Acupuncture 101
Concerns of the Heart
part 2 of a 5 part series
Under the scope of acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), pathways or meridians of Qi flow traverse
the body and influence specific body regions, organs systems
and functionality. Qi is considered a vital life force loosely
translated as energy. When Qi is obstructed health imbalances
result. The Heart meridian influences blood and blood vessels,
manifests on the face and opens to the tongue. Some western
medical conditions that obviously affect the Heart system
are hypertension, high cholesterol, and arterial sclerosis.
There is an age-old idea that the spirit and the mind are
housed in the Heart. We know today that the mind is more
appropriately associated with the brain, but I'm sure we
are all aware of an increase in heart rate or the sense
of heartache when emotional outbreaks or mental disturbances
occur. Some signs and symptoms of imbalances in the Heart
system include chest pain or pressure, palpitations, anxiety,
sensations of heat, and a malar flush or red facial complexion.
The
Heart, like the Liver is tied closely to mental-emotional
imbalances. Interestingly, a condition called Heart Fire
often manifests with signs of rapid movement and speech.
The Heart is the fire element in the body in contrast to
the cooling and nourishing water element embodied by the
Kidney system. The heart is the one organ that is in constant
motion and can be adversely affected by heat or a fiery
or overactive lifestyle. Qigong, an exercise based on the
principles of TCM, can specifically benefit different organ
systems in the body. There are specific exercises that can
help engender balance in the Heart system. Traditionally
the Heart was comparable to an Emperor of antiquity. Communicating
with the Emperor directly was forbidden. Only indirect communication
was allowed through an envoy or messenger. This analogy
holds true when treating heart conditions. Treatment requires
leading heat away from this fire element. In Qigong conditioning
the lungs helps to vent and cool down heart fire. Breathing
deeply relaxes the body and cools down the Heart fire.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
June 20, 2008
