I’m a heart gal. I always look to this organ first when diagnosing imbalances at our acupuncture clinic. We call the heart The Emperor organ. A healthy heart constantly supplies the other organs with fresh oxygenated blood, delivering nutrients and circulating waste out of the body. The heart is basically a big pump and we believe that everything the body needs to heal is in the blood. Any impediment to this flow of blood causes blockage somewhere down the line and this again, is why I always look to the heart first in making my diagnosis.
I tend to linger longest over the heart pulse which can reveal old traumas and current emotional conflicts, as well as physical heart conditions. You can also determine a healthy heart in the facial complexion and in the clarity and sparkle of the eyes.
Oftentimes I will find a heart imbalance that is occurring without any of the major western diagnoses of heart disease, hypertension, or cholesterol. But a more minor heart imbalance diagnosed early on can clear a path for a long and healthy life free of the more commonly diagnosed heart conditions.
I mention the heart now because it is summer and the heart functions at its peak during the summer season. A happy heart manifests in a joyful, engaging spirit, bright shiny eyes and a moist, clear complexion. Emotionally, when the heart is balanced, we seek out others, have healthy communication skills, utilize our creativity and foster a calm quiet mind.
An unhealthy heart is anxious and restless, with symptoms of mental depression (too little joy) mania (too much joy) or other psychological issues, palpitations, insomnia, poor absorption of nutrients through the small intestine, and abnormal sweating.
Summertime, heart-season, is filled with abundant energy, long days and sunshine. We call this the most yang (or warm, active and energetic) time of year. Summer is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity, and we are most energetically supporting in improving the condition of the heart at this time. As an example, think of how difficult it is to get really down or depressed when you’re somewhere warm and sunny and beachy.
Some terms that we may talk about in your treatment:
The Heart Houses the Mind:
All eastern traditions agree on the this. In the west we associate the mind with the brain. Not so in Chinese Medicine. To get to the mind we treat the heart. By building up the blood and strength of the heart, the body is able to think and feel clearly, has a strong memory and the ability to relax and sleep deeply.
The Heart Opens into the Tongue:
This relationship is important for proper speech, taste, and a healthy tongue overall (as indicated by tongue diagnosis). An imbalance in this connection may result in the loss of taste, speech disorders, pale tongue, and more.
Diagnoses:
- Heart Yang Deficiency – early stages are characterized by palpitations on exertion, fatique and spontaneous sweating. These lead to symptoms of cold limbs, a sensation of cold and a bright pale face. This diagnosis may indicate physical heart problems such as heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary blockage, etc.
- Heart Yin Deficiency – anxiety and restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, easily startled, poor memory, fidgeting, flushing, night sweats, infertility, menopause, and a number of western psychological conditions.
- Heart Blood Deficiency – this rather common diagnosis is diagnosed in conditions where people are pale, forgetful, vegetarian, anemic, difficult to fall asleep type insomnia, pale scanty menses, anovulatory amenorrhea, hair loss
Treatment:
To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the environment of summer, ancient Chinese physicians advised:
- Awaken earlier in the morning
- Go to bed later in the evening
- Rest at midday
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Add spicy flavors to your diet to release excess heat
- Refrain from anger; keep calm and even-tempered
Acupressure Point:
Yintang: The Third Eye Point or “Hall of impression” is an appropriate name for this powerful point located right between the eyebrows. Massage this area to calm the mind, enhance one’s ability to focus, soothe emotions, promote sleep, and relieve depression and hormonal imbalances by acting on the pituitary gland.
Formulas:
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan or “Emperor’s Tonic” or works to replenish the yin and blood of the heart system. This formula is commonly used for insomnia, anxiety, high libido, flushed face, mouth and tongue sores, menopause symptoms
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang or “Licorice, Triticum & Jujube Pills” works to nourish the heart and calm the mind. This formula is used for agitation, weepiness, depression, disorientation and abnormal speech
Gui Pi Tang or “Ginseng and Longan Combination” works to boost qi, supplement blood, fortify spleen, nourish the heart and calm the spirit. This formula addresses poor memory, palpitations, racing heart, racing mind, spotting before the menses, excessive pale menstrual blood
