Characteristics of the Fire Element (huǒ)
The Fire element represents the peak of Yang energy, the most Yang of the five elements, unlike the Water element, which is the most Yin. The five elements are interconnected and have relationships with each other. In the context of the cycle of life, Fire represents adulthood. In terms of the seasons, it is associated with summer, and in terms of climate, it represents heat. All of nature, and humans along with it, instinctively strive to accumulate solar energy throughout the year. Its Qi is strongly Yang in nature, it is hot, and it rises upwards, therefore it is associated with everything that is hot and ascends. The Qi of the heart represents the main Yang energy in the body. Its function is to warm, heat, and dry. The function of the heart's Yang is to warm the interior of the body. In the phase of transformation, it represents growth and increase. Fire is generated from Wood – Wood is of a warm nature, and fire is produced by friction; Wood is also a source of nourishment for Fire. Fire generates Earth – Fire is hot, it burns Wood, leaving behind ash, which creates Earth. Fire is controlled by Water, so it is extinguished when exposed to Water. Fire controls Metal, and can melt it.
The Fire element is associated with the South direction. The South is associated with the color red. The main organ of the Fire element is the heart. It also includes the small intestine, blood vessels, face, Heart Protector meridian, and the triple burner. The tongue is the outlet of the Fire element. The Qi of the South is stored in the heart, so diseases will manifest in the Zang organs, because the heart governs the Zang (Yin, solid) organs. The taste of Fire is bitter, it penetrates the heart to cool and cleanse it. It is associated with the planet Mars, the number is seven, and the smell of burning is associated with it. Joy is the emotion of Fire. A person under the influence of Fire brings love, light, and consciousness into the world with their energy; they are articulate, attractive, have a gift of language, and possess personal charm. Thanks to Fire, we recognize what truly fulfills and satisfies us. Without Fire, we will lack self-understanding, self-compassion, and will have complicated relationships with others. Love is the highest expression of the Fire element.
The Heart (xīn)
The heart is called the ruler of all organs. According to Chinese medicine, there is a physical heart made of flesh and blood, and there is a spiritual heart, which is the abode of the Shen (sometimes translated as Mind, consciousness, or spirit). The heart performs many functions in the body. The main function is to govern the blood and blood vessels. The heart is responsible for influencing the quality of the blood and ensuring its circulation. It also governs the quality and condition of the entire circulatory system, i.e., the arteries, veins, and capillaries. In Chinese medicine, these are collectively called "Mai," and they are assigned the function of "blood storage." There are several governing functions of the heart with respect to blood. This is manifested by the fact that the heart transports blood with all its nutrients throughout the body through regular pulsations. It ensures that the blood remains in the vessels, and the heart also produces blood. That is, the essence of food mixed with Qi from the air is mixed into the blood in the heart and replenishes it. The heart also governs the Shen, or the mind, psyche, and consciousness.
```htmlThe human psyche is not the result of brain activity, but rather an expression of the activity of five organs (the heart stores the spirit, the liver stores the yang soul, the lungs store the yin soul, the spleen governs thought and reflection, and the kidneys govern will). We can tell the condition of our heart by looking at our face, as the heart is reflected in it, or rather, manifests itself on it. A healthy heart will give the face a healthy, rosy glow, and the skin will be fresh, supple, and radiant. Each yin organ has its outlet, which ensures its connection to the external environment. For the heart, it is the tongue. It is not directly connected to the heart, but is connected to it by a branch from the heart meridian that runs through the root of the tongue. Therefore, we say that the tongue is the "extension of the heart." Thus, the heart also influences the proper functioning of the tongue, its perception and sensitivity to tastes, and its ability to articulate correctly.
The fluid of the heart is sweat. Sweat has a common origin with blood, and blood is governed by the heart; there is a direct relationship between sweating and the activity and condition of the heart. Although the heart is a yin organ, it is of a yang nature.
The heart has its peak activity between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., as indicated by the organ clock.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, heart diseases are related to disharmony (excess or deficiency) of yin-yang in the heart, and of qi and blood in the heart. These will manifest as disorders of blood and the psyche. An excess of yang qi will manifest as palpitations, rapid pulse, red tongue, nosebleeds, sores in the mouth and on the tongue, dry mouth, irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams, and incoherent speech. A deficiency of yang qi, on the other hand, manifests as mental fatigue, reduced comprehension, slow reactions, drowsiness, a feeling of suffocation and chest pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, cold extremities, chills, pale complexion, infrequent urination, and edema.
A deficiency of yin in the heart will cause night sweats, a thin and rapid pulse, a red tongue, sleep disturbances, and nocturnal restlessness, and insufficient blood filling of the vessels.
The small intestine is a hollow yang organ of the Fire element. It is part of the digestive system. It governs the reception and filling, and the transformation of substances. After food moves from the stomach, it goes to the small intestine and fills it. It remains in the intestine and is further digested, transformed into nourishing essence that we need for life and the functioning of the entire organism. The small intestine also governs the elimination and separation of the pure from the impure. "Pure" refers to the fine essential substances of digestion, while "impure" refers to the undigested and unnecessary remnants of food that leave it. Waste residual fluids are also produced. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes to the small intestine the role of "regulating body fluids," because it participates in the metabolism of fluids in the body and partially participates in the formation of urine and its transport to the bladder. Separation works on both the physical and mental levels. For example, it helps us decide what is important to us. The small intestine has its peak activity according to the organ clock between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Triple Burner has a name but no shape; it symbolizes the upper, middle, and lower torso along with their respective organs. The upper burner is below the heart and reaches the diaphragm and cardia, the middle burner extends past the pylorus (navel), and the lower burner reaches the urinary bladder. The function of the Triple Burner is to transport primordial chi throughout the entire body; it is the driving force and material basis for the activity of all organs. It also contributes to the transport of fluids and food, thus serving as the "pathway for nutrient transport." In addition to its overall function, each burner also has an independent function. The upper burner is like mist; it is associated with the function of the heart and lungs, disperses protective chi over the body's surface, and simultaneously warms it. It participates in the distribution of nourishing and defensive chi, which permeate through it into the entire body like mist. The middle burner is like a marsh; it is associated with digestive processes involving the spleen, stomach, liver, and gallbladder. It supports the transformation and transport of food, the renewal of chi and blood, and their transport. It is located where food decomposes and ferments like in a swamp (marsh), regulating its transformation. The lower burner is like a channel; it helps move residues downward. It is associated with the kidneys, urinary bladder, small and large intestines. The Triple Burner supports the transport of chi and the movement of fluids throughout the entire body.
Pathological processes of the Triple Burner manifest as stagnation and blockage of either chi or fluids. This leads to soft, watery swellings, bloating, feelings of fullness, etc. In addition to general symptoms, disorders of individual organs arise. Diseases of the upper burner are revealed by cough and shortness of breath; in the middle burner, digestive problems occur. If the lower burner is not in order, it negatively affects the function of the kidneys, intestines, and urinary bladder. During harmonization, we act on individual organs.
Summer Tips
We must protect the Fire element the most during summer. It is good to drink a lot and also cool down. During summer, we should burden the body as little as possible with physical work, sports, or any movement. All of this strengthens the heart muscle and cleanses the blood vessels of winter stagnation. Movement in the air and sun stimulates the hormonal system, the small intestine, and naturally strengthens emotions, creates a pleasant mood, and fills the organism with fresh energies. During summer, we should eat as many aromatic herbs, fruits, and vegetables as possible. We also need more bitterness, which draws energy downward. This also affects emotions, of which there are more in summer. Suitable foods for the element include corn, lamb meat, leafy green vegetables, and plums. Among herbs and spices, we prefer chamomile, peppermint, dill, basil, garlic, dandelion, and asparagus.
The article was published with the kind permission of Sféra magazine
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