How Emotions and Organs Are Connected
Diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine is highly individualized. Once an impaired organ system and/or emotional imbalance is identified, the unique symptoms of the patient determine the Dr.Diana's treatment approach.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), emotions and physical health are intimately connected. This integrated mind-body approach to health and healing operates in a dynamic loop where emotions impact the health of the body and brain and vice versa.
For example, according to TCM theory, excessive irritability and anger can affect the liver and result in multiple ailments, including menstrual pain, headache, redness of the face and eyes, dizziness, and dry mouth. Alternatively, imbalance in the liver can result in stormy moods.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced for over 2,000 years and its use in the United States as part of complementary healthcare has grown dramatically over the last few decades. In fact, from 2002 to 2007, there was a 50% increase in acupuncture use, from around 8 million to over 14 million people accessing this treatment.
TCM is based on the principle that mental and physical well-being are intricately entwined. In turn, practitioners like Dr. Diana believe that optimal health is governed by balancing a person's qi (vital life force) with the complementary forces of yin (passive) and yang (active) and the five elements of fire, water, earth, wood, and metal.
In TCM, it is believed that emotional imbalances can act as both symptoms and causes for physical issues. Additionally, mental health conditions are linked to specific physical ailments of key organs.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, emotions are narrowed down to five basic feelings that are each associated with a corresponding element and organ in the body:
- Anger with the liver
- Fear with the kidney
- Joy with the heart
- Sadness and grief with the lung
- Worry with the spleen
For example, under the TCM theory, breast distension, menstrual pain, and irritability during menses are treated with certain herbs and acupuncture points that target the liver. Headaches, dizziness, excessive anger, and redness of the face point to an alternative type of liver pattern and are treated in a different way.
When ailments occur, TCM practitioners like Dr. Diana seek to untangle the mind and body imbalances that contribute to a person's physical and mental health conditions using a variety of treatments, including acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, supplements (herbal), low level laser treatment or red laser therapy, applied kinesiology (bodywork), ion balancing detox (foot bath), and nutrition.
Regular treatments from Dr. Diana and TCM can be a productive component of an integrative health approach, which many people find to be beneficial to their mental and physical well-being. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment to get started on your journey to better health and wellness.
