01 Introduction: Cultivating Life in a World of Chaos
As practitioners of life cultivation, we strive to build a supportive system that empowers individuals to practice life cultivation independently. It is our gentle response to this era of constant hustle and bustle. When the pressure of incessant competition becomes the norm, we embrace the power of everyday life cultivation to safeguard both body and mind from exhaustion.
At our platform, health is not a distant aspiration but a daily practice found in every breath, every step, and every moment of mindful awareness. This article explores the intricate relationship between the five internal organs and emotions. Harmony among the five internal organs is the key to inner peace.
“Emotional injuries stem from different organs, but their root cause lies in the heart.”
— Zhang Jingyue, Leijing
The ultimate goal of caring for the five internal organs is to cultivate a tranquil mind, wherein:
- The liver is as relaxed as a spring tree,
- The heart is as peaceful as a summer lotus,
- The spleen is as grounded as the late summer,
- The lungs are as clear as an autumn moon, and
- The kidneys are as profound as winter waters.
This allows joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness to flow smoothly, leading to a life of emotional freedom—embracing both sadness and joy with grace.
02 The Symbiosis of Organs and Emotions
In traditional herbal medicine, the five internal organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys) serve not only as physiological systems but also as “containers” of emotions. Each emotion resonates with a specific organ, much like the strings of a musical instrument corresponding to particular tones:
- The Heart and Joy:
Moderate joy warms the heart like the sun, but excessive joy causes “qi to slow down,” leading to dispersion of heart-qi (e.g., fainting from laughter). - The Liver and Anger:
Anger, like a strong wind, can release pent-up energy, but excessive anger causes “qi to rise,” leading to a surge in liver-yang (e.g., headaches or red eyes from anger). - The Spleen and Thought:
Thoughtful reflection nourishes wisdom, yet overthinking results in “qi stagnation,” trapping spleen-yang (e.g., anxiety or loss of appetite). - The Lungs and Sadness:
Sadness resembles autumn rain, cleansing the soul, but excessive sorrow exhausts “lung-qi” (e.g., shortness of breath from prolonged grief). - The Kidneys and Fear:
Fear sharpens alertness for survival, but excessive fear causes “qi to descend,” disrupting kidney function (e.g., incontinence from shock).
“When the five internal organs are at peace, blood circulation is harmonious, and the spirit finds tranquility.“
— Huangdi Neijing
Thus, emotions and internal organs are deeply interconnected and symbiotic.
03 The Path to Emotional Balance Through Organ Care
Herbal concepts and practices offer practical techniques for managing emotions by addressing the corresponding organs:
01 Soothing the Liver: Allowing Emotions to Flow
- Dietary Techniques: Rose tea, bergamot porridge (dissolves liver depression).
- Physical Techniques: Taiji exercises, eight-brocade movements (stretch liver meridians).
- Mind Techniques: Artistic pursuits like calligraphy or punching a sandbag (releases anger).
02 Nourishing the Heart: Returning to Balance
- Mental Rest: Ten-minute “jingzuo” (meditation) at noon to calm heart-fire.
- Dietary Techniques: Lotus seed and lily soup, sour jujube seed tea (calms the mind).
- Mind Techniques: Reduce exposure to overstimulation, such as certain short videos.
03 Strengthening the Spleen: Breaking the Anxiety Cycle
- Shenzhan Technique: Walk barefoot on grass, practice Taiji or eight-brocade movements.
- Dietary Techniques: Sweet flavors, millet porridge, pumpkin soup (nurtures spleen-yang).
04 Nourishing the Lungs: Unraveling Sadness
- Tuna Technique: Morning practice of “Si (sī)” sound (releases lung turbidity).
- Dietary Technique: White foods (e.g., Tremella, Chinese yam) for lung nourishment and body fluid production.
- Mind Technique: Art therapy—listen to yu-tiao music (lung-soothing music), admire ink paintings. to relieve sadness.
05 Strengthening the Kidneys: Rebuilding Life’s Foundation
- Tuina Technique: Ming-tian-gu tapping (stimulates kidney essence).
- Dietary Technique: Black foods (e.g., black beans, mulberries) for kidney nourishment.
- Mind Technique: Gradual exposure therapy to overcome fears.
By harmonizing our internal organs and managing emotions, we can cultivate a life of balance and freedom. Each practice integrates body, mind, and heart to embrace the fullness of life.
If taking care of your internal organs does not solve your emotional problem, then you should consider the modern mental health approach. Whichever way helps to solve your problem is probably the way you should follow.
04 Breaking Free from Emotional Dependence on the Outside World
Take control of your emotions—they are yours alone. Never hand over your “emotional buttons” to others, letting them dictate your feelings. Sensitive individuals often let the words and actions of others stir up storms in their hearts, but true emotional independence begins with reclaiming control.
- The Quest for Validation
- Many of us crave recognition from others so deeply that we surrender control of our emotions. Paying excessive attention to others’ opinions can disrupt our inner harmony and drain our energy. Often, other people’s actions or words have little to do with us. Yet, by caring too much, we relinquish control of our joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness. Ultimately, we risk losing ourselves and living according to others’ perceptions.
- Letting Go of External Dissatisfaction
- Our emotions are independent of external circumstances. When we shift our perspective and release our dissatisfaction with the outside world, peace follows. Emotions belong solely to us. Life inevitably brings us a variety of experiences and encounters, many of which are beyond our control. However, we can control how we react.
- By focusing inward, we ensure no one else controls our emotions. As psychologist Damon observed, most negative emotions—anger, sadness, boredom—are passive responses triggered without intervention. By taking charge, we can avoid unnecessary emotional pain.
05 Mastering Emotional Self-Control
Modern mental health practices offer strategies for regaining control of our emotions:
01 Building an Emotional Firewall (Psychological Approach)
Our moods are influenced not only internally but also by external cues. If someone complains or becomes angry around us, we may unconsciously adopt their emotional state. To block these negative influences, create an emotional firewall by repeating affirmations like, “This has nothing to do with me.” Such practices help separate external triggers from our internal state.
In essence, prioritize your well-being over external distractions to regain mastery over your emotions.
02 Using Cognitive Strategies to Stay Grounded (Cognitive Approach)
Cognitive strategies involve seeing through the harmful words of others. In life, there will always be individuals who attempt to provoke or manipulate us. Without clear understanding, we can fall into their traps. True composure is not about suppressing anger but about identifying and addressing the root cause of our emotions.
Higher awareness allows us to analyze situations objectively and avoid emotional manipulation. Cultivating this perspective enables us to remain unaffected by disruptions, no matter how challenging they seem.
03 Practicing Emotional Distance (Behavioral Approach)
When faced with provocations, physical distance can be the best remedy. This method involves stepping away from situations or people that threaten to ignite negative emotions.
Writer Lu Yiling aptly stated in Who Touched Your Emotional Button: “The lower a person’s level, the more their emotions are controlled by external factors. They remain passive, angry, and lonely.”
Though we can’t always control our surroundings, we can control how we respond. By analyzing others’ intentions rationally and avoiding unnecessary engagement, we can eliminate negativity and maintain our emotional equilibrium.
06 Conclusion: Reclaim Your Emotional Independence
Mastering emotions is not about suppressing them but about taking ownership. By valuing your emotional well-being and focusing inward, you will find life becomes more peaceful and fulfilling. The key lies in keeping your emotional buttons firmly in your own hands.