Where do diseases of the heart typically manifest?

The manifestation of heart diseases is primarily associated with the pericardium in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The pericardium, often referred to as the "heart protector," is believed to have a close relationship with the heart itself. It serves two main functions: physically enclosing and protecting the heart and also playing a significant role in emotional and spiritual health. In TCM, imbalances or pathologies of the heart often present through symptoms that can be linked to the pericardium.

For example, issues stemming from heart conditions may show up as feelings of anxiety, palpitations, and emotional disturbances, which are likely to involve the pericardium. This concept integrates both the physiological and emotional aspects of heart health as understood within the framework of TCM.

In contrast, while the spleen, kidney, and liver have their own respective roles and associations with various diseases and bodily functions, their connections to heart conditions are less direct. The spleen is more related to digestion and blood production, the kidneys influence vitality and fluid balance, and the liver manages the smooth flow of Qi and emotional regulation. Although all organs can affect one another, the pericardium is the most directly related to heart diseases in TCM,