Emotions & Chinese Medicine
If there are two things the various styles of Traditional Medicine agree on its that pathological emotions are caused by a lack of harmony somewhere in the body, and that mind-body dualism is fallacious.
It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions including happiness or joy, anger, pensiveness, grief or sadness, fear and fright. In Chinese Medicine, each of these emotions and their variations belong to one of the 5 Yin organ systems. Because of this connection, they are mutually-influential to one another. Emotions can be the cause of disease, and disease can cause disordered emotions.
Healthy emotions are seen as being within appropriate amount and for the appropriate duration. Being outside these parameters creates conditions for imbalance.
Emotions that are too strong, or occur for too long are seen as a major cause of disease in Chinese Medicine. When any particular emotion becomes uncontrollable and feels like it is overwhelming or even possessing a person, it can cause serious harm and distress to the internal organs. Emotional suppression is another way cause of internal stagnation that contributes to dis-ease.
Have you ever been so upset that you completely lose your appetite? Or experienced stress that causes immediate bathroom urgency, or caused you to vomit? Stress sweat before an exam? Palpitations and a flushed face every time your crush walks by?
One of the first effects of a powerful emotion is to block free-flow in the body of qi and blood. This blockage impairs vital functions and causes damage over time. It is necessary to restore proper movement and function quickly to avoid worse problems in the future.
*************Emotion causes qi to stagnate > Stagnant qi causes stagnant blood > the blood “houses” the mind, blood is stagnant, mind is stagnant > over time, this lack of free flow of qi and blood fails to do its job of moistening, nourishing, energizing the organs and their systems, weakening them.
Feeling stuck in 'emotional molasses' ain't easy. But rest assured that feeling a variety of emotions is a normal, healthy part of life. Learning to get specific on what the feeling is and gently approaching it with curiosity can help diffuse the intensity in the moment.
*******************Here is a colour wheel tool designed by Dr. Gloria Willcox to facilitate better verbalization of the emotional experience you are having.
Suggestions to settle strong emotions
Draw the emotion down, out of your head and into your feet. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, try bringing the focus into your feet. This exercise will help soothe the kidneys, liver, spleen and gallbladder (all of whom are often subject to strong emotions). Rolling the soles with a tennis ball, or pressing between the 1st & 2nd or 4th&5th toes with medium-strong force can help draw sensation down into the feet. Pinch and press the toe tips for a few seconds each. Point and flex the ankles and toes, maybe even drawing circles or spreading the toes wide. Do this for 3 - 5 minutes.
Foot soaks! Add fresh mint, ginger and salt into a comfortably hot foot bath and soak for as long as you need.
Abdominal Massage. While you are laying down, gently massage your upper abdomen beneath your ribcage. This will help soothe the liver and spleen organs. You can try gentle circles with the palm-pads of your hands, or simply circle clockwise around the abdomen. Do this 10-30 times.
Auricular Therapy. Massage your ears until they are pink and warm, they are riddled with active points that connect the entire body. You might even notice your ears feel softer and a little less rigid after doing this a few times. Try it for 3-5 minutes.
Striving for balance in overall state of emotional experience through inner cultivation and awareness is just one way Chinese Medicine can help restore health. Acupuncture is another tool often used to facilitate free-flow and balance (qi and blood), and Herbal Medicinals are often also very helpful.
Your practitioner will have many suggestions for you based on your current state of well-being and your personal healthcare goals. Counselling is another excellent option to learn more about yourself and gain skills to improve your internal and external relationships.
If you are curious to work with Yanaroot to restore health and balance, let's chat :)