Our new Key 2 Ki series addresses some of the key notions of Shiatsu and energy medicine bringing classical references into a fresh frame that’s contemporary, accessible and practical for your holistic health needs today …
In our first feature we shine a spotlight on the Heart Protector!
We all go through tough times when relationships with our nearest and dearest come under strain. In these days of lockdown, when many of us are having to spend periods of time apart from loved ones, having the means to connect naturally, spontaneously or in meaningful depth with others may be something we miss and cherish that much more. When there is fear escalating around us, and it seems like many things are shutting down, how can we stay open and receptive and connected as we move through the rhythm of our daily lives?
Being able to communicate trust, express warmth, develop and sustain bonds of intimacy with others – these things are all central to our identities as emotionally aware and socially responsive human beings.
From the perspective of the Classical Five Element system derived from ancient healing wisdom, when you’re feeling out of sorts with family, friends or others, then it’s possible that it may be the Heart Protector – or its paired meridian, the Triple Heater – that’s calling out for attention.
How’s Your Heart Protector?
In Western medicine, the heart is surrounded by a thin fibro-serous, fluid filled sack called the pericardium.
The pericardium protects the heart. It is made up of three membrane layers: the fibrous pericardium is the outer sac; the visceral pericardium forms the inner layer and is attached to the outer layer of the heart wall; and the parietal pericardium is the interlinking layer between the fibrous and the visceral. These layers are protective for the heart keeping it lubricated and in its place within the chest cavity.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the idea of protection – and the significance attached to keeping the organ of the Heart well protected – carries a much richer connotation. There is a more extensive range of meanings than that conveyed by bio-anatomical structure and function alone.
In TCM, the Heart Protector is the name of one of the body’s main energy channels (meridians). As the name itself suggests, protection is what the Heart Protector does. Although its physical aspects concern Blood circulation and the vascular system, as well as imbalances with the Blood of the uterus which can affect menstruation or fertility, there can be energetic expressions of the Heart Protector that resonate on emotional, mental and spiritual levels too.
Layers of emotional and mental protection
Perhaps you are experiencing a pattern of imbalance that reflects certain feelings of insecurity? This may tie in with a wish to feel a greater sense of protection at some level in your life. Signs of a Heart Protector imbalance could show up if there are ambivalent or subconscious feelings that haven’t been recognised or resolved. Maybe you want to be emotionally open and engaged on one level… whilst on another level a part of you wants to step back from someone or keep your distance from something. Does this sound familiar to you?
Traditional Chinese medicine offers many descriptive metaphors and comparisons between our internal and external worlds. The Heart, for example, is said to be the Sovereign of the Realm. It houses the spiritual centre of one’s being (Shen) and because it is so important, it needs multiple layers of protection.
From the perspective of the meridian-based energy body, the Heart Protector can be understood as exercising the ‘will of the Sovereign’. To this extent, it acts as a kind of ‘Ambassador’ from whom joy and happiness can be derived. Throughout the whole system of our being and amongst our interrelations with the external world around us, the function of the Heart Protector is to spread calmness, pacify disturbances, soothe what’s upset and restore relations of tranquillity.
Inner Border Gate
Take the classical Chinese acupressure point known as Heart Protector 6. It is called Neiguan which means ‘Inner Border Gate’. The idea of the gate is symbolic. It represents a metaphorical boundary between our inner being and the outer world. When the gate is opening and closing smoothly, we feel safe and protected.
Heart Protector 6 is an extra calming point that’s indicated for oppressive feelings in the chest, anxiety, palpitations, vomiting or nausea due to pregnancy, travel sickness, chemotherapy or any other reason. It can also be used for insomnia and forgetfulness.
Heart Protector Ki, 2018
© Monica Konrad
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