If you’ve ever wondered whether you can heal your emotions. Wonder no more. You can!
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient system of healing that has been used by physicians for over 2500 years.
It’s a holistic system that can be used to address all kinds of health problems, including emotional difficulties.
Within Chinese Medicine, emotions are recognized as major influences in illness and vitality.
Chinese Medicine maps the body and mind as an interrelated web of interactions and relationships.
When an emotion goes on for too long, is held onto, or is not expressed, it’s a sign of imbalance. Those imbalances lead to disease and illness.
The practice of Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, various forms of massage and bodywork, exercises, and food therapy.
It relies on the principle that a part can only truly be explained by looking at the whole.
Did you know that each emotion is related to an organ system and element in Chinese Medicine?
Emotions can affect the organs and the health of the organs can influence your emotions.
You could say that each of the emotions has an energetic imprint.
Fear causes energy to sink or freeze, anger rises upward, joy disperses energy, worry and over thinking cause sluggishness, and grief or sadness cause energy to deflate.
Decode and heal your emotional state according to Chinese Medicine and find out which organs and elements might be out of balance for you and what to do about it.
How to decode and heal your emotions.
The emotion of fear is related to the water element and the Kidneys.
When a person has this imbalance they constantly feel threatened and suspicious. They can become hard and cold. According to Chinese Medicine, this kind of person may tend toward conditions like arthritis or deafness.
To support the water element and counteract the emotion of fear, try repeating a phrase of care towards yourself like “May I be well.”
The emotion of anger is related to the wood element and the Liver.
When a person exhibits this kind of imbalance, they get easily upset and frustrated.
This person can be volatile and tense.
They may be very dedicated and controlled, but when stress or obstacles build up they can explode.
According to Chinese Medicine, this person may be more prone to ulcers and migraines.
To support the wood element and harmonize and help heal your feelings of anger, try moving your body.
The wood element likes creativity and movement, so dance, go for a run, or make up your own workout routine.
The emotion of over-excitement is related to the fire element and the Heart.
A person with this imbalance constantly seeks more activity, excitement, and connection.
According to Chinese Medicine, this over activity can cause heat which leads to concerns with insomnia or anxiety.
To support the fire element and cool the emotion of over-excitement, try a breathing practice by breathing through your nostrils and aiming to lengthen the exhale.
Practice for 10 cycles of breath.
The emotion of worry is related to the earth element and the Spleen.
When a person has an excess of worry they oftentimes ruminate on thoughts over and over.
This person can be nurturing and dependable, but they may also be obsessive, stuck, or bored.
According to Chinese Medicine, this person could tend toward heaviness and weak digestive function.
To support the earth element and balance the emotion of worry, try journaling about your concerns and seek the support and connection of others.
The emotion of grief is related to the metal element and the lungs.
When grief is overwhelming a person can insulate themselves.
This type of person tries to control their environment to avoid pain and can become detached.
According to Chinese Medicine, this imbalance can manifest in constipation, and rigidity.
To support the metal element and lighten the emotion of grief, incorporate movements that open the upper lungs.
Try a supported backbend or a breathing practice where you aim to lengthen the inhale.
Now that you’ve learned about the emotions according to Chinese Medicine, take note of which emotion tends to be strongest for you right now.
Jennifer Raye
5 Comments
This is interesting. I’ve never read anything about it before. I have done a lot of emotional healing in the past decades, and many physical ailments cleared up. One in particular that I’m happy about was an underfunctioning thyroid. However, I must add that I also cleaned up my diet and other habits considerably.
It’s new to me too Debbie – though I have had experience with acupuncture in the past.
This is a great synopsis of Chinese medicine as it relates to the emotions! I love Chinese medicine. I’ve been getting acupuncture for decades. My earth element is the one that’s constitutionally week, but I also see challenges with the kidney element. I’m blessed to have the support of a good practitioner.
I’ve had acupuncture in the past too Sandra and probably think I should head back for more after reading this. 🙂
Thank you Sandra! Sorry for the delay in responding. Great to hear you’ve found a good practitioner. Spleen and Kidney imbalances are common!!