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Traditional Chinese medicine describes the heart's Fire as something that can run too hot or too cool. This primer explains both patterns and the traditional lifestyle ideas linked with them.

Fire as a flame to tend

Picture a campfire. Too much fuel and it roars out of control; too little and it fades to embers. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses a similar image for the heart, the organ of the Fire element. Here is a short primer for readers across the North Shore and Northern Beaches.

What Fire represents

In TCM theory, Fire corresponds to summer, the colour red and the emotion of joy. Laughter is its sound, the tongue its sense organ and the blood vessels its tissue, and the small intestine is the heart's partner. Traditionally, a well-tended Fire shows as enthusiasm, warmth, charisma and sleep that comes easily.

When the flame roars: excess Fire

The excess pattern is traditionally associated with:

• restlessness and anxious feelings
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• an awareness of the heart beating fast
• talking more than usual
• sweating and irritability

When the flame fades: deficient Fire

The deficiency pattern is traditionally associated with:

• fatigue and low mood
• feeling cold or lacking warmth
• low libido
• pulling back from social contact

Keep in mind that these are traditional patterns, not diagnoses. Your GP should check any palpitations, chest discomfort, ongoing anxiety or depression.

Tending the fire, traditionally

TCM food tradition associates red foods with the heart, including cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon and goji berries; hawthorn berries and jujube dates are classic Chinese examples. Garlic, a pinch of cayenne, basil, coriander and green tea also feature in traditional suggestions. Calming movement like tai chi and qi gong, and quiet meditation, are popular ways to unwind. Herbs such as ginseng and reishi should only be taken on professional advice. Our practitioners at the Lane Cove and Freshwater rooms are happy to discuss this traditional framework as a complement to your medical care.