Fire - Joy - Upward Movement

The Chinese believe that joy, as all the other emotions, must be kept in balance. Often the Western concept of joy requires excitement and stimulation, rather than a feeling of inner contentment and peace.

This is considered to be a 'false joy' and may be damaging to the Heart.
Too much joy or excitement will cause the energy to rise and scatter, and may produce a condition known as 'floating Shen' or Spirit, or 'the Spirit not housed'.

The upward movement of Fire requires the balancing effect of Water with its downward energy. Fire/Water imbalance is one of the most common disharmonies encountered by the acupuncturist, especially in emotional problems.

As in nature, Fire and Water exist in a state of mutual control and balance, and so must this delicate balance and control be maintained within the individual.

The Kidneys, with their cooling effect and downward movement, govern the will and intention. It is this bringing of thought into action, and potential into reality, which acts as a balance to Shen. It gives root to ideas and allows them to grow and flourish.

Without this, the Shen would be unanchored, a state which may ultimately lead to instability and even madness. The Kidneys provide the necessary grounding in reality.

Traditional acupuncture exhibits a detailed understanding of the various kinds of depression and psychic disturbances related to the imbalance of Fire and Water, and treatment can be very effective.