Everybody is aware that the Heart is very important for our body and our health, but not many people understand what the Heart does for our body. If you understand the certain functions of the Heart, you may be more aware of any ongoing problems with your heart.

1) The Heart dominates circulation
Generally, the Heart pumps blood and energy (Qi) throughout the body. If Heart and Heart channel has Qi and/or Blood deficiency or stagnation, it will lead to circulation issues for the body as mentioned above.

2) The Heart dominates the mind
The Heart, mind and emotions are closely linked. Chinese Medicine considers that this is a very important function of the Heart. Many of our thoughts and emotional issues are associated with Heart function such as depression, anxiety, post-natal depression and insomnia.

What does the Heart like and dislike?
The Heart's associated colour is red (based on five elements theory). This means that red colour supports the Heart function, and the Heart and Heart channel gets their energy from red colours. This works especially with Heart Qi and Blood deficiency, so I suggest that you can add the colour red to your living areas (such as soft furnishings) which will bring your Heart energy up. We also suggest some foods that are red in colour – this will support your heart. For example, Chinese red dates, red beans, beetroot, tomato, red capsicum, red onion, strawberries.

As the Heart dominates the emotions, over-joy will affect the Heart function. Sometimes it is common to see spectators watching sport get very emotional (with stress and excitement) which can lead to a heart attack. This usually happens to someone with the constitution of Heart Qi and/or Blood stagnation and Heat in the Heart.

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers that to maintain good heart health, you require a quiet and peaceful environment and mind. No matter whether good or bad things happen to you, don't allow yourself to become too over-joyed or over-excited.

Five ways to maintain good Heart health
1) Clap the palms of your hands or rub your palms together 50 times per day. The centre of the palm has very important points of the Heart channel. Stimulating the palms regularly will help with Heart circulation.

2) Gentle rubbing or kneading to the inside of the elbow with the opposite hand. With the thumb, gently rub or knead the inside of the elbow 30 times per day (when the elbow is bent – locate the point at the end of the elbow crease). This will clear the mind, calm the emotions and rebalance your heart yin and yang.

3) As mentioned above, eat a certain amount of foods that are red in colour.

4) Put yourself in a quiet environment for at least 30 minutes per day. For example, you can take 30 minutes to relax, close your eyes, meditate, or visualise a quiet environment.

5) Surround yourself with red colours. Decorate your living areas with red or pink colours. Choose red or pink flowers to decorate your surroundings.