Tag: fitness

Developing a health exercise regiment.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC) — Located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, the ETC comprises several protein complexes (I-IV) responsible for transferring electrons from NADH and FADH2. ATP Synthase — utilizes the energy from the proton gradient. As protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix, ATP synthase combines ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to generate ATP through a process called chemiosmosis.

Oxygen, crucial as it accepts electrons at the end of the ETC. It combines with protons to form water, preventing the backup of electrons and allowing the continuous flow of processes in the chain. Adequate levels of NADH, FADH2, and oxygen are essential for efficient ATP synthesis.

The efficiency and density of mitochondria can significantly affect ATP production rates. Healthy mitochondria enhance overall energy metabolism. While NADH and FADH2 itself may not be directly consumed, foods rich in B vitamins (like meats, dairy, and green vegetables) support the body’s production of these crucial cofactors.

While whey protein and insulin play important roles in muscle recovery, protein synthesis, and metabolic processes, they do not directly enhance mitochondrial efficiency for ATP production. The transformation of ADP to ATP is chiefly dependent on the mechanisms of oxidative phosphorylation, the efficiency of the ETC, the availability of crucial substrates, and proper mitochondrial function.

To enhance oxidative phosphorylation, which is crucial for ATP production in mitochondria, several strategies recommended to implement any health regiment. Engaging in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming significantly boosts mitochondrial biogenesis and function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish and flaxseeds: they enhance mitochondrial membranes and efficiency. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A vital component for ATP production, supplementation can support its levels in the body. B Vitamins: Particularly B1, B2, B3, B5, and B7, are crucial for energy metabolism. Intermittent fasting can stimulate autophagy and improve mitochondrial efficiency by promoting the activation of beneficial cellular pathways. Implementing mild oxidative stress, such as through heat or cold exposure, can induce the production of more efficient mitochondria.

Short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest can increase mitochondrial density and enhance oxidative phosphorylation. Other supplements like L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid can improve fatty acid oxidation and overall mitochondrial function. L-carnitine is primarily found in animal-based foods. Beef (cooked) 139-162 mg. By stark contrast milk/whey only has 8mg of L-carnitine content (per 100 G). Beef is one of the richest sources of L-carnitine, offering over 139 mg per 100 g. This high level is due to the muscle tissue, where L-carnitine plays a crucial role in fat metabolism and energy production. If you’re looking to increase your L-carnitine intake for health or fitness reasons, focusing on red meat sources simply much more effective than relying on dairy or expensive whey products.

What explains HT-1 & HT-2 in Japanese and Chinese medicine?

The Heart Sinew Channel, also known as the Hand Shao Yin Sinew Channel, in Traditional Japanese & Chinese healing wisdom. The Heart Sinew Channel functions as one of the twelve sinew channels in Asian healing wisdom.  These channels, associated with the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  They play a crucial role in movement and stability.

The Heart Sinew Channel specifically influences heart function and upper limb mobility.  The Heart Sinew Channel starts at the radial side of the little finger.  The radial side of the little finger refers to the outer edge of the little finger closest to the thumb. In anatomical terms, “radial” indicates the side of the limb on the same side as the radius bone.   The bone on the thumb side of the forearm. So, when referring to the little finger, the radial side – the side that faces the thumb. Wrist: It binds at the pisiform bone.  A small, pea-shaped bone located in the wrist.  One of the eight carpal bones that make up the wrist joint. Specifically, the pisiform bone – situated on the ulnar side of the wrist, the side closest to the little finger. Embedded within the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle and serves as a sesamoid bone, providing leverage and improving the mechanical advantage of the muscle.  The pisiform bone plays a crucial role in wrist movement and stability, and feels as a small bump on the inner side of the wrist. 

Elbow: The channel ascends along the anterior (front) and ulnar (inner) side of the forearm, binding at the elbow. It travels up the inner side of the forearm and connects at the elbow joint. Upper Arm: It continues to move upward along the anterior part of the upper arm, binding at the axillary region (armpit). This pathway ensures the connection between the forearm and the upper arm.

Chest: From the axillary region, commonly known as the armpit, the channel penetrates the chest and binds at Shanzhong (REN-17), also known as “Chest Center,” is an important acupuncture point on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) meridian, located on the midline of the chest. This significant point regulates the heart and lungs.

Diaphragm: The channel then descends through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity which plays a key role in breathing. Umbilicus: Finally, the channel ends at the umbilicus (navel), linking the upper body to the lower body.

Functions Stabilization and Movement: The Heart Sinew Channel regulates upper limb and chest mobility, ensuring the proper function of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It directly influences heart function and overall Chi balance, essential for maintaining the body’s energy flow and health.

Pathway for Pathogens: microorganisms that can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. The channel serves as a conduit for external pathogens, which can enter the body and cause pain and tension along its course. Imbalances or disruptions in this channel can lead to various pathologic signs, such as tension and tightness.  Imbalances in the Heart Sinew Channel can lead to tightness in the chest and upper limb, causing discomfort or a feeling of constriction.

Fullness or Discomfort Below the Heart:  Symptoms include:  Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen.  Hiatal Hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, leading to discomfort below the heart.  Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest and upper abdomen.  Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It can sometimes be felt as fullness or pressure below the heart.  Heart Failure: The heart’s inability to pump blood effectively can lead to fluid buildup and a sensation of fullness or discomfort in the chest and abdomen.
Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause chest pain and discomfort, which may be felt below the heart.  Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs can lead to chest discomfort and a feeling of fullness.  Emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms, including a sensation of fullness or discomfort in the chest.
Disruptions in the channel can affect the flow of Chi and blood, creating a sensation of fullness or discomfort below the heart. Pain, Cramping, or Strain: Dysfunction in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments along the channel can result in pain, cramping, or restricted movement. Understanding the Heart Sinew Channel aids in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and internal conditions affecting the heart and upper limb, as taught in Asian healing traditions.

The Heart Channel has 9 primary points.

HT-1, also known as Jiquan or “Highest Spring,” an acupuncture point on the Heart Channel of Hand Shao Yin.  Located in the depression at the center of the axilla (armpit). This point is significant for its ability to unbind the chest, activate the channel, and benefit the arm.
HT-1 helps to relieve chest tightness and discomfort.  Promotes the flow of Chi and blood along the Heart Channel.  Alleviates pain and discomfort in the arm and elbow.  Useful for treating pain in the chest and heart area.  Effective for addressing scrofula, a condition characterized by swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck.  Helps to relieve cold-induced pain in the elbow and arm.  Can be used to treat throat dryness and related symptoms.
Scrofula, also known as mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, a known infection in the lymph nodes of the neck. It causes swollen, sometimes discolored masses that are usually painless. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) the most common cause of that disease.

HT-2, also known as Qingling or “Green Spirit,” is an acupuncture point on the Heart Channel of Hand Shao Yin.  It is located on the upper arm, specifically 3 cun, (1 cun to about 2.5 cm [1 inch] in Western measurements) in the groove medial, meaning – positioned along the inner side of the upper arm, to the biceps brachii muscle.  This muscle allows movements like lifting, pulling, and rotating the forearm.  Understanding the detailed anatomy of HT-2 and its surrounding structures, essential for effective acupuncture treatment and addressing related musculoskeletal issues.  The positioning of HT-2 in the groove medial makes it accessible for treatment when addressing pain, tension, or stagnation in the Heart Channel, especially for conditions affecting the upper limb and chest, and for clearing heat or calming the heart.

The groove medial to the biceps brachii muscle, the biceps brachii muscle refers to a depression or space on the inner (medial) side of the upper arm, located next to the biceps brachii muscle. Specifically, it is the area on the side of the arm closest to the body’s midline (towards the chest).  Positioned along the inner side of the upper arm, next to the biceps brachii. This groove forms between the biceps and the muscles closer to the body’s midline.  Also known as the median plane, an imaginary line that runs vertically down the center of the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves. This concept, used in anatomy to describe the location of structures and their relation to each other.   The midline helps in understanding the symmetrical arrangement of the body’s organs and structures. For example, the heart is slightly to the left of the midline, while the liver is mostly on the right.  

It serves as a reference point for describing the positions of various anatomical structures. Terms like “medial” (closer to the midline) and “lateral” (farther from the midline) used to describe the relative positions of body parts.  The midline is important in understanding the movement and function of the body. For instance, many muscles and structures work in coordination across the midline to perform complex movements.  Understanding the body’s midline, simply essential for studying anatomy, diagnosing medical conditions, and performing medical procedures.

The biceps brachii muscle, anatomically relevant to HT-2 (Qingling) because HT-2 lies in the groove medial to (inside of) the biceps brachii muscle on the upper arm. This positioning means that the biceps brachii near the location of HT-2 and involved in the broader context of the Heart Channel’s influence over the upper limbs.The biceps brachii muscle, a two-headed muscle located on the front of the upper arm. It plays a key role in elbow flexion (bending the arm), forearm supination (rotating the palm upward), and shoulder stabilization.
(((Long head: Originates from the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula [a small, raised area located above the glenoid cavity; also called the glenoid fossa, a shallow, oval-shaped depression on the lateral {outer} side of the scapula [shoulder blade]. It forms the socket of the shoulder joint [glenohumeral joint], where it articulates with the head of the humerus [upper arm bone]. Serves as the socket for the ball-and-socket structure of the shoulder, enabling a wide range of motion. Works with the labrum [a cartilage ring that deepens the socket] and ligaments to help stabilize the humeral head. Surrounding muscles, like the rotator cuff, helps control movement and prevent dislocation.]. Serves as the attachment point for the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. Plays a key role in shoulder stability and arm movement by anchoring the biceps tendon. Works with the shoulder joint to assist in lifting and rotating the arm.))).

((Short head: Originates from the coracoid process of the scapula. Insertion: Attaches to the radial tuberosity of the radius (a bony prominence located on the proximal (upper) end of the radius, which is one of the two bones in the forearm (the other being the ulna). It lies just below the elbow joint, on the medial (inner) side of the radius, and the bicipital aponeurosis.  A small, hook-like bony projection on the scapula (shoulder blade), located on the anterior (front) side, just below the clavicle (collarbone). It extends laterally and slightly upward, forming part of the shoulder’s bony structure. Serves as the origin for several muscles, including the short head of the biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, and pectoralis minor; these muscles, through their attachments at the coracoid process, contribute to shoulder stability, arm movement, and respiratory functions. The coracoclavicular ligament and coracoacromial ligament attach to it, helping stabilize the shoulder joint and prevent excessive movement)).

Coracoclavicular Ligament, attached at the coracoid process of the scapula.  Insertion refers to the point where a muscle attaches to a bone that moves during contraction.  The Coracoclavicular Ligament attaches to the acromion process (the bony prominence at the top of the scapula).  It functions as a roof over the humeral head (ball of the shoulder), helping prevent upward dislocation of the shoulder; also provides structural integrity to the shoulder joint.

The coracoacromial ligament, a fibrous band that connects the coracoid process of the scapula to the acromion (the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder blade). Forms a protective arch: It creates a “roof” over the humeral head (the ball of the shoulder joint), preventing upward displacement or dislocation of the shoulder joint. It helps control and restrict excessive upward motion of the arm, particularly during overhead activities. Assists in stabilizing the shoulder joint by preventing excessive movement between the scapula and humerus.

The coracoacromial ligament, crucial in preventing shoulder dislocations and providing support during overhead movements, such as lifting or throwing. Impingement syndrome can occur if the space under the coracoacromial arch narrows, leading to irritation or compression of the rotator cuff tendons.  The coracoid process of the scapula, located near the shoulder joint, plays a role in shielding and protecting underlying nerves and blood vessels, particularly those involved in shoulder and arm movement. Brachial plexus: This complex network of nerves that supplies the arm passes near the coracoid process. It controls muscle movement and sensation in the upper limb. Subclavian artery and vein: These major blood vessels supply blood to the upper extremities. They run close to the coracoid process as they travel toward the arm. Axillary artery and vein: These blood vessels also pass near the coracoid process, providing circulation to the shoulder and arm. The coracoid process’s location near these important structures helps prevent direct trauma or compression, especially during shoulder movements or potential impacts.

HT-2 (Qingling, “Green Spirit”) does not directly connect anatomically to the coracoid process of the scapula. However, the coracoid process is part of the shoulder girdle and plays an indirect role in the broader context of the Heart Channel and its influence over the upper limb. The Heart Channel (Hand Shao Yin) runs from the heart and passes through the upper limb, including the upper arm, where HT-2 lies. The Heart Channel is linked to the biceps through its connection to the coracoid process, even if HT-2 itself is not directly located there. HT-2 is used to treat conditions in the upper limb that involve the biceps brachii or related shoulder muscles. Therefore, HT-2 can indirectly influence the coracoid process by addressing musculoskeletal pain or tension in the upper limb or shoulder.

Although HT-2 does not directly affect the coracoid process, acupuncture at HT-2 can help relieve discomfort or issues related to the upper arm or shoulder, which could involve structures like the biceps brachii (originating at the coracoid process), improving range of motion or alleviating tension.

What describes the purpose of the heart meridian in Asian healing wisdom?

Healing, an art rather than a science in Japanese and Chinese Traditional medicine.  Japanese healing views the heart as taboo.  Meaning the heart merits deep consideration.  28 pulse states palpated at the radial wrist: In traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine pulse assessment can provide valuable insights into a patient’s cardiovascular health, with considerations for things like rate (beats per minute), rhythm (regular or irregular), amplitude (strong or weak), and the quality of the pulse.

Asian medical practice, pulse assessment helps to provide valuable insights, touching a patient’s cardiovascular health.  It weighs things like rate (beats per minute), rhythm (regular or irregular), amplitude (strong or weak), and the quality of the pulse.

Rate: How fast or slow the pulse rate, measured in beats per minute (e.g., bradycardia for a slow pulse, tachycardia for a fast one). Bradycardia: Slow pulse (<60 bpm), linked to heart block, hypothyroidism, or a well-conditioned athlete. Normal: 60-100 bpm, typically a sign of a healthy heart. Tachycardia: Fast pulse (>100 bpm), might indicate fever, anemia, or stress.

Rhythm: A steady, predictable rhythm, usually indicates a healthy heart. Whether the pulse, regular or irregular, such as in arrhythmias. Amplitude: The strength of the pulse, assessed as strong, weak, or absent. Bounding: Very strong pulse, might suggest hyperthyroidism, fever, or anemia; a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.  Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Caused by a lack of iron, which is necessary for producing hemoglobin.  Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia: Caused by a deficiency in vitamins like B12 or folate, which are essential for red blood cell production.   


Normal: Moderate strength, a healthy pulse. Weak/thready: Faint and harder to feel, might indicate shock, dehydration, or heart failure. Absent: No detectable pulse, severe circulatory or arterial issues.  Whether the pulse – regular or irregular – such as in arrhythmias; irregularities in the heartbeat, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. These irregular heartbeats occur when the electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm don’t function properly.

Regular: Consistent beat-to-beat intervals, which is typical in a healthy heart. Irregular intervals between beats, which could signal arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation; such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib, characterized by rapid and chaotic electrical signals in the atria (upper chambers of the heart), leading to an irregular and often fast heartbeat. This can cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Regularly irregular: Predictable pattern, like in premature ventricular contractions; refers to the contractions of the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart. These contractions are crucial for pumping blood out of the heart and into the arteries.  A predictable pattern of irregularity, e.g., in PVCs (premature ventricular contractions). Irregularly irregular: Completely random intervals, common in atrial fibrillation.

Systole: The phase when the ventricles contract, pushing blood out of the heart. During systole, the right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary artery (leading to the lungs), and the left ventricle pumps blood into the aorta (leading to the rest of the body).  Diastole: The phase when the ventricles relax and fill with blood from the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). During diastole, the heart prepares for the next contraction.

Proper ventricular contractions are essential for maintaining effective blood circulation throughout the body. Irregularities in these contractions can lead to various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or heart failure.

No discernible pattern, seen in atrial fibrillation or multifocal arrhythmias.  No discernible pattern in the intervals between heartbeats, it can indicate arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT). In AFib, the atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat irregularly and out of coordination with the ventricles (lower chambers), leading to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. In MAT, multiple areas in the atria; the two upper chambers of the heart. They play a crucial role in the heart’s function by receiving blood from the body and the lungs and then pumping it into the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart), they generate electrical impulses, causing an irregular heart rhythm. Both conditions can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior and inferior vena cava and pumps it into the right ventricle. Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle.

Amplitude: The strength of the pulse, whether it is strong, weak, or absent. Bounding: Very strong pulse, might suggest hyperthyroidism, fever, or anemia. Strong, forceful pulse, often seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism or anemia.

Normal: Moderate strength, a healthy pulse. Healthy strength, an indicator of normal cardiac output. Moderate strength, a healthy pulse.  Weak/thready: Faint and harder to feel, might indicate shock, dehydration, or heart failure. Absent: No detectable pulse, which could suggest severe circulatory or arterial issues.

Rate: How fast or slow the pulse, measured in beats per minute (e.g., bradycardia for a slow pulse, tachycardia for a fast one). How fast or slow the pulse, measured in beats per minute (e.g., bradycardia for a slow pulse, tachycardia for a fast one). Bounding: Very strong pulse, might suggest hyperthyroidism, fever, or anemia. Weak/thready: Faint and harder to feel, might indicate shock, dehydration, or heart failure. Absent: No detectable pulse, suggests severe circulatory or arterial issues.

Contour: How the pulse feels when palpated, a smooth or an abnormal shape (e.g., bounding or thready). Smooth: Normal, consistent pulse feel. Bounding: Rapid and forceful upstroke, indicating conditions like aortic regurgitation; also known as aortic insufficiency.  A condition where the aortic valve in the heart doesn’t close properly. This causes blood to flow backward from the aorta (the main artery) into the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) during diastole (the relaxation phase of the heartbeat). This backward flow of blood can lead to several symptoms and complications 

Thready: Weak, small pulse indicative of reduced stroke volume or low blood pressure.  Characterized by a weak, small, and often rapid pulse, often difficult to detect.  Typically indicative of reduced stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat) or low blood pressure. This can occur in various medical conditions, such as shock, severe dehydration, or heart failure.

Symmetry: Comparing pulses on both sides (e.g., left vs. right radial pulses) to detect any differences. Pulses on both sides (left and right radial) ideally equal in strength and timing. Pulses on both sides are equal in strength and timing, suggesting no significant vascular issues.

Asymmetric: One pulse, significantly stronger/weaker or absent on one side, which could suggest vascular occlusion, aneurysm: a condition where a blood vessel becomes blocked, preventing blood from flowing through it. This blockage can occur in arteries or veins, often caused by blood clots, fatty plaque buildup, or external compression. Vascular occlusion can lead to serious health issues, such as ischemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ) or even tissue damage if not treated promptly. A difference between the pulses on each side, possibly indicative of conditions like vascular occlusion: a medical condition where a blood vessel becomes blocked, preventing blood from flowing through it. This blockage can occur in arteries or veins, often caused by blood clots, fatty plaque buildup, or external compression.

Vascular occlusion can lead to serious health issues, such as ischemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ) or even tissue damage if not treated promptly, aneurysms, or peripheral artery disease.  An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. This can occur in various parts of the body, including the brain, aorta, and peripheral arteries. Aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, leading to internal bleeding. Some aneurysms may not cause symptoms and might go unnoticed until they become large or rupture.

Quality: General feel of the pulse—judged whether forceful or faint. Forceful: Strong, clear pulse, indicates a healthy circulation. Faint: Weak, difficult to palpate, possibly indicating low cardiac output. Such a pulse could indicate low cardiac output, shock, or heart failure.

A thorough job laying out the key elements of pulse assessment in a key in Asian medicine. This comprehensive breakdown highlights how various pulse characteristics—rate, rhythm, amplitude, contour, symmetry, and quality—offer valuable insights into cardiovascular health. Each element described reflects a wide range of conditions, and the way they often combine or expressed, can provide specific clues for diagnosis or further investigation.

This approach of palpating the radial pulse and noting these factors (rate, rhythm, amplitude, contour, symmetry, and quality) a wisdom which providers a detailed view of a patient’s circulatory status, they serve as the basis of Asian wisdom toward treatment decisions and lead to the identification of cardiovascular problems early on.

The hand shao yin heart channel, plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s energy flow and overall health.  The Heart Primary Channel originates from the heart and emerges from the blood vessel system surrounding the heart. It runs to the lungs, descends, and emerges in the center of the axilla (armpit) at Jiquan (HE-1). External Pathway: From Jiquan (HE-1), the channel continues descending along the medial aspect of the upper arm, the inner side of the upper arm, which is closest to the body when the arm is in a relaxed position. It passing through points like Shaohai (HE-3) at the elbow and Shenmen (HE-7) at the wrist. It then travels through the palm and terminates at Shaochong (HE-9) at the radial corner of the little finger.

Another branch separates from the heart, taveling upward along the side of the esophagus to meet the tissues behind the eye and connect with the brain.  A further channel separates from the heart and travels directly up to the lungs, veers downward & emerges below the axilla; commonly known as the armpit, the area under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder.

Main pathologic signs associated with the external course of the heart channel:  Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats felt in the chest. Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area, often related to heart issues. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often due to an overactive mind or emotional disturbances. Anxiety: Feelings of unease, worry, or fear that can affect the heart’s energy. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, related to heart and lung function. Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially on the palms, which can be linked to heart imbalances. Tongue and Mouth Issues: Sores, ulcers, or a red tip of the tongue, indicating heat in the Heart Channel.

Main pathologic signs associated with the heart meridian:  Heart Fire: Symptoms include palpitations, thirst, tongue/mouth ulcers, restlessness, red complexion, and a bitter taste in the mouth. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coat, and the pulse may be full, rapid, and overflowing. Phlegm Fire Misting the Mind: More severe than Heart Fire, this pattern includes mental confusion, lack of mental clarity, palpitations, restlessness, incoherent speech, rash behavior, and a tendency towards hitting or scolding people.

The tongue may have a red, greasy coat, and the pulse may be full and slippery. Phlegm Misting the Mind (Heart): Symptoms include mental confusion, unconsciousness, a rattling sound in the throat, and vomiting. The tongue may have a thick, greasy coat, and the pulse slippery. Deficiency Patterns – Heart Blood Deficiency: Symptoms include palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, dizziness, pale complexion, and anxiety. The tongue may be pale, and the pulse may be thin and weak. Heart Chi Deficiency: Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and a pale complexion.

The tongue may be pale, and the pulse weak. Heart Yin Deficiency: Symptoms include palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, and a red tongue with little or no coating. The pulse may be thin and rapid. Heart Yang Deficiency & Yang Collapse: Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, cold limbs, chest pain, and a pale or bluish complexion. The tongue may be pale and swollen, and the pulse may be weak and slow.

The Heart Luo-Connecting Channel separates from the primary Heart Channel at HT-5, located on the wrist. Connection to the Small Intestine Channel: It then connects to the Hand Tai Yang Small Intestine Channel. Upward Movement: The channel moves upward along the primary Heart Channel. Entering the Heart: It enters into the heart organ itself. Connecting to the Tongue and Eye: The channel rises up to connect to the root of the tongue and the region behind the eye. This pathway is significant in Asian wisdom for diagnosing and treating various conditions related to the heart and its associated functions.

The Heart Divergent Channel, an alternative pathway for the flow of Chi and blood.  The Heart Divergent Channel separates from the primary Heart Channel at Jiquan (HE-1), located in the axilla (armpit). It penetrates the chest at Yuanyu (GB-22) and enters internally to the Heart. Ascent: From the Heart, it ascends through the chest and neck. It arrives at Lianquan (REN-23).  Lianquan (REN-23) is an acupuncture point located on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) meridian connecting to the root of the tongue and the region behind the eye.

Lianquan (REN-23) situated on the anterior midline of the neck, the central front part of the neck. This area includes several important anatomical structures, such as: Thyroid Gland: Located just below the Adam’s apple, it produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Trachea (Windpipe): A tube that connects the larynx to the lungs, allowing air to pass through. Larynx (Voice Box): Contains the vocal cords and involved in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. Hyoid Bone: A U-shaped bone located at the base of the tongue, which supports the tongue and its muscles. Major Blood Vessels: Including the carotid arteries and jugular veins, which supply blood to and from the head and neck.  This point, commonly used to treat conditions related to the throat, tongue, and speech, such as: Sore throat Loss of voice Difficulty swallowing Dry mouth Speech disorders Lianquan (REN-23) believed to help clear heat and resolve phlegm in the body.