In Chinese medicine, emotional imbalances are thought to be the root cause of most dis-ease. They impede the energy flow in the body and create blockages. Fluctuating emotions are a part of the human condition, but it’s the unconscious emotional behaviors that get us into trouble. If we can have awareness of our emotions and have tools to understand and acknowledge our behaviors, we will know health. Acupuncture, energy work and therapy, are all great ways to help us undo our emotional knots and feel clear-minded and vital. 

Each of the seven emotions is paired with an organ. When we have too much or too little of the emotion it can cause dis-ease. When we have a healthy amount of an emotion we will feel our best. Read through these seven emotions to see which ones you need to pay extra attention to in your life. 

JOY: Associated with the heart. Too much joy=manic, agitated, overexcited. Too little joy=apathetic and flat. A healthy amount of joy=enthusiastic and optimistic. 

ANGER: Associated with the liver. Too much anger=irritable, arrogant, judgmental, resentful. Too little anger=hopeless and indecisive. A healthy amount of anger=flexible, patient, humble. 

SADNESS: Associated with the lungs. Too much sadness=depressed, grief-stricken, empty. Too little sadness=numb, unaware, unsympathetic. A healthy amount of sadness=empathetic, inspired, philanthropic. 

WORRY/OVER-THINKING: Associated with the spleen. Too much worry=needy, obsessive, overbearing, anxious. Too little worry=indifferent, reckless, ignorant. A healthy amount of worry=thoughtful and nurturing. 

FEAR/FRIGHT: Associated with the kidneys. Too much fear=phobic, paranoid, vigilant. Too little fear=adrenaline junky, unprepared, immature. A healthy amount of fear=wise, aware, prepared.