HEART FUNCTIONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The Heart's main function in Chinese Medicine is to govern the flow of Blood, the Blood Vessels and to house the Spirit/ Mind (Shen). The Heart is considered to be the most important of all the Internal Organs. It is referred as the "Emperor", ruling all the Organs.

According to TCM, the Heart 'opens' into the tongue, one of the body's 'orifices'. Therefore, a TCM doctor can judge the Heart's condition by examining a patient's tongue color, form and appearance.

A Heart Deficiency has both physical and psychological effects. Physically speaking, in the case of Heart Qi or Blood Deficiency typical symptoms include low energy, palpitations, shortness of breath, night sweats or fainting.

Psychologically the Heart houses the Mind and has an impact on the Emotion of Joy. Therefore, a Heart disease may cause the Mind to behave abnormally leading to depression, anxiety, insomnia or a high level of irritability.