Heart (Chinese medicine)

For the biological description, see Heart.

The Heart (心, pinyin: xīn) is one of the zàng organs stipulated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a functionally defined entity and not equivalent to the pericardium or the anatomical organ of the same name.

In the context of the zang-fu concept

As a zàng, the Heart is considered the Emperor of all the zung-fu and Regarding its stipulated functions, the Heart

• ‘’stores‘’ (藏, pinyin: cáng)^[1] the shén (神), and is usually translated as mind or consciousness.
• governs xuě (blood) and vessels/meridians
• opens into the tongue
• reflects in facial complexion, the glow and radiance.
• governs joy (喜, pinyin: xǐ)^[2]

The Heart's function is said to be strongest on the Chinese Horary (body) clock between 11am and 1pm. Disturbed function of the Heart typically presents as palpitations, arrhythmia, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor memory, restlessness, or even delirium and shock.^[3]