The hidden flame under the kettle
In addition to the “Heart Fire” (the visible, conscious fire), TCM describes the concept ofMinisterial Fire(Xiang Huo). This is a deeper, more creative and instinctive fire, closely connected to the Kidneys.
The Water-Fire Balance
Nier-Water:Cooling, stabilizing, storing (Essence/Jing).
Ministerial Fire:Warm, buoyant, libido, creativity, motivation.
A healthy constitution means that water tempers fire, and fire keeps water warm. Think of a kettle on the stove: without water, it burns dry, but without fire, the water remains cold and still.
When things go wrong
Too little Water → Fire rises uncontrollably: restlessness, hot flashes, agitation, insomnia.
Too little Fire → Cold, sluggishness, lack of motivation and “meaning”, numbness.
Therapeutically, TCM seeks balance: sometimes water needs to be fed to control fire, sometimes a weak fire needs to be gently fanned.