Emotions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are considered an integral part of physiological functioning and are closely linked to the internal organs, known as the Zang. When experienced in a balanced and transient way, emotions contribute to the organism’s equilibrium and adaptive capacity. However, when they become excessive, prolonged, or suppressed, they may disrupt the circulation of Qi and Blood and affect organ function.

Each emotion is associated with a specific organ. For example, anger is linked to the Liver. Excessive anger, repressed frustration, or chronic irritation may lead to Liver Qi stagnation, manifesting as muscular tension, headaches, rib-side pain, or digestive disturbances. In contrast, an appropriate expression of anger allows the Liver to maintain its function of ensuring the free flow of Qi.

Excessive mental activity, overthinking, worry, and rumination are associated with the Spleen. When this cognitive activity becomes excessive, it can weaken the Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation, leading to fatigue, slow digestion, bloating, or a sensation of heaviness.

Prolonged sadness and grief primarily affect the Lungs, potentially diminishing breath, vitality, and the ability to “let things circulate,” sometimes accompanied by chest oppression or respiratory fatigue.

Fear, emotional shock, trauma, or repeated stress primarily affect the Kidneys. Over time, these factors may deplete Jing (vital essence), resulting in deep fatigue, inner insecurity, sleep disturbances, or lower back weakness.

Excessive or uncontrolled joy, on the other hand, may disturb the Heart and the Shen, affecting emotional stability, concentration, and sleep quality, and may manifest as mental agitation or insomnia.

These emotional imbalances can also slow down or obstruct the circulation of Qi and Blood, contributing to patterns of stagnation or deficiency with both physical and psychological consequences. This reflects a functional approach in which emotion and body are in constant interaction.

Emotions that are retained or prolonged hinder the free flow of Qi, leading to stagnation that may gradually deplete and weaken Yin and body fluids. As their role in anchoring and cooling diminishes, these substances no longer adequately moderate functional activity, allowing the emergence of empty Heat or internal Fire arising from imbalance.

Acupuncture acts by regulating the circulation of Qi and Blood in order to restore balance between organs and physiological functions. It may disperse stagnation, calm excess conditions, and tonify deficiencies. Through stimulation of specific points, it influences the nervous system and promotes autonomic regulation, contributing to reduced tension and improved stress adaptation.

From a physiological perspective, it may modulate activity in brain regions involved in emotional regulation, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. It also influences the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, contributing to mood stabilization.

Acupuncture does not aim to suppress emotional expression but rather to restore its harmonious flow and appropriate expression. It supports the organism’s capacity to feel, transform, and express emotions without allowing them to disturb the Shen.

Within a holistic approach, it may help patients regain emotional stability, improve sleep, reduce excessive reactivity, and foster a greater sense of presence. It is often integrated with other approaches such as psychotherapy, lifestyle modification, and stress management techniques.

Thus, emotions are not seen as isolated causes of energetic imbalance but as dynamic factors that, when disharmonious, can affect organ function. Acupuncture serves as a regulatory tool aimed at restoring balance between body and mind and supporting a freer and more adapted emotional expression.