February is Heart Health month and so much emphasis is placed on our physical heart’s well being. Yet, we also need to pay equal attention to the energetic aspects of heart health. In Chinese Medicine, the Heart energy is considered to be like the Emperor of our whole body, mind, and spirit. And, our Hearts function best in an orderly and peaceable kingdom.
Research in neurocardiology shows that the heart is a sensory organ and a sophisticated center for receiving and processing information, according to Institute of HeartMath. Emotions such as anger or frustration, are associated with an erratic disordered pattern in the heart’s rhythms whereas emotions, such as love or appreciation, are associated with a smooth, and ordered pattern in the heart’s rhythmic activity. A person’s emotional state is also communicated throughout the body via the heart’s electromagnetic field.
So in today’s world, how do we care for our heart energy? Mindfulness practices, meditation, healing touch therapies and gratitude journaling are excellent ways to support Heart health on all levels. Avoiding over-stimulation whether emotional, electronic or social is another way to promote heart health. Other Heart energy tips include:
Healing Heart Sound
The sound of the heart sound is similar to the “HAW” in the work Hawk.
Tilt head slightly back and with exhalation say HAAAAAAAAAWWWWWW.
Release any impatience, heat, jealousy and anxiety with each.
Place your hands over your heart and with each inhalation imagine experiencing the qualities of peace, joy, creativity
Practice the heart sound 3-6 times.
Make an Attitude Adjustment
Several times a day take 5 minutes to follow these simple steps adapted from the Institute of HeartMath’s Attitude Breathing tool.
- Focus on your heart while breathing in.
- Concentrate on a positive feeling or attitude while breathing out.
- Lock in this new feeling and continue to breathe it in and out through your heart area.
Heart Qi Gong
Since the Heart meridian travels to the hands, here is a simple Qi Gong practice to strengthen your heart energy:
Open and close both hands, making sure your fingers curl down to touch the palms of your hands. Your middle fingers are the most important fingers to make a connection with the palms. Continue to open and close your hand for at least five minutes or as long as possible.
Photo credit: somestrangeladyReflectingHeartHMM on photopin