Late Summer and its Officials

Introduction

Late Summer a pivotal point in the energy of the seasons when the Earth Element plays a central role.  Described in ‘Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements’ as “The forces of Nature are very precisely balanced and interacting every moment” (Dianne Connelly 1994).  Earth has a special significance in that it supports all the other elements.  Earth is the source of the other elements, the centre from which they arise.   

Earth’s energy comes to the fore in late summer and yields forth it’s ripe fruits and crops in the harvest which have been growing since the ascension of Yang from spring.  The climax of Yang during summer has passed and provides an opportunity to prepare for the ascension of Yin, commencing in autumn, and peaking in winter.  If we are “awake” to this opportunity we can realise this by storing and taking advantage of the bounties of Mother Earth.   Earth has been “giving” of itself since spring, producing many sources of nourishment for us in fruits and vegetables, and now is resting before she starts to “receive” her own nourishment, for example through decaying leaves, to be ready to produce when the next spring season arrives. 

This is indicative of the early recognition of the gift, which Earth gives in providing nourishment.  Plants need an appropriate soil to grow in where the roots can take hold and not be easily uprooted.  This gives us an indication of other gifts provided by Earth in that it provides support and stability.

Many civilisations have myths and stories about the Earth, a stable ground, which receives a “kiss of rain” from the heavens, which allows the ground to be fertile.  In old diagrams of the Five Elements Earth was located in the centre surrounded by the other four elements.  Like a mother surrounded by her children!  This reflects Earths direction, which is centre.

Late Summer is a time to recognise the many gifts Earth presents to us.   We also need to be aware of the challenges that Earth has for us.  All the gifts, capacities and challenges affect the body, mind and spirit. 

Gifts & Capacities

The Earth gives us somewhere to make our home.  She provides the raw materials we need to build our homes.  She provides the sources of energy that we use to provide light, heat etc in our homes.  She rotates on a central axis providing us different seasons.  These seasons in turn provide the various environmental conditions required for various food types to grow and mature which in turn play a vital role in providing us with physical nourishment.   Having our physical needs met and prepared for through the harvest that come with late summer allows us to have a sense of belonging and a feeling of being safe and secure.  This in turn allows us to operate from a centre, be at home with ourselves, at ease, be balanced and centred, and yet able to interact and connected to the rest of the world.

The Earth is made of many varied terrains and landscapes.  There is an abundance of life that provide us with many smells and sights that are pleasing to our mind and spirits.  There are a huge variety of sights, smells and sounds, which reflect Earths capacity to cater “for all tastes” so-to-speak.  There is something out there that may please the billions of individuals living on planet earth.

Mother Earth is a giant ‘re-cycling’ plant.  She is capable of taking the pollutants we throw at her and re-cycle them by absorbing them and purifying them.  We have however, to maintain respect for this capability and not take it for granted and over stretch it.  We can see signs of this strain on Mother Earth in feedback such as global warming.

Challenges

One of the key challenges that Earth presents to us is to be aware of what are our individual needs.  We need to consider what is the right place on Earth for us?  Having found a place we need to find out what we can do to ensure that Earth can fulfil it’s potential.  If we are not aware of our needs this shows us an imbalance in our Earth element energy.  

We need to strike a balance in our life in taking care of our body, mind and spirit.  In her book ‘Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements’ Dianne Connelly states “If we care for ourselves be creating health, the children to whom we give birth must then be healthy and strong in life, learning to create harmony in the same way.”  (1994).  This balance can be realised through an appropriate mix of nourishment via a balanced diet, regular exercise, and some time put aside to relax and meditate.  Indeed the season of Late Summer is a time of stillness and an ideal opportunity to reflect upon the fun and relaxation we have experienced during the summer and prepare for the challenges if life during autumn and winter by filling the our storehouses to help us nourish our body, mind, and spirit.  If we have an energetic imbalance in our Earth element in relation to taking stock from the harvest we could for example come from a position of having a fear of lack of, or not having enough.  Always providing for the “just in case” scenario whether that be through always having cupboards full of food, or perhaps if travelling having a supply of food, blankets etc in the car.  On the other side of this imbalance we may not use the harvest to rest and recuperate and lose the appropriate balance for caring for our self and others.  We can give of our selves constantly and eventually burn out as an exhausted martyr. 

On the mind level we need to be aware of the energetic influences of the Earth element.  In balance the mind can take in information and process it.  Out of balance can result in over pensiveness for the mind.  A strain is presented if for example we are constantly stuck in making decisions.

Someone with well developed Earth energy is a well grounded, nurturing, compassionate person, sometimes depicted as the archtypical “earth mother”.  Earth people like to bring others together and make good mediators or peacemakers and reliable friends. They often enjoy both preparing food and eating.

When people have weak Earth Qi, they can be  worriers and meddlers. They are prone to pensiveness. They may overwork, especially in studying or other intellectual work. They are vulnerable to digestive problems and diarrhea. They may gain weight easily and lose it with difficulty. Their bodies have a tendency to make excessive mucus, and they may suffer from cloudy thinking, muzzy-headedness, and a lack of clarity.

Associated with the Earth Element we have the Stomach (Wei) and Spleen (Pi) Officials.  These play an important role in providing nourishment to our body, mind and spirit. 

Stomach & Spleen Officials

“The Element Earth is our connection with mother Earth herself.  From her we receive our physical nourishment which, along with the air from the heavens, is the only way that we can replenish and revitalize the Qi energy with which we are born.  We also receive from her the mental and spiritual nourishment which gives us the feeling of stability and security, the center and equilibrium on which our whole lives are founded.  The Officials of the Earth Element, therefore, are vitally important to the whole economy of the body, mind and spirit.”  (J.R. Worsley 1998).

The Stomach (Wei) Official

The Stomach Official is the Official responsible for the rotting and ripening of food and drink.  It’s an Official that people tend to be most disrespectful to.  The stomach prepares the food and drink for the Spleen to extract the food Qi.  As Su Wen Ch. 19 states “the stomach is the root of the 5 Yin organs.”  When allowed to function as it should we derive maximum benefit from food Qi or “Gu Qi” which supports the Jing (Essence), Blood and Shen (Spirit).  We can realise this by eating a “balanced meal” which in Chinese medicine terms is one which includes all five tastes, (sour/acid, bitter, sweet, pungent/spicy, salty), in proper proportion. 

The chart below describes some of the common foods which serve to nourish the Earth Element:

	EARTH
Grains	Millet Barley
Legumes	Garbanzo Peas
Nuts/Seeds	Pine Nut Pumpkin
Vegetables	Cabbage Carrot Parsnip Rutabaga Spinach Squash
Fruits	Fig Orange Papaya Pineapple Strawberry

If the Stomach Qi fails to descend we suffer from “rebellious Qi” which includes symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.  We need a proper fluid intake to support the stomach in it’s role for it is said that the Stomach “likes wetness and dislikes dryness”.

The extent of the Stomach Officials influence within the body, mind and spirit if reflected by the extent of the pathway of it’s meridian.  The Stomach meridian starts on the face just under the eye and finishes on the second toe.  It has 45 points, making it the second largest Meridian of the body!

The Stomach Official also plays an important role in our mental and spiritual lives in that it takes in our mental and spiritual food.   Our language is full of expressions which reflect this.  For example we talk about “digesting” information, “chewing” over problems or finding something hard to “swallow”.

There are points the Stomach meridian which describe their functions on the body, mind and spirit and it’s relationship to the Earth Element.  For example St 4: Earth Granary, St 8: Head Tied, St 14: Storehouse, St 20: Receiving Fullness, St 24: Lubrication Food Gate and St 25: Heavenly Pivot.

The Stomach Officials most energetic time of day is 7am to 9am and it’s weakest energetic time is 7pm to 9m.  This is reflected in the wisdom of the old adage to breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.

So we need to respect our Stomach Official for if it is sick then none of the other Officials can have any nourishment.  In such a scenario the rest of a patient’s body will make itself heard screaming out for food and from this will arise an excessive need for sympathy, mother’s love and cravings for sweet tasting food which goes directly to the Earth Element within the patient.  Over time may come the other extreme where there is a rejection by the child who no longer trusts its mother.  Any sympathy, nourishment etc that is offered is cast aside.

The other half of the Earth Element Officials team is the Spleen Official.  The rotting and ripening of food for the Officials is only of value if it can be distributed to the rest of the body, mind and spirit.  This is the function of the Spleen Official.

The Spleen (Pi) Official

The Spleen Official is the Official responsible for transportation and distribution. The Spleen transforms food and drink, extracting ‘Food Qi’ and ‘food essences’ which are distributed to Lungs, Heart and Liver.  This is an important process in production of both Qi and Blood.  The Spleen directs Qi to the muscles, especially those of the limbs.  So for example, if the Spleen Official is weak, a person may suffer from cold hands and cold feet because the Spleen Official is seen to behave like the driver who is too tired to finish their rounds.  The Spleen produces a lifting effect along the midline of the body helping ensure that the internal organs are in place.

The responsibility for movement also extends to the mind and spirit.  This is reflected once again in everyday expressions such as when we describe our minds as being “stuck”.  We need to allow our thoughts to “flow” for creative processes.  In an energetic imbalance the impact on mind and spirit can result in things such as poor concentration, worry and anxiety.  Mental agility can show signs of losing the flow.

“In the spirit the same sort of distress arises from the lack of proper distribution of the nourishment.  The Officials between them ensure our connection to the spirit of Nature and the Dao, and each has to work to full capacity in partnership with the other to achieve harmony and balance in all our affairs.  If some are under-nourished because this Official cannot transport Qi energy to them there will be the same sort of rootlessness and agitation which we see in the motherless child.  Lack of comfort, lack of love, and lack of compassion in some and no tin others is going to lead all off the disunity we see when some children are better cared for than others.  The jealousy, spite, attention-seeking, depression and isolation shatter the harmony of the spirit, and only when a solid connection with Mother Earth is re-established will the Officials, together as a whole, be able to breath a sigh of collective relief.”  (J.R. Worsley 1998).

Some examples of points on the Spleen meridian which describe their functions on the body, mind and spirit and it’s relationship to the Earth Element are:  Sp 8: Earth Motivator, Sp 17: Food Drain, Sp 21: Great Enveloping.

Conclusion

In conclusion having looked at the Earth Element and it’s related Officials of Stomach (Wei) and Spleen (Pi) we conclude by looking at some suggestions that may help us to live in harmony with Earths season of Late Summer.

-  Be thoughtful of how we can nourish others!

-  Be conscious of the harvest in our life!

-  Consider what we need to do to make ready for the letting go of autumn.

-  Enjoy the abundance!

References:

Connelly, Dianne M. (1994) Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements.  2^nd Edition.

Maryland, U.S.A.: Tai Sophia Institute

Five Element Nutrition

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory/theory/theory-nutrition.html

Worsley, J.R. (1998) Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials.

J.R. & J.B. Worsley

http://www.acupuncture-online.com/tradition3.htm

Bibliogrpahy

College of Traditional Acupuncture (2005) Blue Group S2005 Session Notes.

Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture.

Kent, England: Global Books Ltd.

Herrmann, Christa-Maria (2000) The Five Elements Volume 1.

Coventry, England: Paul Coughlin Ltd.

Summer and the Fire Element

Introduction

The season associated with the Element Fire is Summer.  It is the time of year when Yang reaches it’s peak.  Growth slows down and plants flower and crops ripen.  Nature soaks up heat and energy form the sun in preparation for a good harvest.  The qi of Heaven and Earth intertwine.

Heaven thus bears witness to the gift of life that it communicates to the 10,000 beings, especially through the growth of vegetation.

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1994) The Way of Heaven p 110

It is also worth noting however that whilst Yang reaches it’s peak during summer, after the summer solstice that Yin starts it’s ascendancy.  The preceding season of Spring and it’s associated Element Wood need the warmth of the Fire Element to bring all it’s activities to bloom.

Nature too, flings wide its arms as the trees unfurl to their greatest height, and all growing things reach their maturity.

                                                                Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture p85

The days are longer and allow us the space to get a days work done and still have time to socialise with friends and share the longer evenings.  Not only is nature showing it’s rich colours but people will dress is bright and lighter clothing.  We are more open and relaxed.  We can be more present and after the hard work of the Spring have more of a sense of freedom and have the time to enjoy this with our friends.

There is such a profusion of wonderful colours, sounds, smells and tastes that it should be impossible not to enjoy and find happiness in them.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p5

The primary correspondences for Fire are listed in Table 1.

Season	Summer
Colour	Red
Sound	Laughter/Lack Of
Odour	Scorched
Emotion	Joy
1st Yin Official / Zang Organ	Heart
2nd Yin Official / Zang Organ	Pericardium
1st Yang Official / Fu Organ	Small Intestine
2nd Yang Official / Function	Triple Heater
1st Yin Official Peak Time	11am – 1pm
2nd Yin Official Peak Time	7pm – 9pm
1st Yang Official Peak Time	1am – 3am
2nd Yang Offical Peak Time	9pm – 11pm
Climate	Heat
Sense Organ/Orifice	Tongue / Ear
Tissue/Body Part	Blood & Blood Vessels
Residue	Hair
Taste	Bitter
Direction	South
Fluid Secretion	Perspiration
Power	Maturity

Table 1 – Fire’s primary correspondences

The Fire Element within us provides us with the gifts and capacities to support our body, mind and spirit by providing us with ability to communicate with the spirits of those around us. To be able to love and to establish relationships.  There will also be challenges to face.  Some of these gifts, capacities and challenges are discussed in the next sections of this paper. 

Gifts & Capacities

Below is a brief discussion on some of the gifts and capacities that the Fire Element brings to our lives.

Love and Joy

The Fire within us fires our spirit and allows us to share in the spirit of the divine spark which is present everywhere.  It flows through all our relationships.  It enables us to set aside the blocks we have in our egos and to reach the heart of everyone.  This in turn is a source of great joy in us, which in turn gives us the energy and enthusiasm for fun in our work, duty and play.

Warmth

The Fire Element provides us with an ‘inner sun’ which gives us the physical warmth we need to survive.  This heat helps the blood in our veins move more quickly, speeds up or digestive process and assimilation of food along with all the chemical processes, which maintain our life.

Communication

The tongue and power of speech is under the control of the Fire Element.  This allows us to communicate our emotions and thoughts.

Clarity of thought

The Fire Element lights up and fires the mind with enthusiasm.  At the mental level this expresses in lively and keen intelligence and in the ability to have clear thought and memory.  The essence of this notion is captured through the use of the word ‘bright’ to describe someone with a balanced Fire Element.

Understanding

This characterizes and encompasses all the gifts previously listed.   Taking time to listen and empathise with others with a honest exchange of thoughts and feelings is a sign of maturity and is a wonderful experience for all involved.  When we feel understood we can experience a soothing balm for whatever energetic imbalances we have.

Challenges

So whilst there are many gifts and capacities which the Fire element bestows to us we need to be aware that the love warmth from the Fire within us is given in an appropriate measure and within proper boundaries.  If left unchecked that same energy can scorch and destroy life.

The fire in a furnace warms a house, whereas in the forest, out of control it wastes and destroys the land .

 Beinfield Harriet, Korngold Efrem (1991) Between Heaven and Earth A Guide to Chinese Medicine p 178

On a physical level a serious Fire imbalance will manifest as an excess of heat which can show as a red face and red skin.  A person may have a thirst and all the secretions which keep a body moist may dry up.

If on the other hand someone has a weak ‘inner sun’ there will insufficient heat in their body.  On a physical level symptoms of wet and coldness will be present.  Their blood may be slow and cold and their face will appear drab due to lack of blood flow.

In terms of communication a Fire imbalance can result in a disturbance in a persons ability to speak and communicate as the power of speech and tongue under Fire’s control is affected. 

Everything which flows to make speech possible stops at source, and with no energy to drive it the tongue weakens, the voice falters, and the mind and spirit seize up.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p31

Too much heat can result in everything overheating and moving a great deal too quickly.  Words can tumble out if control and race away.

A Fire imbalance can also drive people to be desperate to be understood.  They may appear selfish and attention seeking as they search for someone who knows exactly how they feel.

A Fire imbalance can also affect how open or closed a person is.  This is a function of the Pericardium discussed in more detail later in this paper.  A person may go about wearing their heart on their sleeve or in the other extreme never dare to expose themselves for fear of losing love or loosing themselves.  They will feel vulnerable and frail.

The saying ‘laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone’ might have been written by a Fire type.

Hicks, Angela & Hicks, John (1999) Healing your Emotions p 62

Associated with the Fire Element we have the Heart (Xin) , Small Intestine  (Xiao Chang), Pericardium (Xin Bao) and Triple Heater (San Jiao) Officials. 

Their role is discussed in some more detail in the next sections of this paper. 

The Heart (Xin) Official

The Heart holds the office of lord and sovereign.  The radiance of the spirits stems from it.

Su Wen, Ch. 8

The Heart is often referred to as the Supreme Controller.  Its role is as an emperor in the kingdom of the all the Officials in the body.  Whilst there is an interdependency between all the Officials the Heart is important because it governs every other Organ.  If the emperor is calm and well, the Officials can carry out their respective charges and functions.  If the emperor is disturbed or unwell the Officials are unable to function well.

The Chinese character for most Organs, contain the ‘flesh’ radical, indicating that the organ is part of a physical body.  The ideogram for the Heart Official, xin, has no ‘flesh’ radical and instead shows a space.  This illustrates that the Heart is not just a muscle to pump blood but that the space where our shen, or mind-spirit resides.  The heart is more to do with ‘being’ than with ‘doing’.

This is reflected in the two aspects of the Heart jin (the Heart as lord and sovereign) and zhu (this authority at work) 

At the center, there is nothing but emptiness, the only possible shelter for the spirits.  Sovereign of the being and pivot of life, the heart is the guarantor of the unity of a person’s existence.

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1995) Rooted in Spirit – The Heart of Chinese Medicine p174

The Shen is said to have 4 functions:

1.      To make us fully conscious – in the sense of being physically and emotionally self aware

2.      To help us think clearly – to be able to think a problem through with a clear objective and to speak coherently

3.      To have a good memory – this is in the short term sense of not being absent minded and knowing where are keys are of remembering the name of the person we just met

4.      To sleep well – especially being able to drop off to sleep quickly and sleep deeply

The functions of the Heart are listed in Table 2.

1 It governs Blood 2 It controls the blood vessels 3 It manifests in the complexion 4 It houses the Mind (Shen) 5 It is related to joy 6 It opens into the tongue 7 It controls sweat

Table 2 – The Functions of the Heart -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 107

The Heart’s authority is exerted through the Blood (Xue) and through the life-giving network (the mai).  The Heart communicates it’s orders to the zang through the Pericardium (xin bao luo). 

Some examples of points on the Heart meridian, which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element, are listed in Table 3 below:

Point	Title	Example point application
HT 5	Penetrating Inside	Opens into the tongue.  Good for stammering.  If they’re “dying of loneliness”.  Bring warmth from the heart to Mind/Body/Spirit.
HT 7	Spirit Gate	Use this point for nourishing a Fire CF.  Takes this person back to the safe place of the source.  Has the virtue of Heaven when used on any CF.  Use when the spirit is willing but the body cannot go – “I really want to but…”.

Table 3 – Example of points and their application on Heart meridian

The Small Intestine (Xiao Chang) Official

The Small Intestine is responsible for receiving and making things thrive.  Transformed substances stem from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The Small Intestine is the Yang/Fu organ of the Fire Element.  It provides an extremely important function of “separating pure from impure”.  This separation takes place at the level of body mind and spirit.  On a physical level this Official supports us by extracting pure Qi energy from the food we consume, however polluted or inappropriate this may be.   On the mind level this Official supports us be helping us separate the simple values we need for our lives from the glut of information that is thrown at us on a daily basis.  On the spiritual level it helps us to know the proper path we need to take, our Tao, and also gives us our sense of natural justice.

In this lies its connection with the essence of Fire, for by using the heat of the fire to transform Qi energy in this way and keeping nothing but the clean and the pure and discarding the impure, there is maximum joy in our lives.  The warmth and love of which we are capable is not tainted by corruption or wickedness.

Worsley, J.R. (1998), Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials p130

The functions of the Small Intestine are listed below in Table 4.

1 It controls receiving and transforming 2 It separates fluids

Table 4 – The Functions of the Small Intestine -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 191

Some examples of points on the Small Intestine meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 5.

Point	Title	Example point application
SI 1	Little Marsh	To help patient sort out appropriate and inappropriate.  A marsh offers fertility.  Involves separating the pure from the impure (alchemy).
SI 5	Yang Valley	Pulls the arm Yang points together.  Helps with mental clarity and seeing the right path.  Revitalizes the essential elemental essence of the II Official. Help a person who is weak in spirit and unable  to cope.  Build the spirit and calm mania/anxiety.

Table 5 – Example of points and their application on Small Intestine meridian

The Pericardium (Xin Bao) Official

Tan Zhong has the charge of resident as well as envoy (of the Heart).  Elation and joy stem from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The Pericardium is seen in Chinese medicine as something that protects the heart not only physically, but also emotionally.  It will function to do it’s best to prevent us from experiencing a broken heart!.  It is likened to an imperial bodyguard!.  The Pericardium’s capacity to protect the heart depends on how healthy and balanced it is.  Like all organs during our childhood it takes time to mature.  A child will love unconditionally from the moment it comes into the world.  Over time it realises that some people are less friendly and others even dangerous.  The people around the young child help it to develop an emotional awareness to love appropriately and in turn nurture the development of the heart protector function of the Pericardium.

In addition to the Heart’s openness, there are other internal factors that in excess, strain the Pericardium’s managerial energies; these include: Wood’s directionality, Metal’s propensity to “let go,” the Water’s chaotic drive and power.  The Pericardium must restrain and regulate all of these forces so that there is no outpouring of energy beyond what one receives.

Hammer, Leon (1990) Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies p203

The Pericardium is also responsible for all internal and external sexual secretions.  In this regard it has a close relationship with the ming men.  This reflects its role as much as an ambassador as a guard in that it helps to distribute and dispense the warmth.  Also in its role as ambassador it takes charge of all the other Officials by passing on the light of the spirits of the Heart (the shen ming).

Some examples of points on the Pericardium meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 6.

Point	Title	Example point application
PC 1	Heavenly Pond	Gives a new perspective when life has lost its sparkle.      If spirit is dry, a divine bath. If shy/withdrawn/cut off in relationships.
PC 8	Palace of Weariness	Tonifies the Heart and the Heart Protector.  Reinvigorates Fire.  If isolated, feeling cut off.

Table 6 – Example of points and their application on Small Intestine meridian

The Triple Heater (San Jiao) Official

The Three Heater is responsible for the opening up of passages and irrigation.  The regulation of the waterways stems from it.

Su wen, Ch. 8

The relationship of the Triple Heater to all the other organs in the body is indicated in the ideogram for the Jiao which shows the all of the elements of the body linked together and joined on a central stem.  There is also a fire underneath, providing the warmth necessary for life processes.  The three  Jiao divide the torso of the body into three areas with each corresponding to certain internal organs.  The Upper Heater (Shang Jiao) ‘contains’ the Lungs, Heart and Pericardium and lies above the diaphragm.  It’s primary function is receiving Qi energy and distribution of protective Qi (Wei Qi).  The Middle Heater (Zhong Jiao) ‘contains’ the Stomach, Spleen, Liver and Gall Bladder and is responsible for rotting, ripening and transforming the Qi energy.  The Lower Heater (Xia Jiao) ‘contains’ the Small and Large Intestine, the Kidneys, and the Bladder and is concerned with separating the pure from the impure energy and expelling wastes. 

The Three Heater is responsible for maintaining an even balance of heat between the Three Jiao and also between the whole body and it’s environment.  This is often likened to the western medicine concept of homeostasis.  Without this even temperature within each Jiao the other Officials could not work at all.  If this Official is in imbalance the effects are going to be felt by all other Officials.   Emotionally the Three Heater helps prevent us from blowing ‘hot and cold’ in our relationships so that we maintain a balanced emotional temperature.

The functions of the Triple Heater are listed below in Table 7.

1 It mobilises the Original Qi (Yuan Qi) 2 It controls the transportation and     penetration of Qi 3 It controls the Water passages and the     excretion of fluids

Table 7 – The Functions of the Triple Heater -  Maciocia, Giovanni (2005)

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine p 209

Some examples of points on the Three Heater meridian which describe their possible application in supporting the body, mind and spirit and also reflect their relationship to the Fire Element are listed in Table 8.

Point	Title	Example point application
TH 18	Feeding Meridians	The intermediary between the Ming Men and the source points.  Sends Yuan Qi to the source points.  Can be used on any CF.   Feeds ALL meridians.
TH 12	Relax and Enjoy	Let the sun warm your bones.    Relaxation that creates joy and happiness.  When burned out and in need of a vacation.

Table 8 – Example of points and their application on Three Heater meridian

Conclusion

In conclusion in this paper we have looked at the importance of the energetic of the Fire Element, which provides us with the key ability to understand.  The Heart Official along with its three ministers are the means by which the light and warmth of the spirit are kept alive in us!

Finally below are some suggestions for tending our Fire during the Summer season:

1. Have fun on a regular basis.  Make this a priority, which may require we schedule time for fun!
2. Share some of yourself with others.  Take time to listen.  Look inside your heart and find out what you have to give to others unconditionally.
3. Live your passion, whatever it may be, e.g. song writing, hill walking, photography.  If you don’t know what your special passion is, be willing to admit that you don’t – in the meantime, stay amused and keep looking!
4. Get physical.  Get into your body and out of your head.  Love, exercise, dance, run, play.  Get your circulation going.   

References:

Beinfield Harriet, Korngold Efrem (1991) Between Heaven and Earth A Guide to Chinese Medicine

New York: Ballantine Books

Franglen, Nora (2001) Simple Guide to Using Acupuncture.

Kent, England: Global Books Ltd.

Hammer, Leon (1990) Dragon Rises, Red Bird Flies

Barrytown, New York: Station Hill Press, Inc.

Hicks, Angela & Hicks, John (1999) Healing your Emotions

London, England: Thorsons

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1995) Rooted in Spirit – The Heart of Chinese Medicine

New York: Station Hill Press

Larre, Claude & De La Valle, Elizabeth Rochat (1994) The Way of Heaven

Monkey Press

Maciocia, Giovanni (2005) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 2^nd Ed.

Churchill Livingstone

Worsley, J.R. (1998) Classical Five-Element Acupuncture™ Volume III The Five Elements and The Officials.

J.R. & J.B. Worsley

Bibliogrpahy

College of Traditional Acupuncture (2005) Blue Group S2005 Session Thirteen Notes.

Connelly, Dianne M. (1994) Traditional Acupuncture The Law of the Five Elements.  2^nd Edition.

Maryland, U.S.A.: Tai Sophia Institute

Hicks, Angela; Hicks, John; Mole Peter (2004) Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture

Churchill Livingstone

http://www.5elements.com/fire.htm

Kaptchuk, Ted J (1983) The Web that has no Weaver.

London: Rider

Veith, Ilza (2002) The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.

London: University of California Press, Ltd.

New Five Element Acupuncture College for Dublin, Ireland!

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to include a link to our new College of Five Element Acupuncture in Ireland. This is currently the only College offering a full undergraduate course in the European Union in Five Element Acupuncture. We have structured the course to allow people continue with working and/or looking after family etc... by having classes once a month for the first two years. Classes will be held on Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays and Sundays again to minimise the effect for the prospective student on the working week. The cost of attending the three year course is highly competitive when compared with other Acupuncture Courses available. 

The Course is recognised and has attained professional status from two bodies: 
•         The Worsley Institute – the umbrella body for Classical Five Element Acupuncture worldwide 
•         Graduates from the College will be eligible to apply to the Acupuncture Council of Ireland (ACI) for membership. The Council is responsible for the regulation and maintenance of a Register of Acupuncturists. Only fully qualified and insured practitioners can become members of ACI. All members are bound by a Code of Ethics and Code of Practice, which is strictly enforced by the Executive Committee of the ACI, thus offering a guarantee of confidence to any patient seeking treatment. Membership will give the graduate access to a ‘block’ insurance policy of professional indemnity and public liability cover. Patients of Members can apply to their private health insurance (Quinn Healthcare/AVIVA/VHI) for refunds on the cost of their treatments. 

The Course Structure will also be attractive to those living outside of Ireland – the course is being held 20 minutes away from Dublin International Airport and flights to Dublin have become low cost with the advent of budget flight companies.  In addition the cost of attending the three year course is highly competitive when compared with other international acupuncture courses available. For prospective students living in the UK - the favourable €/£ exchange rate means that the cost of the course and other related costs eg accommodation will be cheaper than at home.

For more information www.cofea.ie 
email info@cofea.ie        
Phone 00 353 1 8330865

Please pass the word on to anyone you know who may be interested!!!