The first part of this book is a discussion of the heart master. It makes clear, classical distinctions between aspects of the heart which have been variously translated as heart governor, heart protector, heart constrictor and pericardium.

Xin zhu is discussed as the heart as master and contrasted with the heart as a void. Xin bao luo is presented as the enveloping and connecting aspect of the heart, and tan zhong as the central temple within the chest. Tan zhong is also discussed as a sea of qi and gathering place of ancestral qi, and as the place of transmission for elation and joy.

The classical connections between the hand xin zhu (heart master) meridian and the hand shao yin (heart) meridian are also clarified.

The second part of the book shows the developing concept of the triple heater as seen in the Nei jing, The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, the Nan jing, The Classic of Difficulties, and later commentators. It is considered both as a separate fu and as the unifying totality of the zangfu. Its fire-water polarity is discussed in depth: as water through its links with the kidneys and bladder, and as a fire minister with the Gate of Destiny, ming men and xin bao luo.

The upper, middle and lower heaters are examined, with particular reference to Lingshu chapter 18, which presents them as responsible for respiration, digestion and elimination respectively. Their connections with ancestral (zong), nutritive (ying) and defensive (wei) qi are also shown.

An index is given for all Chinese characters and main concepts.