Influence of emotions on body and mind - A Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

"Emotions arise in the place where your mind and body meet" - Eckhart Tolle ** In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emotions are seen as powerful energy flow, that directly influence our physical and mental health. According to this healing art, body and mind are one and emotional blockages can lead to various health complaints. In TCM, emotions are not suppressed but understood and regulated. An emotional imbalance is seen as a signal that the energy is not flowing freely. This can lead to both physical complaints and mental unrest.

Emotions and organ systems: an energetic connection

Within TCM, five main emotions are linked to five vital organs. These are seen as systems. This not only concerns the organ itself, but also all connections, such as lymph nodes, blood vessels and energy that belongs to it. Each organ system reacts to specific emotions and becomes unbalanced in the event of prolonged or suppressed feelings.

Anger, frequent feelings of irritation, rage – Liver system

Anger, frustration, vexation or irritation affect the liver energy. Blockage of the liver Qi can lead to:

• Muscle pain or stiff neck/shoulders

• Irritability and (unexpressed) irritation

• Headaches or migraines

• Menstrual problems

In the more recent TCM literature guilt and shame are mentioned. These two emotions stagnates Qi - that would influence directly the liver system (and indirectly all other systems). 

Excessive exuberant joy – Heart system

The heart sees all emotions, meaning that all emotions pass the heart system. One of the major ones is joy. Although joy is positive, excessive excitement can exhaust the heart. Think; your overly happy aunt who always talks with a long high pitched voice and constantly pinches you in the cheek, even though you have indicated that you do not want this. Overjoy and too active Heart Qi manifests itself in:

• Restlessness

• Sleep problems

• Heart palpitations

• Emotional instability, such as mania and compulsive behavior, but also depression

Worrying – Spleen system

Chronic worrying, overthinking and excessive studying burden the spleen system, which can lead to:

• Fatigue and no energy

• Digestive complaints; diarrhea

• Concentration problems

• Melancholy

• Menstrual problems

Sadness – Lung system

Sadness and melancholy but also grief and loss affect lung energy. Possible complaints are:

• Low resistance

• Breathing problems, asthma, allergies

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Urinary and fecal problems

Anxiety – Kidney system

Long-term anxiety weakens kidney energy. In TCM this is the source of our life energy, so important to pay attention to your Kidneys. This can cause:

• Fatigue

• Cold limbs

• Lower back pain

• Sleep problems

• Urinary problems

Treatment methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM offers various natural treatments to remove emotional blockages and restore energy balance, such as:

• Acupuncture: stimulates the energy flows (Qi) in the body

• Herbal formulas: strengthen organs and harmonize emotions

• Qigong, movement and breathing exercises: promote peace and inner balance

• Nutritional advice: focused on energetic support of the body

Conclusion: Health starts with good emotional balance

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotional balance is essential for a healthy body and a clear mind. By learning to listen to your emotions, acknowledge they are there and understanding their influence on your organs system, you can prevent complaints and experience more vitality.