What Are the 5 Emotions in Traditional Chinese Medicine—And How Acupuncture Harmonizes Them
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt like your emotions were taking over your life? Maybe one moment you're on top of the world, and the next, you're overwhelmed with sadness or anger—and you don’t even know why. You're not alone. Emotions are powerful, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they’re not just passing moods—they’re deeply connected to your organs, energy flow, and overall health.
Let’s explore the five core emotions in TCM, the organs they’re tied to, and how acupuncture can help you bring them back into balance—so you can feel more grounded, peaceful, and in tune with yourself.
The Basics: Emotions Are Energy
In TCM, everything is about energy (Qi) and balance. Emotions aren’t seen as “good” or “bad.” They’re natural expressions of energy, but when we feel one emotion too intensely or for too long, it can disrupt the flow of Qi and impact our physical and mental well-being.
TCM identifies five primary emotions, each linked to a specific organ and element. Understanding them is like unlocking a personal emotional map—it helps you notice imbalances before they turn into physical or emotional distress.
1. Joy – Connected to the Heart
Yes, even joy can be out of balance! In TCM, Joy is associated with the Heart and the Fire Element. When in harmony, joy promotes warmth, connection, and love. But too much excitement, overstimulation, or mania-like energy can scatter the heart’s Shen (spirit), leading to restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, or a racing heartbeat.
Signs of Imbalance:
Insomnia
Heart palpitations
Anxiety or nervous laughter
Mental overexcitement or hyperactivity
How Acupuncture Helps: Acupuncture calms the Shen (spirit) and regulates heart rhythm and blood flow. It brings you back to a peaceful, grounded state—helping you feel calm and present, not frantic or emotionally scattered.
2. Sadness/Grief – Connected to the Lungs
Grief is a deeply human emotion, and in TCM, it resides in the Lungs and is associated with the Metal Element. The lungs are all about letting go—breathing in life and releasing what no longer serves you. When grief is unresolved or prolonged, it can literally feel like you're holding your breath, stuck in sadness or unable to move forward.
Signs of Imbalance:
Shortness of breath
Frequent sighing
Fatigue or low immunity
A sense of heaviness or unprocessed sorrow
How Acupuncture Helps: By strengthening Lung Qi and encouraging the flow of energy, acupuncture helps you process grief gently and release emotional weight. Many clients say they feel a sense of lightness or emotional clarity after lung-based acupuncture treatments.
3. Anger – Connected to the Liver
This one surprises a lot of people: Anger in TCM includes irritation, frustration, resentment, and even repressed emotions. It’s linked to the Liver and the Wood Element, which is all about growth, movement, and direction. When liver energy (Liver Qi) is stuck, you feel it as tension—emotionally and physically.
Signs of Imbalance:
Mood swings
PMS or menstrual pain
Tension headaches or migraines
Digestive upset or tight muscles
How Acupuncture Helps: Acupuncture moves stagnant Liver Qi, releasing emotional tension and allowing energy to flow freely again. It’s like opening the windows in a stuffy room—suddenly you can breathe, think, and move forward with ease.
4. Fear – Connected to the Kidneys
Fear, especially chronic fear or anxiety, is stored in the Kidneys and is tied to the Water Element. The kidneys are the body's battery pack—they hold your deepest reserves of energy, or Jing (Essence). When you're living in survival mode or constantly worried, you're tapping into your reserves, which over time can lead to fatigue, burnout, and adrenal exhaustion.
Signs of Imbalance:
Low back pain
Fatigue or burnout
Frequent urination or incontinence
Lack of motivation or drive
5. Worry/Overthinking – Connected to the Spleen
In today’s world, worry and overthinking are practically epidemic. In TCM, these emotions are governed by the Spleen and the Earth Element, which are responsible for digestion—both physical and mental. When you’re constantly thinking, planning, or ruminating, you weaken the Spleen, which can lead to fatigue, poor digestion, and feeling mentally “stuck.”
Signs of Imbalance:
Bloating or digestive issues
Brain fog or trouble focusing
Feeling overwhelmed or “mentally heavy”
Poor appetite or sugar cravings
How Acupuncture Helps: Acupuncture strengthens Spleen Qi, which improves both physical digestion and mental clarity. Clients often describe it as “mental decluttering”—the brain fog lifts, and they can think clearly again.
Why Acupuncture Is a Powerful Tool for Emotional Health
Acupuncture works on a deep energetic level. While it can’t erase your life’s challenges, it helps your body and mind process those challenges in a healthier way.
Here’s how:
Balances energy flow (Qi) to prevent emotional buildup
Regulates the nervous system and promotes calm
Improves sleep, digestion, and overall vitality—key for emotional resilience
Releases stuck emotions by stimulating specific meridian points
Restores harmony between the organs and elements
At my practice, we don’t treat you like a list of symptoms. We look at the whole picture—body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re carrying grief, anger, fear, or anxiety, we meet you where you are and help you restore balance in a gentle, compassionate way.
Final Thoughts: Emotions Are Messengers, Not Enemies
Your emotions are not problems to fix—they’re messages from your body and spirit. TCM teaches us that when we listen to those messages, rather than ignore or suppress them, we open the door to healing and personal growth.
With acupuncture and holistic care, you can begin to:
Understand your emotions more clearly
Respond rather than react
Reconnect with your body’s wisdom
Feel lighter, calmer, and more like yourself again
Ready to Rebalance Your Emotions?
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, acupuncture can help you find your way back to harmony. Emotional healing isn’t about shutting off your feelings—it’s about transforming them.
Visit Three Treasures Life Coaching and let’s support your emotional health—one gentle word, one deep breath, and one balanced organ at a time.
About the Author
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Reiki Master Teacher, and Certified Life Coach with over 16 years of experience in holistic health and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the founder of Three Treasures Life Coaching, where she helps individuals reconnect with their authentic self through energy healing, mindfulness, and emotional wellness.
Dr. Guadalupe specializes in blending ancient Eastern wisdom with modern techniques to support clients on their journey toward clarity, balance, and personal transformation. Through acupuncture, coaching, and spiritual guidance, she empowers others to align their Jing (Essence), Qi (Energy), and Shen (Spirit) to live more joyful, grounded, and purpose-filled lives.
When she’s not working with clients, Dr. Guadalupe is writing, teaching, and sharing Indigenous healing traditions to inspire others on the path of self-discovery and emotional freedom.
Learn more or book a session at: www.kicotanacupuncture.com
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