Fire Element

Fire Element Introduction

The Fire element is warmth, illumination and joyfulness. It is the extreme of Yang energy and represents energy at its most ethereal. Fire element types are natural born leaders. They are always at the ready and actively seek things or situations that will spark their interest. They are given to unexpected illuminating flashes of insight and bursts of enthusiasm. Like fire itself, they can flare up when inspired, making them seem very passionate about life.

Body Parts Associated with the Fire Element

The heart is the monarch of the body's organs. It is where the Shen or spirit lives. This is the positive quality of all organs. Happiness, caring, bravery, gentleness, and generosity are blended to create personality.

The heart is known to be the centre of loving and kindness. We often refer to cruel, unfeeling people as 'heartless' or 'cold hearted'. Generous and loving people are frequently termed as 'warm hearted'. There is a connection between the heart and the tongue hence the expression 'singing from the heart'.

The heart has both positive qualities; happiness, spirituality, respect, selflessness, and love; and negative qualities; hatefulness; cruelty; lack of thought, selfishness.

As the king of organs the heart must assign tasks to his assistant the small intestine. These tasks are to filter physical and emotional inputs to the heart. If the heart is weakened the small intestine will be come burdened down. The small intestine is the Yang partner for the Yin energy of the heart.

The Fire element is also connected with the arteries, tongue, facial complexion, the outer ear and the corners of the eyes beside the nose. Blood and perspiration are the bodily fluids associated with fire.

Secondary Fire

Fire has a uniqueness in so far as it is associated with a secondary set of meridians. These are the pericardium and the triple heater. They are different in that they are not directly connected to any organs.

The pericardium or heart protector is like the king's messenger. It gives vent to the intentions and emotions of the heart. It helps to shield the heart from outside factors and protects the mind from external traumas. The heart should be treated dealing with emotional issues. As a Yang meridian the pericardium is the partner to the triple heater Yin.

In the West we do not have anything that directly equates to the triple heater. It maintains and controls the upper, middle and lower heaters of the body. These heaters are in the chest cavity, below the diaphragm, and just below the naval. The triple heater is the manager of the kingdom's waterways and controls the distribution of heat and fluid. When imbalances exist it can lead to coldness or an inability to adapt to one's surroundings.

The Fire Element Personality Type

Fire element personality types are the life and soul of the party. When they enter a room people tend to notice because they exude a radiance that makes people warm to them. They are entertaining talkers and can be very humourous. Sometimes they create the impression that they know everyone and everyone knows them. People tend to be attracted to fire element types because of their gregariouness, generosity of spirit, and warmth.

Sometimes they are mistakenly thought of as shallow because of their apparent openess. People who know them have an appreciation for their deep inner richness of spirit and are drawn to this.

Fire element types can burn brightly but briefly if not nurtured appropriately. One of their main problems is that they can exhaust their fuel reserves too fast in their desire to be loved and to love. In such eventualities they become disheartened and melancholy and if they don't get enough rest to recharge they can become physically and emotionally weak. If this happens they can feel totally overwhelmed.

Fire types have to learn how to conserve their fuel reserves so that they do not burn themselves out in a short brilliant burst.

Health Issues for Fire Element Types

An unconfined Fire can cause terrible damage. The Metal element is the one that represents boundaries for Fire. In the Control Cycle as the Metal element feeds Water, the latter may become weakened and can no longer control Fire. If the lungs are dominated by the heart in this way it can lead to coughs and dry skin. Psychologically this can lead to major emotional upset.

If the kidneys become weakened this can lead to a loss of sex drive and difficulty or pain in passing urine. On a psychological level these personality types can become unsure and easily distracted. To much Fire can affect the liver that fuels it thereby causing joint stiffness. The Earth element can become baked and this can cause muscle stiffness.

Fire Element - Visualisation Exercises

Visualise a fire igniting into life. At the start the flames just flicker as they try to embrace the fuel and take in the necessary oxygen to keep burning. Slowly the flames gain vigour as the fire takes hold and starts to burn brightly. As the fire grows feel the warmth that it emits. With the growing intensity of the fire you feel warmed to your core.

But take care - don't get too close just in case you get burnt. Yet the fire that can be so destructive is necessary to all living things properly warmed. To keep the fire going you must add fuel every so often or else the flames will be extinguished. Not too much fuel or else the fire might exceed it's boundaries and become a destructive force.

See how the qualities of the fire change as the fire dies and becomes hot ashes. Pay attention to your feelings as you watch the fire.

Fire Element Conclusion

It is very important that the fire element type does not become dehydrated and exercises control over their natural exuberance. In this way the Fire will be kept in check.

We Recommend: Shiatsu : A Beginner's Guide - Author: Ray Pawlett - Published by D&S Books