The Emotions & TCM

Understanding the connection between the five major organ-emotion pairings is key to unlocking the healing potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Below, we explore how imbalances in organs contribute to both mental and physical health issues.

Organ-Emotion Pairings & Symptoms

Liver (Gallbladder) – Anger & Frustration

• Function: Regulates blood flow, bile secretion, and detoxification; associated with tendons, nails, and eyes.

• Emotions: Anger, resentment, frustration, irritability, bitterness.

• Symptoms of Imbalance: Menstrual pain, breast distension, headaches, dizziness, dry/red eyes, tendonitis.

• Associated Conditions: PMS, migraines, high blood pressure, vision problems.

Spleen (Stomach/Pancreas) – Worry & Overthinking

• Function: Digestion, nutrient absorption, blood formation, and immune regulation.

• Emotions: Excessive worry, overthinking, dwelling on problems.

• Symptoms of Imbalance: Fatigue, bloating, poor digestion, diarrhea, weak muscles, pale lips, bruising.

• Associated Conditions: IBS, food sensitivities, chronic fatigue, anemia.

Lungs (Large Intestine) – Grief & Sadness

• Function: Regulates breathing, immunity, water metabolism, and skin moisture.

• Emotions: Grief, sadness, detachment.

• Symptoms of Imbalance: Shortness of breath, cough, asthma, allergies, dry skin, depression.

• Associated Conditions: Chronic cough, frequent colds/flu, sinus issues, anxiety.

Heart (Small Intestine) – Joy & Overexcitement

• Function: Controls blood circulation, vitality, and emotional balance.

• Emotions: Excess joy, agitation, restlessness, or lack of joy (depression).

• Symptoms of Imbalance: Heart palpitations, insomnia, excessive dreaming, poor memory.

• Associated Conditions: Anxiety, bipolar disorder, heart disease, panic attacks.

Kidneys (Bladder) – Fear & Insecurity

• Function: Governs growth, reproduction, water metabolism, and bone strength.

• Emotions: Fear, weak willpower, insecurity, isolation.

• Symptoms of Imbalance: Frequent urination, night sweats, back pain, hair loss, osteoporosis.

• Associated Conditions: Adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, kidney disease, infertility.

The Impact of Emotions on Health

Excess Joy (Heart Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Insomnia, agitation, heart palpitations, mania, poor concentration.

• Associated Conditions: Anxiety disorders, ADHD, heart disease.

Anger & Frustration (Liver Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Headaches, high blood pressure, dizziness, menstrual pain, PMS.

• Associated Conditions: Stroke, liver stagnation, vision problems.

Worry & Overthinking (Spleen Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Digestive issues (IBS, bloating), fatigue, insomnia, palpitations.

• Associated Conditions: Anxiety, digestive disorders, anemia.

Grief & Sadness (Lung Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Chronic cough, asthma, sinus congestion, frequent colds.

• Associated Conditions: Respiratory illnesses, depression, weakened immune system.

Fright/Shock (Heart & Kidney Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Heart palpitations, sudden wake-ups at 5 AM, indecisiveness.

• Associated Conditions: PTSD, panic disorder, adrenal fatigue.

Fear (Kidney Imbalance)

• Symptoms: Back pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, premature aging.

• Associated Conditions: Chronic anxiety, infertility, osteoporosis.

How to Balance Emotions & Organ Health

🌿 Holistic Healing Practices:

✅ Meditation & Inner Smile Meditation – Directs positive energy to each organ.

✅ Qi Gong & Breathwork – Moves stagnant energy & supports emotional release.

✅ Journaling & Emotional Expression – Helps process and release pent-up emotions.

✅ Spending Time in Nature – Helps ground emotions and restore balance.

✅ Reiki, Crystal Healing & Energy Medicine – Supports emotional & organ healing.

✅ Aromatherapy – Essential oils tailored to each organ imbalance (Find recommendations  here).

✅ Seeking Professional Guidance – Work with a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Naturopath, or Herbalist.

The mind-body connection is deeply intertwined in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Emotional imbalances affect organ function, and organ dysfunction manifests as emotional disturbances.

By understanding these connections, you can take proactive steps to balance your emotions, support organ health, and enhance overall well-being.

🌿 True healing happens when we nurture the mind, body, and soul in harmony.