Excerpt from “Seven Emotions in TCM & How to Handle Them“
Illustration by Anna Sudit

The Five Emotions

A diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is individualized from patient to patient. According to TCM, emotions and physical health are intimately connected. Joy, Worry, Grief, Fear and Anger are each associated with a particular organ/channel system in the body. For example, inappropriate anger can cause unexplained menstrual pain that can be treated using acupuncture, lifestyle and diet change as well as traditional herbal remedies.

Five Element Model & Emotional Health

Different seasons can stir different emotions. Of the five emotions this season (late July to mid-September) pay close attention to Worry (overthinking or focusing too much on a particular topic). The affect of worry on the body typically lands on our digestive system (the organs that process and digest what we take in). Digestion can be affected, as can appetite and energy. We may feel bloated or retain water or feel weak and heavy muscles as our digestive/mental energy is overused.

Solutions for Late Summer’s Worry

There are different ways to help rebalance our emotions, in addition to acupuncture. Consider the following mindful practices for the season to help keep your worry (and digestion) in check:

  • Keep busy. If your mind is occupied on something productive, the overactive thinking subsides. Find a hobby you enjoy and put forth all your energy into it. Read, paint, teach – whatever you do, let it help bring creative energy flowing throughout your being.
  • Consider creating structure around that which you are fixating on. Worried about money? Make a budget. Overthinking food choices? Create a simple structure such as no added sugars this month or booze only on the weekends. Eliminate overthinking by putting structure in place for you.
  • Get in touch with nature. Too often we are busy in our daily routines that we lose sight of our deep connection to Nature and Spirit. Take some time each day to walk in Nature.
  • Reframe and breathe. When you come to a worrisome situation, take a step back and breathe deeply. Try to look at the situation from a different perspective. Find a reason to smile.
  • Notice what you’re ingesting. Not just in the foods that you eat, but in all that you are experience. Ask…”does this serve?” Try to connect with people, media, experiences and senses that serve you well during this season.