Heart
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Fire element is most easily observed in nature as the season of summer. Nature is abundant, reaching outwards, filling out space following a rapid upward growth of spring.
Summer is the hottest time of the year as the sun’s rays hit the earth at a steep angle, not spreading out as much, increasing the amount of energy focused on a particular spot. In addition to the rise in temperature, we have longer daylight hours. Due to this expansion of light and heat, our social calendars become busier. We move from the Yin inward nature of winter, to the transition time of spring, to the Yang nature of summer - bursting outwards with activity and energy. We could equate excessive fire with how we might feel after too many summer parties, too much sun, and too much fun.
When we think of deficient fire we think of a summer that is cloudy and overcast. That is, too much rain and not enough sun; conditions where the garden doesn’t necessary yield all it can. Balanced fire is a perfect mix of yin and yang. Sun and clouds, activities and rest, fun gatherings with loved ones as well as nap times on a hammock.
In TCM, the fire element and summer season is paired with the Heart Meridian. In many cultures the heart has long been a symbol representing love, togetherness, affection and the source of our emotions, courage and wisdom. It is also called ‘heartmind’ because the heart is considered closely related to our mental and emotional life.
Lao Tsu (Taoist philosopher) explains that it is the emptiness of the cup that renders it useful. It is believed that the emptiness at the center of our heart is the space where our spirit/consciousness resides. This is not so far fetched when you think that the heart is the one organ most effected by immediate changes to the emotional climate of our body. When we are happy, stressed, anxious or angry our heart beats differently. Modern medicine is just beginning to recognize that the heart is more than just a pump but that it is a highly complex processing center. Negative emotions affect our hearts rhythm and has a direct effect on our nervous system.
In TCM the Heart (yin organ) is paired with the Small Intestine, as the yang organ of Fire. When these meridians are in balance, they support overall health and well-being. However, when they are out of balance, various symptoms and imbalances may arise.
Heart Meridian:
In Balance: When the heart meridian is balanced, it promotes joy, emotional balance, clarity of thought, and sound sleep. It supports healthy relationships and communication, as well as a strong sense of compassion and love.
Out of Balance: When the heart meridian is out of balance, it may manifest as emotional instability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or an inability to connect with others. Physical symptoms can include heart palpitations, chest pain, excessive sweating, and circulation problems.
Small Intestine Meridian:
In Balance: The small intestine meridian, when in balance, facilitates clear discernment, decision-making, and mental clarity. It aids in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, both physically and mentally. It is also associated with healthy boundaries and the ability to separate the pure from the impure.
Out of Balance: An imbalance in the small intestine meridian may lead to confusion, poor judgment, difficulty making decisions, mental fog, and digestive disturbances.
The energetic, fire center of the body is the Solar Plexus known as the Manipura Chakra. It governs inner power, dynamism, purity, and good health due to the impact of good digestion on health. This is the place that has the power to convert food into energy, thoughts into actions. It represents willpower, perseverance and passion. Just like the Heart and Small Intestine meridians, when balanced, we feel confident and powerful. When imbalanced, we feel weak, disinterested and unmotivated to complete tasks.
Yoga poses for the fire element
Yoga poses that focus on the abdomen and help connect to the Solar Plexus chakra are all good for the fire element. Boat pose, bow pose, upward facing dog and cobra pose are good examples. Sun Salutations are an excellent way to get your energy flowing!
The heart sets our rhythm in life. When we are resistant to the movement of life we may experience feelings of emptiness and sadness. We can’t sustain a raging fire nor can we have a flame that is near extinction, we need the ebb and flow of flickering movement and steadiness of flames to allow us to respond appropriately to the demands of living. The fire energy inside sparks us to come alive, to be open and to feel abundance. This flame allows us to become conscious of ourselves and others, to express love and gratitude and to become awake in our lives. This tiny spark of love residing in our hearts is what radiates out into the world as the light of our individual awareness.