Balancing Emotions: TCM Approaches to Emotional Health & Wellbeing

August 10, 2024

By Dr Ong Siew Siew, Senior Lecturer , Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, IMU University

Health has rhythm and rhyme

Ever wondered about the subtle dance of your mood and energy? While most days unfold with steadiness, when the rhythm falters amidst life’s twists and turns, it beckons us to question why. How is this relevant to TCM?

In the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our goal is to achieve harmony among bodily structure (形), vital energy (气) and the spiritual essence or mind (神), collectively known as “Xing Qi Shen” (形气神). Our bodies are finely tuned to navigate life’s challenges, operating optimally when these energies are balanced. However, imbalances in these opposing forces may signal potential illness. While perfect equilibrium is neither attainable nor desirable as it would stifle the dynamic nature of our bodies, recognizing early signs and promptly addressing them are crucial for maintaining well-being.

Emotional health in TCM is closely tied to specific organs, which correspond to various emotional responses known as “the seven emotions”. These emotions, which are joy, anger, worry, pensiveness, sadness, fear and surprise (喜、怒、忧、思、悲、恐、惊), are intricately linked with the five viscera, creating a complex interplay between our emotional experiences and internal organ functions. According to TCM, each emotion closely corresponds with a specific organ and excessive or prolonged emotions can disrupt the smooth flow of qi and blood, potentially leading to imbalance and disease.

Emotional health in TCM is closely tied to specific organs, which correspond to various emotional responses known as “the seven emotions”

This understanding highlights the importance of viewing each organ as a functional entity, recognizing its integral role in maintaining emotional equilibrium. While emotional assessments may not always indicate disease, they are essential aspects of TCM diagnosis, shedding light on how organ functions may influence emotional well-being. By exploring the interconnectedness of physical body, vital energy and emotional resilience, TCM seeks to promote harmony within the body-mind-spirit continuum.
Organs and elements connection

Furthermore, each organ corresponds to one of the five elements of Fire, Earth, Wood, Water and Metal, with life energy or qi flowing between them. For example, the liver’s role in TCM is deeply tied to emotions such as anger, frustration and resentment. Referred to as “the general of officials” (“将军之官”), the liver regulates emotions, stores blood and has a dispersing function that regulates qi circulation, promoting emotional stability. According to the Five Elements theory, the liver belongs to the Wood element and plays a crucial role in emotion regulation and blood storage.

Excessive anger can cause qi and blood to rise (“怒则气上”), resulting in symptoms like headache, dizziness, flushed face, tinnitus and fainting. Dysfunctions in the liver’s dispersing function, due to emotions being suppressed, can lead to qi stagnation and emotional imbalances such as feelings of anger, irritability, and resentment, along with physical symptoms like digestive issues.

Excessive anger can cause qi and blood to rise (“怒则气上”), resulting in symptoms like headache, dizziness, flushed face, tinnitus and fainting.

Similarly, other TCM concepts explore how excessive joy (“喜则气缓”), overthinking (“思则气结”), prolonged sorrow (“悲则气消”) and extended fear (“恐则气下”) affect qi flow and organ functions. The relationship between emotional health and organ imbalances is one of mutual influence and interaction, highlighting the holistic approach of TCM in addressing both physical and emotional well-being.

Evidence behind TCM

TCM boasts a long and distinguished history, which remains challenging to consolidate. Nevertheless, ongoing efforts are being made to document its efficacy. As a result, a growing body of research sheds light on how TCM may alleviate symptoms commonly associated with anxiety and depression, including insomnia, fatigue and digestive issues. In certain instances, TCM can complement conventional treatment approaches, which typically involve counselling and standard pharmacological medications.

Depression, anxiety and panic disorders are prevalent emotional health challenges. Depression often manifests as persistent feelings of sadness, low mood and a lack of interest or energy. Anxiety disorders may lead individuals to experience excessive worry, restlessness and nervousness, often accompanied by physical discomfort. Similarly, panic disorder can induce sudden, intense fear and anxiety, along with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest tightness and sweating.

TCM offers a holistic approach that fosters enduring health and vitality beyond mere symptom relief for these challenges. It employs treatment modalities such as herbal medicine, acupuncture and massage therapy to rebalance the flow of qi and blood within the body and harmonise the functions of internal organs. In this way, TCM aims to address the root causes of emotional distress, facilitating a return to a state of balanced physical and mental health.

For example, sour jujube seed calms the mind and nourishes the heart, which is useful for insomnia, anxiety and emotional instability, while licorice, an adaptogenic herb, helps regulate the body’s stress response and promotes inner calm.

The findings thus far are very promising. In several published reviews, researchers have found that acupuncture has a positive impact on patients with depression, relieving symptoms alongside pharmaceutical therapies like antidepressants. Another study found that acupuncture helped reduce anxiety and improve quality of life among women with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
These examples pave the way for a deeper synergy between TCM and conventional (Western) medicine. Historically, TCM diverged from incorporating counselling into its methods. However, ongoing research endeavours seek to integrate TCM into broader therapeutic contexts, fostering collaboration with other treatment modalities.

Yet, if you are currently undergoing treatment for conditions related to your emotional well-being, it is advisable to continue with your prescribed regimen until you can consult further with your healthcare provider. Any decision regarding the incorporation of TCM into your treatment plan should be made after thorough consultation with both your doctor/s and a TCM practitioner. Understanding the potential benefits and risks is crucial in making an informed choice.

Additionally, it is essential to recognize that each individual is unique and symptoms may vary. Therefore, there are no standardized recommendations in TCM. While well-meaning friends and family may offer remedies, it is important to note that TCM therapies are not interchangeable. To learn more, do see a registered TCM practitioner.

Tags: Emotional Health, Emotions, featured, Traditional Chinese Medicine, wellbeing