The Heart in Oriental medicine encompasses not only the heart organ itself, but various emotional and spiritual concepts as well.
The Heart:
* Pumps blood
* Is considered “The Emperor” or “Ruler” of all the other organ systems in that when the heart is disturbed, the natural rhythm and function of the other organ systems is lost
* When healthy is calm, even if other health problems exist, a person feels content and relaxed
* Is responsible for the ability to make and remember specific memories having to do with emotional events (i.e. remember your favorite teddy bear?)
* When out of balance can cause anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, loss of libido, infertility in men and women
I look at the whole person to assess heart function. Using conventional lab work including cholesterol levels, C-reactive protein levels and homocysteine levels, in addition to evaluating the emotional and spiritual aspects of the heart, lays the foundation for a truly happy heart. Then using an Integrated medicine approach, we can set out a treatment plan that addresses all areas of the heart: from cardiovascular disease to depression.
