What’s Love, I Mean Heart, Got to Do With It?
The Year of the Yang Fire Horse is ruled by the heart, which is associated with 11am-1pm, the high noon part of the day. Our heart really is akin to that of horse energy: it works fast and hard, although with great efficiency when healthy. If we overdo it physically for too long, or are greatly misaligned in our mind for prolonged periods, we can experience adverse reactions, whether that’s anxiety, heart palpitations, or something more serious like a stroke or heart attack.
The heart is ruled by the fire element, and it is the yin partner to the yang small intestines. The heart “governs” the blood, and just like Western Medicine is responsible for blood circulation. The heart also governs the mind, and in TCM, we refer to this as our shen, which is the psychospiritual component in each of us. When we know our truth and are in our authenticity our shen is in balance. If we are in victimhood, anger, fantasy or drama then our shen, heart and fire element is out of balance.
Preventative holistic healing is needed for all of us to maintain a healthy heart, and especially as we are now in summer time, which is ruled by the fire element. I have 3 ways you can assist your heart and have extra care for it this month since June is the horse month. Continue to take extra care through the summer fire element season, but even through the rest of the horse year.
Exercise helps the heart and fire element. Walking is one of the best things we can do, and even starting with a 5 minute walk can do wonders. I recommend getting outside, as being in nature is always healing, and will help the mind to find ease when the beauty of trees, flowers and the sky are gazed upon. But finding a movement that you enjoy is most important. Keep the body moving!
Speaking from the heart is essential to maintain and improve heart health. If you need to have a conversation with someone and that’s difficult, you will want to work on practicing with a friend first, so you can work through this. Saying affirmations, mantras or singing can also benefit the heart. Talk to a therapist or coach, or journal to get things off your heart-mind.
We want the heart to be strong also because it is in charge of our quality of sleep. Find a new sleep hygiene routine so you can get your 7-9 hours nightly. Get off electronic devices an hour before bed. Listen to calming music or enjoy silence or peaceful conversation at the end of the day. Use things like lavender lotion on your hands and feet to soothe yourself to sleep.
In my next blog, I will share 3 more ways to benefit the heart including food as medicine. With attention to a healthy heart, you will ride the fast moving yang fire horse with greater ease!
Here’s to a healthy heart, and calm shen!
Korenna
