The Heart Organ Network includes not only the heart muscle but also aspects of overall blood circulation as well as mental and emotional activity.
Excess Heat or Fire affecting the Heart refers to a state of over stimulation that needs to be balanced with cooling foods.
- Lightly cooked foods (ex: steaming, poaching and stir-frying) along with a small amount of uncooked foods should be eaten.
- Raw fruits and vegetables can be included but care should be taken to balance these with cooked vegetables and stewed or baked fruits.
- Because most proteins are warming in nature, they should be limited.
- Overly rich or oily foods should be avoided as should fried barbecued or roasted meals.
- Remove stimulants such as coffee and chocolate.
- Where ever possible choose organically grown foods.
Avoiding excessive mental stimulation is another important part of addressing Heart Fire.
Restrict the amount and types of television watched, late night reading and time spent on a computer.
Be sure to include meditation and or relaxation techniques into your daily regime.
Specific foods for Heart Fire
- Celery, spinach, swiss chard, cucumber, lettuce, dandelion greens, radish,
- Asparagus, eggplants, cabbage, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower,
- Zucchini, corn, beets, turnips, carrots, parsley, sprouts, watercress
- Apples, pears, watermelon, persimmons
- Millet, barley, rye
- Tofu, soy products, yogurt, mung beans, adzuki beans
- Spirulina
Foods to restrict or avoid
- Roasted, fried and deep fried foods in general chilies, cinnamon, ginger, black
- Pepper, garlic, mustard, horseradish, coffee, chocolate, vinegar, excessive salt
- Red meats, alcohol shrimp, cheese, eggs, peanuts
