Emotional Health

Emotional Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine

essential oils for acupressureFor thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has linked emotional health to physical health; these ancient theories dictate that you cannot separate one from the other. 

Much of traditional Chinese medicine is modeled on The Tao; this is an ancient text that translates as “The Way” which reveals good lifestyle practices to achieve a long and healthy life. The goal is to attained harmony through practices that promote both physical and emotional wellness. For best outcomes using self-care, apply the associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

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acupressure points for emotional balance

Aroma Acu-Therapy™ for Emotional Balance

water-acupressure essential oils

Kidney 3

Apply the Water Element Aroma Acu-Stick® to activate Acupressure Point KI 3

Why? Acu-point Kidney 3 is the Source point of the Kidney energetic organ system that is part of the Water Element of Chinese medicine and relates to the emotion of fear.

earth-acupressure essential oilsStomach 36

Apply the Earth Element Aroma Acu-Stick® to activate Acupressure Point ST 36

Why? Acu-point Stomach 36 helps to calm the mind and lessen recurring thoughts as the Earth Element associated emotion is worry.

metal-acupressure essential oilsLung 9

Apply the Metal Element Aroma Acu-Stick® to activate Acupressure Point LU 9

Why? Acu-point Lung 9 is the Source Point of the Lung energetic organ system that is part of the Metal Element responsible for positive personal boundaries and self esteem.

wood-acupressure essential oilsLiver 3

Apply the Wood Element Aroma Acu-Stick® to activate Acupressure Point LV 3  

Why? Acu-point Liver 3 soothes Liver Qi Congestion that can make one feel stuck and unable to go with the flow.

fire-acupressure essential oils

Heart 7

Apply the Fire Element Aroma Acu-Stick® to activate Acupressure Point HT 7

Why? Acu-point Heart 7 is the source point for the Heart energetic organ system and calms the Shen-Mind.

Related Articles:

Emotional Patterns in Chinese Medicine According to Symptoms

In Chinese medicine, the Five Element Theory is used effectively to address emotional imbalances. The Five Elements of Chinese medicine are used to classify specific paired Energetic Organ Systems and the emotional imbalances that occur when they are damaged or depleted.

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Kidney-Water Elementadrenal support essential oils

  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Attacks

Acu-points to Consider:

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Spleen-Earth Elementmood enhancing essential oils

  • Worry
  • Obsessing
  • Ungrounded

Acu-points to Consider:

Apply the Earth Element Acu-Stick® to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
Apply the 
Earth Element Acu-Stick® to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Apply the 
Earth Element Acu-Stick® to Acupressure Point Spleen 4
Apply the 
Earth Element Acu-Stick® to Acupressure Point Spleen 6

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Lung-Metal Elementlung support chinese herbal remedy

  • Sadness
  • Low Self-worth
  • PTSD

Acu-points to Consider:

Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Activate Acupressure Point Lung 1
Apply the 
Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
Apply the 
Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 9

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Liver-Wood Elementliver support topical remedy with essential oils

  • Anger
  • Frustration
  • Depression

Acu-points to Consider:

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Heart-Fire Elementcalm shen chinese herbal remedy

  • Insomnia
  • Lack of Joy
  • Psychological Disorders

Acu-points to Consider:

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Ancient Solutions for Modern Mental Stressstress relief essential oils for acupressure

While it was not possible to consider changes that have come with modern lifestyles, the ancient theories relating to emotional balance are still clinically viable. In reality, they are more relevant now than ever as our lives do not follow the changes of the seasons or patterns of nature. One example might be the way that we work at jobs and commute to work; sitting for long periods of time damages the Spleen Qi according to Chinese medicine resulting in more worry.

A constant influx of perceived stressors with modern life is a major contributor to disease during modern times. Combine that with poor dietary habits and little fresh food from the garden, little exercise and time spent in nature, and all of the artificial light disrupting our sleep, emotional imbalances must be addressed along with physical imbalances for true wellness.  

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Meditation for Emotional Balance

The first section of the ancient Huangdi Neijing text called theSuwen explains that Heaven has four seasons and five elements, or phases, for generating, growing, gathering in and burying. These relate to the five zang organs which transform Qi in to five emotions when they are not in harmony with the outer world: elation(xi 喜), anger (nu 怒), sadness (bei 悲), oppression (you 憂) and fear (kong 恐). This ancient text explains in great detail how each organ system impacts the others through emotional  and physical imbalances. In reality, no one bodily or psychological issue stands alone; if not tended to, it will impact the other organs of the body like falling dominoes. This ancient Qigong meditation helps to balance the Five Elements and related emotional imbalances according to Chinese medicine.

herb leavesTraditional Techniques for Diagnosing Emotional Imbalances in Chinese Medicine

Observing  
• Eyes
• Facial diagnosis
• Posture and demeanor
• Gestures and reactions
• Behavior 

Listening and smelling
• Voice tone, speed and pronunciation
• Logical or illogical
• Reality or fantasy based beliefs
• Emotional expression
• Smells as related to Five Elements

Inquiring
• Chief complaint associated with Emotions
• Current emotional condition: feeling, emotion, schedule and relationships
• Family history of mental disorders and abuse
• Medicine and side effects considered 

Palpation
• Body reaction
• Tension and muscle strength
• Shake, tremor and contraction
• Temperature
• Moisture
• Skin and deep tissue medical conditions

Other modality
• Activity (in clinical settings)
 Imagination through relaxation
• Conversation on issues
• Mental diagnosis from MDs

These inquiries and observations combined with physical imbalances and illnesses help to form the final Chinese medical diagnosis. In this way we can treat the underlying imbalances and clear past emotional traumas using topical herbs, essential oils, and acupressure.

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References

Zhao B, Li Z, Wang Y, et al. Can acupuncture combined with SSRIs improve clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with depression? Secondary outcomes of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019;45:295–302. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.015

Chen C, Shan W. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for major depressive disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2019;281:112595. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112595

Kwon CY, Lee B, Kim SH. Effectiveness and safety of ear acupuncture for trauma-related mental disorders after large-scale disasters: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(8):e19342. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019342

Trkulja V, Barić H. Current Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: An Evidence-Based Review. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:415–449. doi:10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_22

Chao YY, You E, Chang YP, Dong X. Anxiety Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Use in U.S. Chinese Older Adults [published online ahead of print, 2019 Oct 4]. J Immigr Minor Health. 2019;10.1007/s10903-019-00935-0. doi:10.1007/s10903-019-00935-0

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.