In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emotions and physical health are intimately connected. TCM believes that emotional imbalances can be not only the symptoms of physical illness but also the root cause of physical imbalance.
TCM classifies emotions into five basic feelings. Each emotion correspond to a particular Zang Fu organs and affects the flow of Qi (the vital energy of the body) differently.
Emotion |
Anger |
Fear |
Joy |
Sadness/Grief |
Worry |
Organ |
Liver |
Kidneys |
Heart |
Lungs |
Spleen |
Effect on flow of Qi |
Rises Qi |
Descends Qi |
Slows Qi |
Scatters Qi |
Binds Qi |
When the body and mind are functioning properly, Qi flows smoothly throughout the body. Excessive or prolonged emotions interrupt the flow of Qi, leading to poor functioning of the corresponding organs. Because unbalanced emotions first affect Qi before they influence the physical structure of the body, TCM treatment of mental/emotional disorders focuses on restoring the free flow of Qi, by using acupuncture, herbal medicines, moxibustion, cupping, Tui Na, and/or Qi Gong.
NOTE: The names of organs are capitalized when referring to the entire, functional organ systems in TCM perspective: Liver, Blood, etc. The names of organs are lower-cased when referring to the distinct, biomedical organs: liver, blood, etc.
Examples of Mental /Emotional Disorders Treated with TCM
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Stress
Smoking Cessation
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