Pancreas

The pancreas is an essential glandular organ located in the abdominal cavity, adjacent to the spine and other vital organs like the stomach and intestines. It serves dual functions: producing pancreatic juices rich in digestive enzymes—including trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, elastase, carboxypeptidase, pancreatic lipase, nucleases, and amylase—and secreting hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood glucose levels. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the pancreas is closely linked with the stomach and plays a pivotal role in digestion, fluid processing, muscle nourishment, and cognitive functions. TCM posits that overtraining can lead to pancreatic depletion. Scientific literature, including studies found in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and publications from the National Institute of Health, have corroborated the critical roles of the pancreas in both digestive and endocrine systems, highlighting its centrality in maintaining physiological equilibrium.