How to Regulate Excessive Heart Fire

“Excess Heart Fire” is a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which distinguishes between “deficient fire” and “excess fire.” Deficient fire typically manifests as irritability, insomnia, and oral or tongue ulcers, whereas excess fire presents with symptoms such as recurrent mouth ulcers, dark yellow urine, and increased irritability. With the accelerating pace of modern life, individuals are increasingly prone to developing Excess Heart Fire—making proper regulation essential. So, how can one regulate Excess Heart Fire? Below, we address this question.

How to Regulate Excess Heart Fire

Regulation of Excess Heart Fire can be approached through several key strategies:

I. Dietary Regulation

Diet should be light and bland; spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided. Fruits such as oranges and longans—which tend to generate internal heat—should be consumed sparingly. Foods that clear Heart Fire are recommended, such as winter melon cooked with its rind: this preparation promotes diuresis and dampness elimination, thereby helping to clear Heart Fire.

II. Emotional Well-being

Emotional balance is crucial. Efforts should be made to maintain a calm and relaxed mindset, avoiding extreme emotional fluctuations, as emotional stress is a major contributor to excessive Heart and Liver Fire.

III. Acupressure on Two Key Points to Drain Heart Fire

1. Shaofu (HT8)

This is the荥 (Xi) point of the Heart Meridian. Xi points primarily address feverish conditions and help nourish Yin and reduce Fire. Stimulating Shaofu—by gentle pressing or massage—functions similarly to taking potent herbal remedies for clearing Heart Fire. It is safe, effective, and cost-free, offering significant relief from symptoms such as oral or tongue ulcers, insomnia, flushed face, red eyes, and dark yellow urine caused by Excess Heart Fire.

2. Laogong (PC8)

This point is closely associated with the Heart and lies at the center of the palm, between the second and third metacarpal bones, slightly closer to the third metacarpal bone—specifically at the tip of the middle finger when the hand is clenched into a fist.

IV. Herbal Medicine

For cases of Yin deficiency with relative Fire excess, herbs such as Ophiopogon Root (Maidong) and Scrophularia Root (Xuanshen) may be brewed as a tea. Alternatively, bitter-cold formulas—including Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Bezoar Calming Heart Pills), Niuhuang Shangqing Wan (Bezoar Clearing Upper Burner Pills), or Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bezoar Detoxifying Tablets)—can effectively clear Heart Fire.
If symptoms persist despite these interventions, integrated treatment combining acupuncture and herbal medicine may be considered.

The above outlines practical approaches to regulating Excess Heart Fire. We encourage everyone to maintain regular daily routines, avoid late-night activities, ensure adequate rest, consume ample fruits and vegetables, and cultivate a positive mental state. Additionally, regular physical exercise helps strengthen immunity and overall health.