In the TCM view, the internal organs are much more than physical structures. They are complex systems that also involve aspects of the mind, emotions and soul. In addition to its physiological function, each organ functions at the invisible level of vital energy, or Qi. Each organ has a unique relationship with a body tissue, a sense, emotion, taste, sound, climate and a direction, among a seemingly endless series of similarities. These qualities are organized in the Theory of Five Elements, a centuries-old system that is an integral part of TCM theory and provides TCM practitioners with a framework for understanding, diagnosing, and treating health problems.
Summer, with its scorching hot sun, is related to the element Fire. The organ system of the heart and small intestine is predominant in summer, so its energy is now at its peak. The heart performs many energy functions that are essential to the health of your entire body, mind and spirit. At a very deep level, it is simply not possible to have true health without a peaceful heart.
Housing of the Spirit or Shen
In TCM your physical heart is the heart of your being. It coordinates all activities – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – in the body. The Heart houses your mind or Shen as well as the ‘control center’ for the other four aspects of the soul, each of which resides in the other organ systems. These are the Yesthe aspect of the soul related to the mind and spleen; the Pothe physical aspect of the soul, related to the lung; the Zhithe soul aspect related to willpower and the Kidney; and the Theirthe etheric soul, or the mental-spiritual soul aspect, related to the liver.
Although your body and its organs need Qi to power their functions, they also need the right ‘message’. The great task of the Heart is to convey this message. TCM sees everything in terms of relationships. You must have enough Qi and all your organs must work well individually to have good health. Yet the organs must also harmonize. Your Heart acts as a kind of master message coordinator for the organs, receiving and transmitting the countless messages that are constantly sent back and forth between the organs. This means that if your heart is not peaceful, its function will be affected, which in turn will impact the whole.
Controlling blood circulation
The heart, together with your liver, is responsible for regulating blood circulation. Blood moistens and nourishes your entire body, but according to TCM it is also the material basis for all mental activity. Normal mental activity depends on sufficient blood and good circulation. And if your heart is not supplied with enough blood, it will not be a peaceful home for your spirit to dwell.
Ruler of mental activity
When TCM talks about the mind, it is a much broader concept than in the West. The mind includes all aspects of consciousness, including thinking, intelligence, emotions, memory and sleep. So mental problems and irregular sleep – such as insomnia and nightmares – often stem from an imbalanced heart. If the heart does not have enough Qi, it cannot accommodate your mind. When this is the case, you may experience an uncomfortable or restless feeling. Sometimes this causes mental cloudiness and an elusive memory. Without a strong, balanced heart, these key aspects of consciousness can be dull and distorted.
Controlling perspiration
Perspiration is the ‘fluid’ of the heart. Perspiration comes from body fluids and the heart regulates the body fluids. Excessive sweating, whether or not due to demanding exercises, can indicate a Qi deficiency of the heart.
Opening in the tongue
The tongue is the sense organ related to the heart. The tongue will be a healthy red color when the heart is in balance. Insufficient blood in the heart can make the tongue appear pale, while blood stagnation makes the tongue appear dark purple.
Controlling the blood vessels
Blood vessels are considered the ’tissue’ of the heart. Since the face has many blood vessels, the skin color reveals the condition of the heart. Like the tongue, a pale skin color can indicate insufficient blood, and an overly red face can indicate excessive heat.
Coming soon…
Read our blog next week for a conversation with Grandmaster Lu about Heart Harmony.
Yin Yang of Summer: June 14-23, 2026
We invite you to discover the transformative quality of tenderness: the quiet, receptive energy that lets the vibrant light of summer shine without burning out. By cultivating a tender heart, we create space for true connection and deep inner peace. This 10-day virtual journey is designed to support your Heart Qi and bring gentle balance to your mind, body and spirit. Discover how softening your approach can lead to your greatest internal strength. Register