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In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart and small intestine work as a pair under the Fire element. Here is how TCM theory describes their roles, their signs of imbalance and everyday support.

Organs that work in pairs

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, the organs are grouped into yin and yang partners. The yin organ is thought of as storing and the yang organ as moving and transforming. Under the Fire element, the heart is the yin partner and the small intestine is the yang partner.

The heart in TCM

Traditionally the heart is called the emperor of the organs. It is said to govern the blood and blood vessels and to house the Shen, the spirit or mind. In TCM theory, the heart opens into the tongue, its emotion is joy, and laughter is its sound. Its season is summer and its colour red.

The small intestine in TCM

The small intestine is traditionally described as separating the clear from the turbid: keeping what is useful from food and passing on what is not. By extension, TCM sometimes links it with the ability to sort through thoughts and make clear judgements.

When the pair is out of balance

TCM describes Fire imbalances in two ways. With too much Fire, the traditional picture includes restlessness, anxiety, disturbed sleep, a pounding heart, talkativeness, sweating and irritability. With too little Fire, it includes tiredness, low mood, coldness, low libido and social withdrawal. These are traditional descriptions only; symptoms such as palpitations or persistent low mood should be discussed with your GP.

Supporting Fire in daily life

• Red foods valued in TCM food tradition: cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, goji and hawthorn berries.
• Fragrant seasonings such as basil, coriander and garlic, plus a cup of green tea.
• Quiet movement and breath work, like qi gong, tai chi or meditation.

Traditional herbs such as ginseng, jujube and reishi are used in some Chinese herbal formulas, but they are not right for everyone and can interact with medication, so seek professional advice. At Lane Cove Acupuncture, in the Lane Cove Healing Centre on Longueville Road, we are happy to explain the traditional perspective, whether you are simply curious about TCM or planning a family, as a complement to your medical care.