The Heart: Clarity, Righteousness and Leadership

Posted: July 23, 2015

As with all of the organs, within Chinese medicine, the heart is understood in relation to the spirit, mind, and emotions as well as its physical functions.  And, as with the other organs, we capitalize Heart when speaking about its non-physical functions and its associated channel and qi.

The Heart is known as the Supreme Controller (you can substitute emperor or other head of state title you prefer) of the kingdom that is the body.  The Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys, and Liver are officials or ministers that support the Heart as head of state.  The Heart sits on the throne (behind the sternum in the rib cage of chest) in magisterial splendor, fulfilling it’s role to maintain order in the kingdom, by it’s righteous example inspiring the officials to fulfill their own purpose in service to the kingdom.

Cultivating behavior in alignment with our true purpose supports the Heart in relation to the body, the mind, and spirit.

In ancient China, good rain fall was considered the effect of the righteousness of the emperor.  If he leaves the throne or becomes distracted, the officials are less likely and able to fulfill their functions with the highest integrity.  Bringing this metaphor into the body, weak Heart qi can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or serious dysfunction in other organs.  Similarly, poor performance and chaos can be seen in governments, schools, churches, and businesses where the President, Principal, Clergy, or CEO fail to provide clear and righteous and righteous leadership.