Fire Element Help Sheet

This patient handout is designed to give you tools to help you progress along the path to wellness. Use this information in order to maximize your healing process. This sheet includes a variety of tips that support the health and vitality of the Fire Element.

While many of the organ functions overlap and are similar, there are significant differences between how Eastern and Western medicine view them. This section gives you an overview of the different functions of each organ according to each of these medical philosophies.

Functions of Heart and Small Intestine/Fire Element:

• Controls sweat
• Controls blood vessels and circulation
• Supports and controls mental activities
• Manifests upon the complexion
• Houses the “Shen,” which is equivalent to the mind.
• Supports the digestive process with the chemical breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates

• Facilitates absorption of food molecules into the bloodstream Aids in the secretion of bile, pancreatic and other digestive fluids Small Intestine
• Governs ingested fluids and foods, separating the “clean” from the “impure”
• Sends food to the Large Intestine for reabsorption
• Sends impurities to the Bladder to be released as urine

Some Physical Symptoms:

• Adrenal weakness
• Asthma
• Backache
• Bladder problems
• Broken, split and/or dull hair
• Cystitis

• Dark rings under eyes
• Dull, throbbing headache
• Frequent urination
• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Kidney stones

• Knee problems/ weakness
• Lack of libido
• Lethargy and/or fatigue
• Loose stools
• Loss of hair

Some Emotional Symptoms:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Continuous laughter
• Critical, cynical behavior
• Excessive and/or vivid dreaming
• Forgetfulness

• Lack of joy or humor
• Lack of self-love
• Mania
• Mental confusion
• Poor self-esteem
• Restlessness

Foods to Add:

Certain foods have specific effects within the body. This section is here to guide you to make food choices that support the health of the Fire Element.

• All fruit
• Amaranth
• Asparagus
• Basil
• Black beans
• Brussel sprouts
• Buckwheat
• Celery
• Chicory
• Chives
• Cinnamon

• Crab apples
• Cucumbers
• Dandelion
• Dark, leafy greens
• Dates
• Dill
• Endive
• Figs
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Kidney beans

• Lettuce
• Marrow soup
• Mung beans
• Nettles
• Olive oil
• Oysters
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Persimmons
• Quinces
• Raspberries

• Red beets
• Red lentils
• Salmon
• Squash
• Spinach
• Vegetables

Element Associations:

This section lists a specific sound and an emotion associated with this meridian system, as well as the time of day and season when it is most active.

Acupressure Points

This section provides you with the most effective points for the Spleen & stomach. Rubbing acupressure points 30-60 seconds can stimulate and promote health and well-being.

Meridian Exercises

These are specific exercises for the activation of the body’s own energy systems. Each pose was specifically chosen because it has the greatest impact upon the healthy functioning of the Fire Element.