The Heart Ruler of Joy and Sadness

By Anne C. Crowley, MAc, LAc

LaPlata Acupuncture and Healing Arts

. http://www.laplataacupuncture.com

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The Heart Ruler of Joy and Sadness

As in Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine views the heart as the ruler and supreme controller of the body. Chinese Medicine would call it “the Emperor.” If the Emperor is not functioning well, no one in the kingdom is quite happy. When the heart organ is out of balance in Chinese Medicine, a patient can experience palpitations, anxiety, redness on the tip of the tongue, insomnia, a feeling of being out of control. In a state of balance, the heart ensures the blood is circulating freely in the body and nourishing the other organs. It is the benevolent ruler of the kingdom; sitting back and watching the other organs (e.g. liver, kidney) do their work.
The emotions of the heart and the fire element are joy and sadness. Great joy and elation can be felt from a healthy heart. When sadness or depression sets in, the heart is out of balance. For example, sexual abuse at a young age can lead to a heart imbalance later. This is the greatest betrayal that the heart must overcome. Other insults to the heart are things such as disappointment, hurtful comments, or a love that wasnt (the broken heart.)
When the heart is not settled at night, this can often lead to insomnia. Chinese acupuncture and herbs can balance the heart “official” to restore the body to health. With continued treatment, a sense of ease can come over the body and better coping mechanisms for stress can result. This results in a more healthy heart and less chance of insult or interruption to its important duty as ruler of the body.
There are three other fire meridians/organs that support the heart directly. The small intestine is the partner to the heart and is about sorting, discerning, and prioritizing important information for the heart to consider. The small intestine decides what is even important enough to make it to the heart. It separates the pure from the impure. People with small intestine out of balance can feel scattered and have trouble prioritizing what is important in the life. In balance, great clarity results and important distinctions can be made.
The other two officials of the fire element, the triple energizer and the pericardium, support the heart. The triple energizer controls the water in the body, and maintains proper temperature and the pericardium protects the heart from any unnecessary threats. When the pericardium is strengthened, the heart is protected from any unwanted insults.
While the heart organ is present in all of us, some of us may be more affected by an imbalance in the “official” than others. Regular acupuncture and herbs can lead to a smoother flow within the organ. Aerobic exercises or walking can certainly help with the circulation function of the heart. Qi Gong exercises can also help to strengthen the meridian, and meditation will aid in reducing stress on the organ. So at a time when we are so focused on our heart, lets pay attention and give our heart all the support it needs.