The Seven Emotions: Internal Causes of Imbalance

Feelings That Affect Organs

In Western medicine, emotions are often separated from physical organs. In TCM, they are inextricably linked. Emotions are human and healthy, but if they are prolonged, suppressed, or extremely intense, they can damage the energy flow (Qi) of specific organs.

1. Anger (Liver):Increases Qi. Excessive anger leads to headaches, a flushed face, and dizziness.
   
2. Joy/Overexcitement (Heart):Causes Qi to slow down or scatter. Too much excitement leads to insomnia and palpitations.
   
3. Worrying/Pondering (Spleen):Knots Qi. Excessive thinking hinders digestion (loss of appetite, fatigue).
   
4. Sadness (Long):Causes Qi to disappear or dissolve. Prolonged sadness leads to fatigue and shortness of breath.
   
5. Fear (kidney):Causes Qi to descend. Extreme fear leads to incontinence or weak legs (“wetting yourself with fear”).
   
6. Fright (Kidney/Heart):Causes Qi to move chaotically.
   

Insight:Emotional well-being is therefore directly linked to physical organ health.