In Five Element acupuncture theory, Fire is the element of summer. Fire qi is the base of life and vitality within a person. The Fire element in people also controls the ability to feel joy and laugh. When the Fire element is not balanced, they may feel either sadness and the inability to communicate with others as a result of deficiency, or one may talk excessively, laugh uncontrollably, and be easily and overly excited in the case of excess Fire.
Depression can be a manifestation of the first Fire imbalance described. A person doesn't enjoy pleasurable activity that they used to. They find it difficult or do not have the will to communicate and be joyful with others in social situations. They may speak with a dullness, void of expression. These are just a few examples of the manifestation of depression, which is a serious problem in America. Millions rely on anti-depressants to overcome the symptoms of depression, but are they treating the root cause?
Imbalance of Fire qi deficiency is only one example of a pattern leading to sadness and depression, but it can be a root cause in acupuncture terms. The organ associated with Fire is the Heart and the tissues in the body are blood and blood vessels. The Heart has a special relationship to all organs, which depend on the Heart to function properly. Specific acupuncture points nourish the blood and build Heart/Fire qi bringing this element in the body to balance. Through the use of needles and stimulation of the points, blood can freely flow to the face and tongue where the Fire of our being is expressed. A practitioner can see this action in the patient's body and the patient can literally feel the movement of blood and qi flowing. This nourishment and movement is a manifestation of reaching the root of the imbalance.
Acupuncture has been shown in many studies to improve depression in patients that regularly receive treatment. Regular treatments keep the body in balance and maintain healthy flow if qi and blood to the Heart and all organs. External and internal influences can disturb the balance and it's beneficial to keep a diary of symptoms and recognize when things are off and it's time for a treatment.
Everyone wants to enjoy our time on this planet whether it's summer, winter, or in between. Our vitality keeps us going throughout all cycles of life and acupuncture has the key too keeping our lives in balance.
