"The Heart holds the office of lord and sovereign. The radiance of the spirit stems from it."
Su Wen Chapter 8
- 1. Governs the blood.
- 2. Controls the blood Vessels.
- 3. Houses the Spirit (Shen).
- 4. Manifests in the complexion.
- 5. Opens into the tongue.
- 6. Controls sweat.
Governs blood.
Heart is of utmost importance for blood production according to Chinese medicine. It is in the heart that the food Qi transforms into blood. Other organs as well influence the production of blood in the body. So if the heart is weak then there the is possibility of blood deficiency. It is the heart Qi that keeps the blood moving within the body. So strong circulation is important for many aspects. For example memory, warm feet and hands and clarity in emotions. As well healthy blood anchors the Shen or our spiritual connection.
Controls the blood vessels.
The heart controls the blood vessels. If heart Qi is deficient, than the pulse is weak. Hardening of the blood vessels is related to blood stagnation.
Houses the spirit.
In Chinese medicine the heart is called the Supreme Controller. It is in the heart that the so called Shen resides. Shen is the main spirit of all the other spirits are related to other Yin organs. It is in the heart that we can find most of the weaknesses of our mental state.
Manifests in the complexion.
If heart blood is full and abundant than the complexion will be slightly reddish and alive. If the blood is deficient then the face would be pale and life less. If there is heat in the heart the face might be red. If there is blood stagnation it will be purple or dark. The state of other organs is as well involved.
Opens into the tongue.
The relationship of the heart to the tongue manifests in the same way through colour like in the face. If there's heart heat there can be ulcers. Talking is influenced by the heart. For example stuttering or other speech impairment is related to imbalance in the heart energy.
Controls sweat.
The blood and the blood pressure keep its balance by exchanging fluids. If the blood is too thick the fluids would enter the vessels and if it's too thin fluids would exit the blood vessels. This is one of the functions of the heart. Sweating is part of cooling down the body. If there is too much sweating than it will injure heart Yang.
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