Organs & Their Emotions: A Chinese Medicine Perspective – Insights from Houston Acupuncturist

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for over two thousand years and views the body as a holistic system where emotions, physical health, and energy are interconnected. According to Chinese Medicine theory, each organ has its own unique function and associated emotion, and that imbalances in emotions can cause physical disharmony. In this blog, we will explore the organs in Chinese medicine and their related emotions.

Liver

The liver is considered the most important organ in Chinese medicine as it regulates the flow of Qi (life force energy) throughout the body. In TCM, the liver is associated with the emotion of anger, and if this emotion is suppressed or excessive, it can lead to liver Qi stagnation. Symptoms of liver Qi stagnation include moodiness, irritability, and depression.

Heart

The heart is the center of the circulatory system and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. In TCM, the heart is associated with the emotion of joy. If joy is excessive or unbalanced, it can lead to heart Qi deficiency, which can cause palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia.

Spleen
The spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy and distributing it throughout the body. In TCM, the spleen is associated with the emotion of worry. If worry is excessive, it can lead to spleen Qi deficiency, which can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Lungs
The lungs are responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. In TCM, the lungs are associated with the emotion of grief. If grief is excessive, it can lead to lung Qi deficiency, which can cause respiratory issues such as asthma and coughing.

Kidneys
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating the body’s water balance. In TCM, the kidneys are associated with the emotion of fear. If fear is excessive, it can lead to kidney Qi deficiency, which can cause urinary issues such as incontinence and frequent urination.

Pericardium
The pericardium is a protective sac that surrounds the heart. In TCM, the pericardium is associated with the emotion of anxiety. If anxiety is excessive, it can lead to pericardium Qi stagnation, which can cause chest pain and palpitations.

Triple Burner
The Triple Burner is not a physical organ but rather a functional system that regulates the body’s water metabolism and distributes Qi throughout the body. In TCM, the Triple Burner is associated with the emotion of disconnection. If disconnection is excessive, it can lead to Triple Burner Qi deficiency, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and poor circulation.

In conclusion, emotions play a significant role in TCM, and imbalances in emotions can lead to physical disharmony. By understanding the organs in Chinese medicine and their related emotions, we can take steps to maintain emotional balance and promote overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to seek the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner to address the underlying imbalance.