The
Five Elements in Oriental Medicine
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Palpitations, chest pain, high and low blood pressure,
angina, poor circulation
In Western medicine, the cardiovascular system consists
of the heart, seen basically as a pump, and the blood vessels.
In Oriental medicine the heart is seen as having a sphere
of influence that encompasses many functions that extend
beyond the organ itself. The Five-element theory (Link at
left of this page), that forms one of the foundations of
oriental medicine, includes a system of correspondences
that links many different and apparently unrelated qualities
under each element, particularly linking mankind and nature.
Within this framework the Heart and Small Intestine systems
are ascribed to the element of Fire, which also corresponds
to the season of summer and climatic heat (a time of luxurious
growth and blossoming), the colour red (the colour of blood),
the bitter flavour (too much bitter food can damage the
fire energy), and the emotion of joy (a healthy heart energy
puts a sparkle in your eye while loneliness and separation
disturb the heart).
Oriental medicine understands the functions of the Heart
energy as:
Governing Blood and Controlling Blood Vessels - The
heart ensures blood's vitality by keeping it circulating
through strong healthy blood vessels. The blood in turn
nourishes the heart and one then has a clear and regular
pulse.
Housing the Mind - There are five aspects of mind
(basic consciousness, mental activity, thinking, memory
and sleep). When the heart is nourished then the consciousness
is clear, thinking is clear, emotions are well balanced,
the memory is strong and sleep is restful. When the heart
is not nourished the mind becomes ungrounded and one may
experience intensified feelings and become nervous, overexcited,
on edge or manic, and may have disturbing dreams.
Manifesting in the Complexion - a healthy circulation
results in a rosy complexion.
Opening into the Tongue - Heart disturbances may
manifest as speech impediments, or one may have a tendency
to talk incessantly.
Controlling Sweat - There is a close relation between
blood and the body fluids. A deficiency in the Heart energy
may result in spontaneous sweating, while a deficiency in
the Heart yin may result in night sweats.
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