At the core of Chinese Medicine is the principle that nature is governed by Yin/Yang and the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each season is associated with a different element and with the energy system of different organs. Each element has a different colour, sound, emotion, and odour, time of day, season, and type of weather, taste and seasonal power.
Previously, in my spring blog, I talked about the Wood element. This was very much about planning, decision-making and having a clear vision in life. The energy of the summer and the Fire element is more about moving forward and activating those plans /decisions. This uses the vital and dynamic Fire energy for expansion and growth. We are in the season of long days and light mornings with nature growing and expanding with an abundance of vibrant flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubbery.
Over the last few weeks it has been a very unsettled and transitional period. Not only the changing summer climate, but also with recent political and global events. This is causing shock and instability to many people, impacting on the Fire element and Heart energy. The Heart is our centre and has a special connection to all the other organs in the body. In historical Chinese texts the Heart is likened to the ‘Ruler of the Sovereign’. It has the responsibility to direct clear insight and influence, look after the people and to keep the peace. An interesting paradox with regard to recent events in our political climate.
Su Wen (Chapter 8) states:
“The Heart holds the office of lord and sovereign. The radiance of the spirits stems from it”
(Larre and Rochat de la Vallee, 1992b. p.33)
The Fire element provides the energy to promote activity, excitement, communication, connection, warmth and love. Imagine the warmth of the sun shining through the trees, the flame from a candle, a cosy fire. At the same time, a forest fire raging out of control causing chaos. These all illustrate different manifestations of the Fire Element.
The emotions associated with the Fire element are joy and sadness. It also determines our sense of self and identity in the world. When the Fire element is out of balance, a person may feel an ongoing deep sadness, a lack of emotional warmth and connection to others. A person may laugh when talking about painful events in their life or have no laughter or joy when talking about something pleasurable or joyful. At the other end of the spectrum, a person may feel excessive joy and elation causing more disharmony. When our Fire element is in balance, we can experience joy and passion, our sense of self and confidence feels intact, and we can express and receive warmth and love. We can also feel sadness and be conscious and awake to the world around us without feeling overwhelmed.
The energetic systems of the Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang) are associated with the Fire Element along with two functions called the Heart Protector (Pericardium) and Triple Burner. The Fire Element governs the blood vessels and the Heart constantly pumps Blood around the body providing us with this dynamic life force.
The Small Intestine energy gives us the ability to sort through ideas, thoughts or emotions. It also sorts out the waste from the much needed nutrients in the body. The Heart Protector enables us to be open appropriately, to have boundaries and flexibility rather than leaving the Heart vulnerable and exposed or cold and closed. It protects the Heart by shielding it from the blows and traumas in life and can be weakened by shock and hurt.
The Triple Burner relates to the upper, middle and lower part of the body and is important in the transformative function of moving fluids and Qi in the body and regulating temperature and warmth.
Depletion or excess of the Fire element can manifest in different ways such as:
- Poor circulation of Blood,
- Cold extremities,
- Hot flushes,
- Heartburn,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Palpitations,
- Agitation,
- Poor short term memory,
- Mental restlessness and a racing mind,
- Insomnia,
- Excess laughter or no laughter,
- Over excitement,
- Dullness in eyes (In Chinese Medicine, the Shen is the ‘spirit of the Heart’. A person with healthy Shen will have a‘glitter’ or ‘sparkle’ in their eyes)
Ways to Support and Strengthen your Fire Element
Mint or Cucumber in tepid water, or mint tea can be refreshing and helps maintain hydration and balance during the summer months.
Include more cooling foods (eg, lettuce, cucumber, watermelon, watercress) to balance out spicy and heating foods.
Excess alcohol heats up the Fire element causing more heat during summer which is something to be mindful of when having BBQ’s and socialising!
Stay safe in the sun and be careful not to overheat by staying well hydrated and seeking shade during the hottest times.
Try practicing a simple Qi Gong exercise called ‘The Inner Smile’. Begin with a smile and take a deep breath inwards letting the smile and feeling radiate downwards in the body to relax the Organs.
What brings you joy, passion and enjoyment in life? Activities which support your connection with yourself and others will support your Fire. Connecting with others socially, politically or ethically, connecting with pets and animals and nature around us. Activities which generate passion and enjoyment, singing, dancing, sport. Meditation and yoga will help calm the Shen and Mind,
Come and have, or continue to have, acupuncture treatment as this can support your Fire element by energizing and harmonizing your Heart Qi. Acupuncture can cool and clear heat if needed, nourishing your Heart Blood, and calm your Shen/mind. Acupuncture can help strengthen your Heart protector and harmonize your Small Intestine and Triple Burner energy.
Some examples of acupuncture point names on the Heart/Small Intestine, Pericardium/Triple Burner Channels illustrate the essence of the Fire Element perfectly such as: Ji Quan (Supreme Spring), Shen Men, (Spirit Gate), Ting Gong (Listening Palace), Lao Gong (Palace of Weariness), Nei Guan (Inner Gate), Wai Guan (Outer Gate).
Acupuncture is a dynamic form of medicine which harmonizes and supports your overall energy base as well as addressing particular element imbalances within your body which could be manifesting on a physical and/or emotional level.
Book recommendation – Mindfulness & the Art of Urban Living (Discovering the Good Life in the City) by Adam Ford
References
Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
Bibliography
Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements
Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
