Heart (Zang)
Encyclopedia
The Heart is one of the zàng organs stipulated by Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM). It is a functionally defined entity and not equivalent to the anatomical organ of the same name.
organ. Its associated yang organ is the Small Intestine. Both Heart and Small Intestine are attributed to the Fire element.
Regarding its stipulated functions, the Heart
The Heart's function is said to be strongest between 11am and 1pm. Disturbed function of the Heart typically presents as palpitations, arrhythmia, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor memory, restlessness, or even delirium.
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
(TCM). It is a functionally defined entity and not equivalent to the anatomical organ of the same name.
In the context of the zang-fu concept
As a zàng, the Heart is considered to be a yinYin and yang
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang , which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only...
organ. Its associated yang organ is the Small Intestine. Both Heart and Small Intestine are attributed to the Fire element.
Regarding its stipulated functions, the Heart
- ‘’stores‘’ (藏) the shénShen (Chinese religion)Shen is a keyword in Chinese philosophy, Chinese religion, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.-Pronunciation:Shén is the Modern Standard Chinese pronunciation of 神 "spirit; god, deity; spiritual, supernatural; awareness, consciousness etc". Reconstructions of shén in Middle Chinese Shen is a...
(神, ‘’Aggregate Soul‘’, usually translated as mind) - governs xuě (blood) and vessels/meridiansMeridian (Chinese medicine)The meridian is a path through which the life-energy known as "qi" is believed to flow, in traditional Chinese medicine. There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.- Main concepts :...
- opens into the tongue
- reflects in facial complexion
- governs joy (喜)
The Heart's function is said to be strongest between 11am and 1pm. Disturbed function of the Heart typically presents as palpitations, arrhythmia, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor memory, restlessness, or even delirium.