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Chinese physiology
Heart (Xin)
diagnoses
definition
The Chinese organ Xin is translated as the Heart
It is classified as a Zang organ, which is to say Yin in nature
Its channel is named Hand Xiao Yin or Lesser Yin
» The Major Functions of the Heart include:
The Heart is the Sovereign of the Body-Mind-Spirit
It Stores the Shen/Spirit - Mind or Consciousness
The regulation of the blood vessels, blood circulation, pulse
It controls the tongue and speech (one's ability to articulate) and expresses itself in the face
Controls all Yin and Yang organs.
» Relationships of the Heart:
The channel is coupled with the Foot Xiao Yin Kidney channel
High tide in the channel occurs between the hours 11 am to 1 pm
Its "clock" partner is the Gall Bladder (12 hours away)
Its elemental pair is the Small Intestine - in the Fire phase, specifically Imperial Fire
Their color is red
Its season is summer
The direction from which its influence comes is the South
Its climate is Hot
Its power is that of flourishing growth
Its flavor is Bitter and its odor is burnt, scorched or charred
» Expressions of the Heart:
It confers the sense of speech through its sense organ, the tongue
It controls the special tissue(s) the vascular system (including the blood and pulse)
The body fluid it secretes is perspiration
Its condition is observable in the (facial) complexion
When the Heart is out of balance, pain, discomfort or abnormal sensations are frequently experienced in the chest and extremities; sensitivity and/or tension can often be palpated in the substernal area
This organ produces feelings of pleasure
The characteristic sound of the voice is laughter and talkativeness
» Roles of the Heart:
If the body were an empire the Heart would be the ruling official, the Sovereign of the Body-Mind-Spirit (who directs)
It houses the spirit known as the "Shen", i.e., Consciousness, Mind, Spirit
It disseminates Qi in all directions (from core to periphery) and downward from its position in the Upper Warmer
» Influences upon the Heart:
This organ is injured by the climatic factor Heat
is "strained" by too much walking/running (a hectic hurried lifestyle) and/or excessive use of the eyes
is "drained" by the sweet and/or bitter flavor
and is "overcome" by too much excitement, hysteria or histrionics
» Foods that are said to benefit the Heart:
grain: glutinous millet
meat: lamb
fruit: plum
vegetable: greens
» Major symptoms of Heart disharmony include:
Palpitations - Arrhythmias and heart-rate abnormalities
precordial pains and shortness of breath
Mental problems - emotional distress - nervousness
Sleep disturbances
Circulatory and Vascular problems
Abnormal sweating - ulcerations of the tongue (esp. the tip)
Speech pathologies - incoherent speech
» Shi (Excess) patterns:
Heart Agitated by Phlegm Fire
Heart Misted by Cold Phlegm
Small Intestine: Full Heat Descending from Heart
» general symptoms of Shi (Excess):
Anxiety; frightful dreams; nervousness; heavy chest; hot sweat; tongue feels numb and heavy; orange colored urine.
» Xu (Deficiency) patterns:
Heart Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)
Heart Collapses into Pericardium
Heart Fire Blazing
Heart Qi Xu (Deficiency)
Heart Yang Collapse
Heart Yang Xu (Deficiency)
» general symptoms of Xu (Deficiency):
Inability to speak; cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; memory failure; restless sleep; nocturnal emissions.
» Xu (Deficiency)/Shi (Excess) patterns:
Heart Xue Yu (Blood Stasis)
footnotes