At a glance
- For TCM, the body and the emotions are closely linked.
- Each Element, with its organs, is associated with an emotion.
- Taking the time to listen to and name your emotions is part of balance.
The body, a whole that communicates
The skin is the outer image of our inner balance. But for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the whole body speaks: tension, tiredness or discomfort can also reflect an emotion we keep to ourselves.
Emotions and the 5 Elements
- Wood (liver, gallbladder): anger, the need to choose and adapt to change; to “fret” is linked to the gallbladder.
- Fire (heart, small intestine): joy, drive, openness to others.
- Earth (spleen, stomach): worry, self-image, the need to be nourished and recognised.
- Metal (lungs, large intestine): sadness, the ability to let go.
- Water (kidneys, bladder): fear, particularly the fear of losing one's bearings.
The language of the body
Language keeps traces of this: we say we have “too much on our shoulders”, find a situation “hard to swallow” or do not feel “supported”. These expressions invite us to ask ourselves what we feel, without drawing conclusions about our health.
Learning to listen to your body
Taking a few moments to dialogue with your body is a gesture of self-care that comes in addition to your doctor's follow-up when it is needed. Try to clarify what is troubling you, put a word to what you feel and accept it: “I understand what you are trying to tell me.” It is often the first step towards changing what needs to change and finding harmony again.
Key points
- TCM links each Element to an emotion.
- Listening to your body is a gesture of self-care.
- This listening goes alongside, without replacing, the advice of a healthcare professional.
This information is provided for informational and holistic purposes. It does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If you have a diagnosed condition, consult your doctor.