mage. The Mage does not enter the Kingdom with potions or commands, but with skillful hands that listen to the winds in the meridians, the energetic pathways of the inner land.

With gentle and mindful pressure, the Mage reminds every minister, every fairy, every guardian of their forgotten role. He untangles the knots where the General’s river (Liver) has become blocked, restores strength to the fire of the Celestial Kitchen (Spleen-Stomach), helps the Border Guardian (Large Intestine) let go, and whispers to the Guardian (Pericardium) that she can lower her cloak a little, for in this moment the Kingdom is safe.

It is a ritual of peace. A moment in which the entire Kingdom sighs, slows down, and in the stillness rediscovers the ancient memory of its perfect, magical harmony.

And remember, this tale is not written on a parchment—it is alive and breathing within you, in this very moment.

PS: A Wish for Your Inner Kingdom

As a new cycle of suns and moons begins, I want to send a special wish to the Sovereign, the Ministers, the Fairies, and the Guardians of your personal, wondrous Kingdom.

May the new year bring peace to your Heart-Emperor, so that its light guides your choices with serenity.

May it bring fluid movement to your Liver-General, so that every emotion finds its space without stagnation, and may the courage of the Gallbladder support you in new beginnings.

May it bring deep nourishment to your Spleen and Stomach, so that you can transform every experience into pure energy and feel rooted and supported.

May it bring vital strength to your Kidney-Guardians, so that your will remains steady and your essence flourishes in fruitful endeavors.

May it bring clarity to your Lung-Prime Minister and lightness to your Large Intestine-Guardian, so that you can welcome the new with open lungs and release, with gratitude, what has completed its cycle.

May every Minister, every channel, every breath in your Kingdom find its most harmonious balance, day by day.

Happy New Year to you, to your inner Court, and to the extraordinary journey you share together. May 2026 be a year of listening, of kindness toward yourself, and of wonderful discovery of the magic that already lives within you.

With a bow to your health and your path,

Agnese