This function of the Heart is the closest to the conventional Western view. The Heart controls and regulates the flow of Blood through the vessels of the body. This is essential to ensure a healthy supply of Blood to all the tissues of thebody. A healthy functioning of the heart will result in an even warmth in the extremities of the body and a regular and even pulse. Impaired functioning may lead to cold extremities and abnormal pulse patterns, and, in serious cases, classic heart-related chest pains.

The Heart also has the function of transforming the Qi from food (Gu Qi) into Blood, and a poor diet can be seen as having a role in impairing Heart function.

Heartbeat, which moves the blood, is aided by the Zong Qi of the chest, which also has a role in respiration of the Lungs.

The Heart Controls the Blood Vessels

The function of the Heart is reflected in the healthy functioning of the blood vessels, which in Chinese medicine are seen as an extension of the Heart. Good functioning will lead to healthy circulation, while impaired functioning may lead to conditions such as hardening of the arteries.

The Heart House the Shen

As we have already seen, the concept of the Shen is a complex one in Chinese medicine and can have a varietv of meanings. For our purposes here it is important to consider that the Shen represents the myriad of mental, psychological, and also spiritual faculties that constitute a central feature of the human condition. It is probably best described as the force that shapes our personalities. When the Heart has the Shen under control then we can use the attributes of our personality in a constructive and healthy fashion. If the Heart fails to house the Shen, then this can lead to a whole range of mental and psychological disorders. It is often said in Chinese medicine that the health of the Shen can be viewed in the eyes.