Chinese Medicine Relationship with the Heart and Summer
In Chinese Medical philosophy, the summer season is associated with the heart organ. In TCM, the heart signifies not only the physical organ that pumps blood and lies within the chest cavity, but also the spirit, or “shen,” which houses the mind. In the spirit of the season, it’s important for all of us to be reminded of how to care for this powerful yet delicate organ.
According to the National Institute for Health and the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, heart health can be greatly improved by eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, refraining from smoking, and engaging in regular physical activity. Unfortunately, only about 3 percent of adults practice all 4 of these important activities.
The good news is that it is never too late to start taking care of your heart. Your acupuncturist can offer many different things to help you get a jump start on taking care of this delicate organ. He or she can assist you with diet and lifestyle changes that are necessary, and even help you curb your cravings while you quit smoking. Together acupuncture and herbal medicine can address and improve every aspect of heart health! There are specific acupuncture points that strengthen the heart organ, improve its pumping function, and help to regulate the electrical conductivity that controls the heart’s beating. There are also points that help to strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Acupuncture can address so much more than just pain!
Along with getting regular acupuncture treatments, herbal medicine can also greatly improve your heart health. There are Chinese herbs that help to reduce high blood pressure, prevent atherosclerosis, and lower LDL cholesterol levels. And if you are worried that you are already taking western medications for your heart condition, know that your TCM practitioner has been educated about which drugs could possibly have interactions with herbal medicines, and can also work together with your medical doctor to incorporate high blood pressure natural remedy into your treatment plan.
