Dreams of Fire (Li) 离卦

Understanding Heart Fire Excess and How to Calm It Down

Have you ever felt like your heart is racing too fast, or maybe you’ve had strange dreams about fire or battles? In traditional Chinese medicine, this might be called “Heart Fire Excess”. It’s a fancy way of saying your body is feeling too heated or overactive, especially in your heart and mind. Let’s break it down in a simple way and learn how to calm it.

What Is Heart Fire Excess?

Heart Fire Excess happens when your body’s “fire” energy gets too strong. This can make your heart beat too fast (called tachycardia) or your blood pressure go up (called hypertension). It’s like your body’s alarm system is stuck in the “on” position, making you feel restless or uneasy.

Some people with Heart Fire Excess might even have vivid dreams, like:

- Flames entering their chest.

- Battles or fights on a battlefield.

- Red snakes coiling around their body.

These dreams are signs that your body and mind might need some calming down.

What Causes Heart Fire Excess?

In Chinese medicine, this condition is often linked to too much stress or overthinking. It’s like your nervous system is working overtime, and your body needs a break.

How Can You Calm Heart Fire Excess?

The good news is, there are simple ways to help your body cool down and feel better. Here are some ideas:

Diet: Eat Cooling Foods

Certain foods can help calm the “fire” in your body. Try these:

- Lotus Seed Heart Tea: Lotus seeds are known to calm the heart and mind. You can make tea by boiling the seeds and drinking the water.

- Bitter Melon Juice: Bitter melon is a vegetable that helps cool the body. You can juice it or cook it in a stir-fry.

2. Qigong: Try the “Hē” Sound Exercise

Qigong is a gentle exercise that helps balance your energy. For Heart Fire Excess, you can try the “Hē” (pronounced “huh”) sound exercise:

1. Sit or stand comfortably.

2. Take a deep breath in.

3. As you exhale slowly, make the “Hē” sound.

4. While you exhale, imagine all the extra heat leaving your body.

5. Do this 3 times a day for 5 minutes. It’s like giving your heart a little vacation!

3. Herbal Help: Jiao Tai Wan

There’s also a special herbal formula called “Jiao Tai Wan” that can help. It’s made from huang lian and rou gui that calm the heart and mind by allowing the heart to communicate with the kidney. If you’re interested in trying it, talk to a Chinese medicine practitioner to see if it’s right for you.

Why Is It Important to Calm Heart Fire Excess?

When your body’s “fire” energy is too strong, it can make you feel stressed, anxious, or even tired. By using these simple tips, you can help your body find balance again. This will make you feel more relaxed and peaceful.