When the heart is allowed to feel again

🌳➡️🔥 The TCM Perspective: From Wood to Fire

In TCM, May 5 marks the beginning of „Lìxià“ (Lixia) Summer — the season of Fire Element. The wood gives way, and the fire takes over. This isn't an abrupt change, but a transition that lasts several weeks.

Look at nature: The buds have burst open, the trees are in full leaf, the first blossoms are already fading, and others are taking their place. The delicate, upward-striving energy of spring is transforming into the full, radiant energy of summer.

The same thing happens on the inside—if the system cooperates.

The Sheng Cycle: Wood feeds fire

In TCM, there is the cycle of the five elements. One of its most important principles is: Wood fuels the fire. Just as a log keeps the campfire burning, so does liver energy nourish the heart.

In plain language, that means: Only if your liver was able to function properly in the spring—if that Qi when things were in motion, when that pent-up winter energy was finally released, when emotions were flowing—then now, in summer, the heart has the fuel it needs to truly blossom.

But was spring stressful, stifling, and joyless for you? If so, the fire in your heart will lack fuel in May. And that’s exactly when the onset of summer won’t feel like summer at all.

👉 The liver (Wood) has been preparing for spring:

• The free flow of your emotions
• Your creativity and zest for life
• Your drive and your plans
• Your passion and libido
• Your ability to have and put visions into action

👉 The Heart (Fire) takes over now:

• Joy
• Connecting with others
• The feeling of being alive
• The heat that radiates outward
• The ability to give and receive love

In classical TCM theory: The liver is the general who sets the course. The heart is the emperor who gives meaning to everything. If the general has done his job well, the emperor can reign. If the general has been overworked or blocked, the emperor has no strength.

When the two work together, the result is what we call vitality.

🔥 Why the heart sometimes remains closed

Everyone around you is thriving. But you? You feel… nothing. Or worse: You feel tired. Irritable. Empty.

It's not your fault. It's a sign that your system wasn't able to make the transition from wood to fire.

The most common causes from a TCM perspective:

1. Liver qi stagnation

Winter was long. Not enough exercise, too much sitting, too much brooding. Maybe stress at work, conflicts at home, worries you’ve been bottling up.

Liver energy is blocked. It cannot flow. And without flow, there is no vitality. Spring was unable to release the Wood—and now the Fire lacks fuel.

So it shows:

• You often sigh without realizing it
• Your chest feels tight
• Small things annoy you disproportionately
• You have mood swings
• You feel blocked inside
• In women: PMS, breast tenderness before menstruation

→ Your focus: Pillar 1 (Movement) and Pillar 4 (Letting Emotions Flow)

2. Liver-Blood Deficiency

The liver needs blood to stay supple. In TCM, blood is not just the red fluid—it is a nourishing, moisturizing substance that keeps everything supple.

When the blood is gone, the liver becomes rigid. And so do your emotions. You can no longer flow, because there is nothing left that could flow.

So it shows:

• Fatigue, especially in the afternoon
• Pale lips and a pale face
• Light sleep, lots of dreams
• Brittle nails with grooves
• Blurred vision, dry eyes
• Dizziness when standing up

→ Your focus: Pillar 3 (Nutrition) + Herbs

🌿 A note on this: „Beautiful skin and hair“ and „spring vitality“ may seem like two different topics at first glance. In TCM, they are one and the same: both depend on Liver blood ... When blood nourishes the liver, it regains its suppleness—and so do your nails, your skin, your hair, AND your ability to let your emotions flow.

Anshen Herbs — The Enchanting Panther
With Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, and He Shou Wu—the classic blood tonics of TCM.

3. Heart-Blood Deficiency

The heart needs blood to feel joy. In TCM, the heart is the seat of Shen — your mind, your consciousness, your ability to feel.

Without blood, the heart may still beat—but it feels nothing. Joy has no foundation. This is precisely the pattern that becomes particularly evident in May, when the fire element is supposed to be blazing.

So it shows:

• You rarely feel truly happy
• You feel empty, even though „everything is okay“
• You forget things
• You have heart palpitations for no reason
• You have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Summer doesn't affect you

→ Your focus: Pillar 5 (Inviting Joy) + Acupressure (Ht 07)

4. Yang–Deficiency

Yang is the fire of life. It is warmth, drive, energy, and passion. After a long winter—or after years of overwork, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion—Yang can become depleted.

Without Yang, there is no warmth. No drive. No desire. The inner fire has gone out—and that is precisely what stands out most as the Fire element begins.

So it shows:

• You're always cold, especially in your hands and feet
• You don't have any energy in the morning
• It takes you forever to get going
• You have little or no sex drive
• You feel cold and empty inside
• Everything is exhausting

→ Your focus: Warmth, tranquility, gentle movement + herbs

🌿 A note on this: „At first glance, “immune system„ and “yang deficiency” seem like two separate topics. In TCM, they are one and the same: both depend on the Yang — the warm, active energy of your body. When your yang is depleted, you feel cold, have trouble getting going in the morning, AND become more susceptible to infections. A strong immune system is nothing more than a well-functioning yang.

Anshen Herbs — The Roaring Tiger (for a strong immune system)
Contains Huang Qi, Rou Gui (cassia bark), and Du Zhong—the classic yang-warming herbs of TCM.

🧠 The western bridge

Science calls it something else—but it describes the same thing:

Serotonin and light:
In winter, serotonin levels drop because we get less light. In spring, they rise again—but not at the same rate for everyone. By May, levels should have been high for some time. If they aren’t, your mood will remain low.

TCM says: The qi must first learn to flow again. It has been trapped all winter.

Vitamin D:
After winter, your vitamin D stores are often depleted. Vitamin D affects not only your bones, but also your mood, energy levels, and immune system. By May, the sun is strong enough again for your body to produce it—but only if you’re outside.

TCM says: Yang must be replenished. The body needs sunlight.

Hormones:
As the days grow longer, levels of dopamine (motivation), endorphins (feelings of happiness), and, in some people, testosterone rise. The body responds to the increased light and warmth.

TCM says: The liver opens, and the fire of the heart is kindled.

Cortisol and Stress:
Chronic stress exhausts the adrenal glands. The body remains in survival mode—leaving no energy for vitality.

According to TCM, liver qi stagnation caused by stress blocks the transition to fire.

Two worlds. One realization: Vitality isn't a matter of chance. It requires the right foundation.

🌿 The 5 Pillars of True Vitality

1️⃣ Movement — Getting the Qi flowing

The liver loves exercise. Exercise is to the liver what wind is to a kite—without wind, it hangs limply; with wind, it soars.

After a long winter, your qi has become stagnant. It needs to learn to flow again. And exercise is the quickest way to do that.

Practical:

• Exercise in the morning (to get your qi flowing before the day begins)
• Outdoors in nature (the liver is associated with the Wood element—it thrives on greenery)
• Fluid and rhythmic: dancing, cycling, swimming, walking
• Qi Gong or Yoga — specifically for the Liver meridian

What happens:

• The qi begins to flow
• The chest opens up
• The mood is lifting
• You feel alive again

📣 Insider tip: Dance. Any way you like. Turn on the music, move your body, let go. No one is watching. The liver loves nothing more than free, spontaneous movement. And so does the heart.

Avoid:

• Sitting all day
• Sports as nothing but a chore and a drudgery
• Too intense without joy (that stresses the liver)

→ As of today: 10 minutes of exercise every morning—outdoors if possible.

🎥 30-minute Qi Gong session for greater flexibility and energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS00c78oHNo&t=9s

2️⃣ Get outside — soak up some sunlight and greenery

The liver belongs to the Wood element. And what does Wood need? Light. Air. Greenery. The Fire element, on the other hand, needs direct sunlight—the warmth that opens the heart.

Both will be available in May. Every minute spent outdoors is good for you.

Practical:

• At least 30 minutes outside every day
• Soak up some morning light (without sunglasses for 10–15 minutes)
• Taking a walk in the woods
• Bringing plants into your home — that’s good for your liver, too

What happens:

• Serotonin levels rise
• Vitamin D is produced
• The liver relaxes
• The eyes recover (the eyes are connected to the liver!)

Why eyes are important: In TCM, the eyes are considered the „opening“ of the liver. Working at a computer screen doesn’t just strain your eyes—it strains your liver. Looking at greenery is good for your liver.

→ This week: Spend 30 minutes outside every day, no matter the weather.

3️⃣ Sour, green, and bitter — nourish the liver and heart

The sour taste stimulates the liver. The green color nourishes it. And as we transition to the fire element, the bitter taste comes into play—for bitter is the taste of the heart.

Install daily:

Sour - moves the liver qi:

• In the morning: Warm water with lemon or lime
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon in warm water)
• Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha
• Sour fruits: citrus fruits, berries

Greens - nourish the liver:

• Spinach, Swiss chard, kale
• Broccoli, bok choy
• Rocket, lamb's lettuce
• Sprouts (living food for living energy!)
• Herbs: parsley, cilantro, basil

Bitter things—strengthen the heart now:

• Arugula, radicchio, endive
• Dandelion, chicory
• Bitter matcha, green tea
• Pure cocoa (unsweetened), dark chocolate (80% cocoa or higher)

Blood-building (for anemia):

• Beet (THE blood tonic)
• Dates, goji berries
• Dark berries
• Lentils, black beans
• Eggs, especially the yolks

Avoid:

• Alcohol (immediately overloads the liver—even just one glass)
• Too much coffee (it overheats and dehydrates the liver)
• Fatty, fried foods (slows down the liver)
• Too much sugar (causes dampness, weakens the spleen)

→ As of today: A glass of warm water with lemon every morning.

4️⃣ Let your emotions flow

Suppressed emotions block the liver. Every time you hold back something that needs to be said—every time you suppress anger, sadness, or frustration—the liver contracts.

The liver needs to express itself. It needs to flow. Emotionally, too. And the heart wants joy—but only when the path is clear.

Practical:

• Putting feelings into words: What am I feeling right now? (That alone helps)
• Keep a journal — let the words flow without censoring yourself
• Talk to someone — don't keep it all bottled up inside
• Cry when it happens
• Tears are liver qi being released
• Be creative: paint, make music, write, dance

The permission: It's okay to be angry. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to be frustrated. It's okay to be disappointed.

Emotions aren't a weakness. They aren't a problem. They are energy that wants to flow. If you let them go, they go. If you hold on to them, they build up—and then the heart can't find its strength.

A thought: In TCM, the liver is also called „the general.“ A good general has a clear vision and puts it into action. But a general who is never allowed to speak his mind becomes ill—and the emperor (the heart) loses his most loyal servant.

→ This week: Every evening, take 5 minutes to write down how you felt today.

5️⃣ Actively invite joy into your life

Joy doesn't just happen on its own when you're feeling empty. You have to invite it in. Actively. Consciously.

That might sound strange. Shouldn't joy just happen?

Yes—if the system is nourished. But if the heart blood is lacking, if the liver is stagnant, if the yang is weak… then joy waits in vain at the door. You must invite it in. And right now, as the Fire element begins, it is especially receptive.

Practical:

• Plan a little joy every day (don't wait for it to happen)
• Spend time with people who are good for you (not the ones who drain you)
• Do things you loved as a child
• Laugh—even if you don't feel like it (your body can't tell the difference)
• Gratitude: Three things that made my day, every evening

The truth: Vitality doesn't wait for perfect conditions. It doesn't wait until the stress is over, until the problems are solved, until you're „ready.“.

You have to open the door. You have to go outside. You have to say yes.

→ As of today: Do one thing every day that brings you joy. Consciously. On purpose. Non-negotiable.

📍 4 Acupressure Points for More Vitality

Acupressure offers both immediate relief and long-term care. These 4 points specifically support the transition we’re focusing on right now: they open the liver, nourish the heart, and invite joy.

Le 03 (Tài Chōng) — „Big Gathering“

• Where: Back of the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, in the hollow where the bones meet
• What he does: Stimulates Liver Qi, resolves stagnation, and opens the chest. THE key point for everything related to the liver
• When: For irritability, frustration, tightness in the chest, when nothing wants to flow

He 07 (Shén Mén) — „Gate of the Spirit“

• Where: Wrist crease, on the little finger side, in the indentation next to the tendon
• What he does: Opens the heart, calms the mind, nourishes the Shen. Brings joy and inner peace
• When: When you feel down, when you feel empty inside, when summer doesn't touch you

HK 06 (Nèi Guān) — „Inner Gate“

• Where: The inner side of the forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons
• What he does: Opens the chest, harmonizes the liver and heart, and releases emotional blockages. Connects emotion and expression
• When: For chest tightness, heart palpitations, or when emotions feel stuck

KG 17 (Shān Zhōng) — „Center of the chest“

• Where: The center of the sternum, at the level of the nipples
• What he does: Opens the heart center, clears the chest, relieves sadness. The „Joy Point“
• When: When your heart is closed off, when you feel sad or isolated
• How: Gently massage in circular motions or tap gently—both work

Duration: 5 minutes. When: In the morning, for a great start to the day.
How often: Every day during the transition to the Fire element.

📍 All points with detailed instructions and pictures can be found
in our free acupuncture atlas: 👉 www.meine-tcm.com/akupunkturatlas

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💫 The deeper message

Vitality is not a luxury.
It's no coincidence.
It's not a privilege reserved for people with perfect lives.

It's a sign that your system is flowing.
From the wood to the fire. From the liver to the heart. From preparation to blossoming.

If it doesn't happen, that doesn't mean you're weak.
It's not a failure. It's a clue.

Your liver says: „I need to get some exercise.“
Your heart says: „Let me finally feel.“
Your body is telling you: „Give me what I need.“

Summer is beginning. Nature is in full bloom.
Life is in full bloom everywhere.

Now it's your turn.

An invitation: Go outside today. For 10 minutes. Feel the air. Look at the greenery.
Let the sun shine on your face. Take a deep breath. Let go.

This is no small thing. It's medicine for your heart.

„Summer won’t come to you. You have to open your heart to it.“

📌 Recommended

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👉 www.meine-tcm.com/produkt/bs-ballaststoffe-plus

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👉 www.meine-tcm.com/newsletter-anmeldung