Summer Qi Chats | Week 1

summerhearthealth
Written By Angi McClure

Does your heart control you?

This week we discuss Functional Chinese Medicine and how you can utilize the Summer Qi for health.

Connecting the science into play

Finally we’ve come upon the ONE season that everyone can relate you. From season to season, we discuss the correlated organ system and there’s not as much of a western connection to the emotional connection as is the heart.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Heart is considered one of the most important organs in the body. However, the concept of the Heart in TCM is different from the anatomical heart in Western medicine. In TCM, the Heart is not just a physical organ that pumps blood but it is seen as a functional system that includes the Heart, Pericardium, and Small Intestine.

The Heart System in TCM is responsible for the circulation of Qi (vital energy) and Blood throughout the body. The Heart is believed to govern the mind, spirit, and consciousness, and it is associated with the emotion of joy. The Pericardium is a protective sac that surrounds the Heart and is said to have a role in regulating emotions and protecting the Heart from external factors. The Small Intestine is responsible for separating the pure from the impure, both physically and emotionally.

When the Heart System is functioning well, the Qi and Blood flow smoothly, and the person experiences a sense of calmness, joy, and mental clarity. However, when the Heart System is imbalanced, it can result in various physical and emotional symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

TCM practitioners use various modalities to diagnose and treat imbalances in the Heart System, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle recommendations. The goal of treatment is to restore the balance of Qi and Blood, regulate emotions, and promote overall well-being.

 

TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER…

 

The neurological connection of the Heart system (spirit of the Shen) and our bodies is an incredible link towards healing. However, people can lose that connection of the mind to the body and vice versa due to trauma, injury and pain in general. So what happens when we lose that connection?

I have worked with people who’s spirit is affected when the brain disconnects from the body (and the body from the brain.) This protective mechanism isn’t faulty but demonstrates the need to reconnect when we’re wanting to heal and create a neuroplastic change in the body.

 

Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!

Connect

  • While the Yang Qi is at the surface - it’s time to cultivate that Qi. Waking up and going for a 15 min walk in the ‘golden’ sun can help you with your sleep this seasons. Then end the day basking the the sunset for 15 minutes to calm the heart from the Yang day.

  • Here’s a great tip: Find your heart via the finger tips. Touch your index fingers together and settle to feel the pulse in your fingertips

Angi McClure
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Summer Qi Chats | Week 2
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Spring Qi Chats | Week 13