Xin Zang 心藏, the Chinese name for the organ of the heart qi, is considered the Monarch of our physical, emotional and mental landscape of our existence.
On a more physical level, the yang qi of the heart is said to “rule the xue 血” (blood, and the qi aspect of blood), creating the pulse by its rhythmic circulation of blood (and qi, in partnership with the lung qi) to every part of the organism. Just as with breathing, this circulation is continuous, every second of our lives. But circulation of blood is not just a physical mechanism; the heart is not merely a muscle that pumps blood. The yang qi of the heart also controls the natural balance between all physical movement and rest, allowing us to “switch off” the mind so that we can fall asleep, stay asleep throughout the night, and awaken rested and refreshed at the start of day.
The yin function of the heart is that it “stores”, meaning it contains and safeguards our Shen 神, our mind and emotional heart. Xin Shen 心神, sometimes translated as “heart spirit”, is the mental, overall emotional feeling, and spiritual aspect of the qi that vitalizes all our functions and our very existence. This vitalization is like the spark of inspiration that shows in everything we think, say and do; it is the ability to express ourselves with conscious intent and awareness. It is mirrored in our face, in our eyes, in our outlook, our movements, our reactions, our moods. It is our inner life, and our outer response. In health, it first and foremost governs our correct stance between Heaven and Earth, throughout our lifetimes. It is our ability to react appropriately, with empathy and understanding, in all encounters and relationships, no matter what the situation; to think clearly, with a vast capacity to memorize, recall and use information as needed; to stand in the middle and not act or say things without thinking, or that are unnecessary or unhelpful, being in any way an inappropriate response; and most of all, it is our ability to remain steady, calm, with the mental, emotional and spiritual space to allow all things to enter without disturbance, and to react in the right way, at the right moment, in a fully humane and conscious manner.
In reality, though, our greatest strengths are equally a reflection of our greatest weaknesses. The steadiness and calmness of the heart qi, that places us in a righteous position between Heaven and Earth, is easily and suddenly knocked out of kilter in situations that are excessive, such as emotional or physical shock or trauma; when we are in a deficient state of health, whether through regular lack of a full sleep, chronic illness, or an irregular lifestyle; or, from external factors that are excessively intense or last a long time, such as the isolation, uncertainty, worries and fears we are experiencing now, during the global pandemic.
Regulating the mind is the same as regulating the heart. It is done in silence, by drawing in the senses to create a vast field of inner clarity and light, undisturbed by the incessant and needless chatter of an easily distracted mind. This brings us into accord with our true inner nature, and allows us to act appropriately, humanely, in all situations.
The Healing Sound Method for the Heart Qi creates the physical conditions needed to open this vast field. First, the channel of the heart qi is activated by the opening and closing movements of the arms and hands.
Then, through movement, imagination and breath, we expand the upper chest, thinking the sound “haaah” as the breath is expelled through the mouth, lifting the palms and face to heaven. This allows a release of any excessive “fire qi” that may disturb what the Chinese call “the palace of the mind”, where our Shen-spirit resides in comfort. It is literally a safe space, a home for the heart and mind to ensure equilibrium is maintained, on all levels, so that we may act quickly, naturally and appropriately in all situations, at all times.
Next as we bring our hands back to lightly support the base of the head, the touch of our fingers naturally activate the qi in the area of the brain stem, the head and face move back just a little more to open the qi channels in the area of our senses and our brains, literally awakening the qi of the mind.
The closing of the method for the heart qi is the same as for the other Healing Sound methods, in order to return and consolidate the qi in the area of the kidneys, where the essence qi resides.
