Joy is the emotion related to the fire element, and to the Heart organ in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Joy, unlike the four other emotions listed by Chinese medicine (fear, anger, sadness, worries) is an emotion that one enjoys feeling. She is perceived as positive, and she is! Indeed, feeling joy and expressing it is natural, it is a sign of good heart health.

However in TCM, the Heart occupies a preponderant place in the general equilibrium since it is considered as “the emperor of the organs”. The Heart therefore guarantees the overall good health of the individual.

Joy is considered pathological only when it is excessive, that is to say when the person is in a state of exaltation, frenzy, that he is agitated, euphoric or laughs all the time very loud. But it is not the major cause of imbalance of the Heart.

The heart is generally an organ sensitive to emotional excesses.

Sadness, although associated with the Lung in the theory of the Five Elements, considerably affects the Qì of the Heart. The Lung and the Heart are closely linked insofar as one governs the Qi and the other the Blood, and both are interdependent. Sadness will generate a void of Qi from the Lung which, in turn, will generate a void of Qi from the Heart.

Likewise, anger, which includes frustration, resentment and even depression in TCM, will affect the Liver first, and indirectly the Heart. Indeed, anger leads to a rise in the Yang of the Liver (Fire of the Liver) which can turn into Fire of the Heart.

Functions of the heart in TCM

The Heart has a blood pumping action. If the Qi of the heart is abundant, the heart will function at a normal rate, ensuring the proper transport of blood in the blood vessels. The pulse will be regular and strong, the complexion pink and bright.

The function of the Heart is to govern the blood and the vessels.

But one of its essential functions is to house the Shen. The Shen represents the spirit which gives an individual his identity, and more generally it represents the overall vitality of this individual. It governs the energy balance of all the organs. The Heart also houses mental activity, memory, consciousness, thoughts and sleep.

The Heart controls perspiration. People who sweat abnormally often have an energy imbalance in this organ.

The Heart opens to the tongue. In TCM, the language and the Heart are connected. A person who knows a fire from the heart will be particularly talkative. Conversely, stuttering, difficulty or weakness of speech, or even aphasia are the result of a deficiency of the heart.

Pathological tables of the heart

If the heart’s Qi is deficient, blood transport will be hindered. The pulse will then be weak, the person will be pale, his tongue will be pale and white. She may experience palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion.

When there is excess yang energy in the Heart, we speak of “Heart Fire”. The mind is restless, the individual suffers from insomnia, his pulse is rapid, his tongue red. The circulation of Qi is slowed down, and the Heart is affected. This will result in a red face, heavy sweating, hypertension.

Joy allows a good circulation of Qi and Blood, relaxes the spirit, thus promoting the inner peace necessary for the activity of Shen.