Heart (Chinese medicine)

The Heart (心, Template:Zh) is one of the zàng organs stipulated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a functionally defined entity and not equivalent to the pericardium or the anatomical organ of the same name.

In the context of the zang-fu concept

As a zàng, the Heart is considered the Emperor of all the zung-fu and Regarding its stipulated functions, the Heart

• ‘’stores‘’ (藏, Template:Zh)<ref>中医世家 2006, chapter 1.2.2.</ref> the shén (神), and is usually translated as mind or consciousness.
• governs xuě (blood) and vessels/meridians
• opens into the tongue
• reflects in facial complexion, the glow and radiance.
• governs joy (喜, Template:Zh)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Heart's function is said to be strongest on the Chinese Horary (body) clock between 11am and 1pm. Disturbed function of the Heart typically presents as palpitations, arrhythmia, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor memory, restlessness, or even delirium and shock.<ref>Cultural China 2007</ref>

References

• 中医世家 (2006-07-18), "第一节 五脏", 中医基础理论, retrieved 2010-12-18
• Cultural China (2007), "Chinese Medicine : Basic Zang Fu Theory", Kaleidoscope → Health, retrieved 2010-12-21

Further reading

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