Overwhelming emotions can have a profound effect on our daily lives. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes many health problems to these negative thoughts and feelings.
Anger is associated with the wood element. When the wood element is in balance, people can be strong and assertive but still be adaptive to new situations. Think about a tree in the wind. It bends, but it does not break. Excessive, unprocessed anger causes the wood element to become excessive. When the tree cannot bend, it breaks. This can lead to things like fatigue, headache, red face, nose bleeds, chest oppression, rib-side pain, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, cold hands and feet, constipation and/or diarrhea, and gynecological issues such as delayed or irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual cramps, and breast distention.
Grief is associated with the metal element. This element represents contraction, completion, and letting go. It is the element of the autumnal season. When the metal element is balanced, a person is able to process and eliminate waste as necessary, whether it be emotional or physical. When there is unchecked grief, people can experience depression, difficulty breathing, constipation, coldness, spontaneous sweating, getting sick easily, and even a propensity to getting tumors.
Fear is associated with the water element. The water element represents confidence, intuition, and assurance when it is in balance. When a river flows properly, it courses evenly, and stays within its natural boundaries. Boats can sail safely upon it. When the water element is not in harmony, it can be disastrous. In the body, imbalance can manifest as anxiety, low back pain, urinary problems, sexual dysfunction, and memory issues.
So what should we do about it? We may not be able to control our environment, but we can control how we deal with it. Here are a few simple suggestions to help you find a little balance in this seemingly unbalanced world:
Get acupuncture! (You knew that was coming)
Acupuncture can help improve the way your body physically processes emotions, and repair the physical and emotional damage already done. I personally use acupuncture more for emotional stuff than physical problems, and it always makes me feel better.
Eat healthy!
When you put high quality fuel in your machine, you get a better performance. Foods high in sugar, certain fats, and chemicals slow down your body’s inner workings can cause a myriad of problems. Try to include as much unprocessed, organic food into your diet as possible.
Exercise!
TCM teaches us that stagnation equals pain. If you’re moving your body, you’re moving your qi. That means you’re going to feel better!
Talk to someone!
I put a lot of stock in therapeutic talk; I believe that it’s harder to process emotions that you don’t say out loud. Find a friend, an online forum group, a clergy-person, or a therapist and participate in some cathartic conversation.
Meditate!
Whether it’s just some quiet alone time or a guided meditation, clearing your mind can help reset your whole body.
Most importantly, remember that you are never alone. There will always be kindness and compassion to balance the evil in this world. Even if it’s just your acupuncturist, you can always find someone to help you through tough times.
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