12/06/2025
The Relationship Between the Five Organs and the Five Emotions
1. Liver — Anger (Frustration, Irritation, Repressed Feelings)
• The liver governs the smooth flow of energy.
• When energy stagnates due to stress or emotional suppression, anger or irritability increases.
• This can manifest as chest tightness, sighing, or tension in the sides of the body.
The liver is like a “traffic controller” for emotions—when there’s congestion, irritation grows stronger.
2. Heart — Joy (Excitement, Agitation)
• “Joy” here refers to emotional excitement in general.
• Excessive excitement, anxiety, or shock disturbs the heart.
• Symptoms may include palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia.
Both excessive joy and anxiety easily affect the rhythm of the heart.
3. Spleen (Stomach) — Pensiveness (Overthinking, Worry)
• Excessive thinking or worrying weakens the spleen, which governs digestion and energy production.
• This can lead to poor appetite, bloating, fatigue, or loose stools.
People who worry or overthink tend to feel emotional stress in their stomach.
4. Lungs — Grief (Sadness, Loss)
• Deep grief weakens lung energy and affects breathing.
• Sadness often leads to shallow breathing, chest heaviness, and frequent sighing.
5. Kidneys — Fear (Deep Anxiety, Shock)
• The kidneys represent fundamental vitality and the body’s root energy.
• Excessive fear or prolonged anxiety depletes this energy.
• Symptoms may include fatigue, lack of willpower, or in severe cases, urinary issues.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Emotional excess → organ imbalance
and
• Organ weakness → emotional instability
This forms a continuous cycle between body and mind.
