Balancing the 5 Emotions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Physical ailments can be overwhelming, especially if we do not take the time to understand their
emotional origin. Understanding what we are feeling can take us out of our heads and back into
our body by repairing the ill effects our emotions have on our organs. Each of the five emotions
in TCM, anger, joy, worry, grief, and fear, are connected to an organ, and unchecked emotions
can wreak havoc on how our body functions as a whole. TCM teaches that there is no separation
of body and mind. Stress from relationships, money, and politics can have an emotional and physical effect on the body. Identifying and understanding which emotion is most relevant to your stress can help you repair and rebalance your body through acupressure and medication.
Anger (Liver, Wood)
The Liver is associated with the emotion of anger. Feelings of anger, frustration, or resentment can cause stagnation of the liver’s Qi, leading to tension, headaches, and irritability. To help relieve built up and unreleased anger, and promote the flow of liver Qi, try applying gentle pressure to acupressure point Liver 3 (Tai Ching), which is located on the top of your foot, between the first and second toes.
Meditate by practicing deep breathing; try releasing anger by breathing in while visualizing the color green, which is associated with the liver, allowing calmness to replace frustration.
Joy (Heart, Fire)
The Heart is connected to joy. Joy is usually a positive emotion, but excessive joy like overexcitement or mania can lead to imbalances like anxiety, insomnia, or palpitations. To calm the heart and relieve feelings of anxiety, apply gentle pressure to the Heart 7 (Shen Men) point located at the wrist where the palm meets the forearm.
Mindfulness meditation can help promote a balanced feeling of joy. Focusing on being present can help release any overwhelming or erratic thoughts. Use this as an opportunity to recite a mantra to calm the mind.
Worry (Spleen, Earth)
The Spleen is connected to worry, overthinking, or excessive rumination. Excessive worrying can impair the Spleen’s ability to properly digest and distribute nutrients, leading to digestive issues, fatigue, bloating, low energy, and weakened immunity. Acupressure point Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) is located just above the ankle, and when pressed can help clear a ruminating mind, support digestive health, and promote a sense of stability.
Grounding meditation, like focusing on belly breathing and envisioning roots connecting your feet to the earth can help relieve worry and bring mental clarity.
Grief (Lungs, Metal)
The Lungs are linked with grief and sadness. Grief caused by loss or stress can constrict the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, respiratory issues, or chronic feelings of sadness. Located on the chest just below the collarbone is Acupressure point Lung 1 (Zhong Fu). Applying gentle pressure here can help release feelings of grief and sadness.
Cultivating a practice of gratitude meditation, the focus on things you are grateful for, can counterbalance feelings of grief. The color white is associated with the lungs, and visualizing white while you deep breathe can fill your chest with healing energy.
Fear (Kidneys, Water)
The Kidneys are tied to fear and a sense of security. Excessive or chronic fear can deplete the Kidney Qi, manifesting as fatigue, lower back pain, urinary issues, and general feelings of insecurity. Acupressure point Kidney 1 (Yong Quan) is located on the soles of the feet, and is ideal for grounding and calming fear, balancing kidney Qi, and restoring a sense of security.
Guided meditation paired with a comforting affirmation like “I am safe” can promote feelings of safety and security. Stress in an inescapable part of life, but succumbing to your emotions does not have to be.
Finding a balance between the stress and emotions of everyday life and personal well being can be achieved through mindfulness and meditation. Exploring the dominant emotional state one is experiencing provides a path to peaceful acknowledgment of how to process and heal. Creating space for conscious engagement in healthy mindfulness practices can prevent future manifestations of physical ailments.
Take a step back from what your mind is telling you to feel, and listen to what your body is telling you. Quiet the mind, let your body talk, and give it what it needs to come back to peace. If you are angry, practice taking deep, slow breaths when those feelings surface. If you are fearful, remind yourself of times and places you have felt secure, and put your energy towards reconnecting with those moments. Life is like a pendulum; while we are collectively experiencing an upswing of unease and uncertainty, a downswing is guaranteed before the equilibrium of rest is achieved. We will come out for the better if we can maintain our physical and mental health along the way.
Resources
https://goldenlightacupunctureny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Five-Emotions-of-Chinese-Medicine.pdf
https://www.verywellmind.com/emotions-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-88196
The Five Emotions of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Understanding and Managing Stress through Acupressure and Meditation