Emotions and Chinese Medicine
What emotion do you gravitate towards when things are challenging? Do you tend towards being angry, sad or are you a worry wart when times are tough?
Listed below are emotion, the associated organ system, other symptoms that MAY occur when that organ system is out of balance (people rarely have all the symptoms listed!) and some nutritional remedies to help you get over the hump!
Anger and Depression: Liver
Migraines, PMS, menstrual discomfort, high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia (mostly trouble staying asleep), pain in the ribs, red eyes, constipation, acne.
Milk Thistle, fish oil, watercress, onions, vinegar, lemon, honey.
(one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar/honey or lemon/honey to lift depression)
Avoid: Alcohol and nicotine
Tip: Take a martial arts or kickboxing class to move the angry out, don’t simmer in it!
Worry: Spleen
Low energy, paleness, fibromyalgia like muscle pain or weak muscles, flatulence, bloating, bowel issues, (mostly soft or loose stools, but can be constipation), poor appetite,
Astralagus Tea, ginger, rye, amaranth, corn, millet, pumpkin, chamomile, pau d’arco
Avoid: overeating, gluten and too much raw, cold food or dairy.
Tip! Let go! Dance!
Sadness and Grief: Lungs
Shallow breathing, chronic cough, phlegm in the throat, lowered immune system, allergies, asthma,
skin diseases, urination issues.
Astralagus Tea, garlic, pears, banana, licorice root.
Tip! Singing is wonderful for the Lungs!
Fear and Anxiety: Kidney
Sore and weak low back, frequent urination, premature ejaculation, ringing in the ears, constipation, nightsweats, chronic dry throat,
Gou Qi Zi Berries or Wolfberries, lamb, squash, sweet potatoes.
Tip: Meditation can ground you back to your Kidneys and add some healthy fire to your spirit.
Much love,
Christina “Mei Wen” Martin, L.A.c., Dipl.AC, MTOM, FABORM
