TCM- Functions of the Heart

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the (dis)harmonies of different organs. In TCm, these organs, not only represent the physical organ, but other functions as well.

Heart

Functions:
Governs Blood
Controls Blood Vessels
Manifests in the complexion
Houses the Mind (shen)
Is Related to Joy
Opens to the Tongue
Controls Sweat

Here are some of these functions in a little more detail:

Heart Governs Blood:
1. The heart is the motive force
2. It Transforms gu-qi into blood
3. Heart blood influences menstruation very indirectly

Heart Houses the Mind (Shen):
1. Blood is the root of the mind.

Heart Opens to the Tongue:
1. The Heart influences tongue, talking, and speech
- When Heart Blood is deficient, there is a pale, thin tongue
- When there is Heart fire, the tip of the tongue is red