Follow Your Heart Channel
By Janelle Krannich, Patient Services
Our bodies are a masterpiece of architecture, made up of intricate pathways that link to different organs and internal systems. Chinese medicine believes there is a continuous circulation of energy or life force, known as Qi (pronounced chi). Our bodies’ channels carry Qi and Blood to keep the body balanced. Acupuncture utilizes these channels to correct imbalances that may give rise to disease or illness.
One of the most precious channels of the body is the Heart channel. The heart organ rules over all other organs and houses our Shen. Shen is our spirit, where mind, emotion, and consciousness converge to manage all mental-emotional responses, resulting in clarity of thought, peace of mind, and restful sleep.
Regular acupuncture treatments can help your body relieve mental, emotional, or physical distress in relation to the heart. Day to day stressors can cause blockages or weakness in the Qi flow of the heart channel, resulting in poor sleep, anxiety, and even reduced circulation. Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate and activate Qi and Blood flow in the body. By treating the imbalances in the heart channel and thus the connection with the rest of the body, acupuncture is able to relieve stress, improve sleep, and restore the body’s circulation. Visit your local acupuncturist for a comprehensive, holistic, and individualized treatment plan.
Feeling stressed or worried at work? Access your heart channel on the go by engaging in an ancient Chinese wellness technique called Qigong, also called body tapping, which involves tapping, clapping, or hand-cupping at certain acupuncture/acupressure points along the channels on the body. The primary pathway of the Heart channel originates near the heart, runs along the inner arm, and to the end of the pinky finger. This practice helps release blockages in qi (energy), stimulates circulation and blood flow, and supports lymphatic drainage. It’s also an effective exercise when emotional or mental stress feels overwhelming, providing relief when your heart is “attacking” your mind. Note: due to the sensitive nature of the Heart channel, always keep your hands in a cupped position when tapping your elbows and underarms. You may watch this video for a demonstration on proper technique.