The Central Position of the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the heart is regarded as the “ruler” or the “monarch” among the organs. It governs all the internal organs and controls blood circulation as well as mental activities, maintaining the harmonious coordination and balance within the human body from top to bottom.

The Two Key Functions of the Heart

(I) Dominating Blood Circulation: The Source of Vitality for Life

The heart is responsible for propelling blood to flow throughout the body, nourishing all the tissues and organs. It influences the speed and quality of blood circulation. Changes in heart qi and heart blood can be reflected in one’s complexion and pulse conditions.

(II) Governing Mental Activities: The Master of Emotions and Consciousness

The heart dominates a person’s spirit, consciousness, thinking, memory, and sleep. Emotional fluctuations can have an impact on the heart, and conversely, problems with the heart can also trigger changes in emotions and mental states.

The Interconnected Relationship between the Heart and Other Organs

The heart is interdependent, mutually nourishing, and mutually restraining with the lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys. They work together to maintain the physiological balance of the human body. Any imbalance in one of these organs can affect the heart.

The Wisdom of Nurturing the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine

(I) Dietary Adjustment: Nourishing the Heart through Food

Foods like red dates, longan, and lotus seeds are recommended for their ability to calm the mind and nourish the heart. According to the theories of the five elements and five flavors in TCM, red-colored and bitter-tasting foods are beneficial to the heart. For example, wolfberries and salvia miltiorrhiza can be soaked in water and drunk.

(II) Massage for Health Maintenance: Dredging the Meridians

Introducing the massage of acupoints on the Heart Meridian and Pericardium Meridian, such as Neiguan (PC6) and Tanzhong (CV17). Massaging these acupoints can relieve palpitations and chest tightness. Regular massage of these points helps to calm the mind, soothe the nerves, and regulate heart function.

(III) Herbal Regulation: Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation

TCM practitioners will select herbs like salvia miltiorrhiza, red peony root, and Chinese angelica according to an individual’s constitution and illness. These herbs can be made into prescriptions or medicinal diets for conditioning. However, it is important to follow medical advice and not take them on one’s own.

(IV) Emotional Regulation: Calming the Heart and Soothing the Mind

It is emphasized that emotional stability is crucial for the heart. Negative emotions can increase the burden on the heart. Keeping a relaxed and pleasant mood and regulating emotions through meditation, yoga, etc., can help nourish the heart.

The Integration and Complementation of the Understandings of the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Comparing the holistic, macroscopic, and syndrome-differentiation-based treatment approach of TCM with the precise, microscopic, and targeted characteristics of Western medicine, it is advocated to combine the advantages of both to safeguard the health of the heart.