The Chinese word NeiYin literally translates to internal causes of illnesses, causes which are mostly emotional in nature. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) qualifies them as internal because it considers that we are in some way masters of our emotions, since they depend on us much more than on external factors. As proof, the same external event can trigger a certain emotion in one person and a completely different emotion in another. Emotions represent changes in the mind in response to a very personal perception of messages and stimuli from the environment.

Five basic emotions (described in more detail, below) can cause illness when out of balance. In accordance with the Theory of the Five Elements, each emotion is associated with an Organ that it can particularly affect. Indeed, TCM conceives the human being in a holistic way and does not make a separation between the body and the spirit. It considers that each Organ not only plays a physical role, but also has mental, emotional and psychic functions.

• Anger (Nu) is associated with the Liver.
• Joy (Xi) is associated with the Heart.
• Sadness (You) is associated with the Lung.
• Worries (Si) are associated with the Spleen / Pancreas.
• Fear (Kong) is associated with Kidneys.

If our Organs are balanced, so will our emotions, and our thinking will be righteous and clear. On the other hand, if a pathology or an imbalance affects an organ, we risk seeing the associated emotion undergo the repercussions. For example, if a person accumulates too much Heat in the Liver because they consume a lot of Warm Nature Foods (see Diet) such as spicy foods, red meats, fried foods, and alcohol, they might become angry. and irritable. This is because excessive heat in the liver will cause an increase in Yang there, which can trigger feelings of anger and irritation. In this case, no external emotional reason explains the appearance of these feelings: it is a problem of nutrition which creates a physical imbalance, which results in an emotional imbalance. In such a case, it can be assumed that psychotherapy would not be of much help to that person.

On the other hand, in other situations, it may be important to deal with the psychological aspect. This is usually done through an energetic approach – since emotions are a form of Energy, or Qi. For TCM, it is clear that emotions are memorized inside the body, most often without the knowledge of our consciousness. We therefore usually treat Energy without having to go through the conscious (unlike classical psychotherapy). This also explains why the puncture of a point can, for example, lead to inexplicable tears, but oh so liberating! During psychotherapy, it can therefore be beneficial to treat, in a complementary way, the Energy of the whole body.

If the imbalance of an Organ can disturb the emotions, the reverse is also true. TCM considers that experiencing emotions is normal and important, and that they are part of the usual sphere of activity of the mind. On the other hand, blocking the expression of an emotion, or on the contrary, experiencing it with excessive intensity or over an abnormally long period, risks unbalancing the Organ associated with it and creating a physical pathology. In energy terms, we are talking about a disruption in the circulation of Substances, in particular Qi. In the long run, it can also hinder the renewal and distribution of Essences and the right expression of Spirits.

For example, if a woman is grieving the loss of her husband, it is normal for her to be sad and cry. On the other hand, if after several years, she is still extremely sad and she cries at the slightest mention of the image of this man, it is an emotion experienced over too long a period. Since sadness is associated with the lung, it could cause asthma. On the other hand, the Heart needing a “minimum” of joy, its associated emotion, it is possible that the woman experiences problems like heart palpitations.

The imbalance of one of the five “fundamental” emotions identified by TCM, or the imbalance of their associated Organ, can cause all kinds of physical or psychological problems which we briefly present to you. Remember that emotions should be taken in their broad sense and include a set of related emotional states (which are summarized at the start of each section).

Anger

Anger also encompasses irritation, frustration, dissatisfaction, resentment, emotional repression, rage, rage, aggression, temper, impatience, exasperation, animosity, bitterness, resentment, humiliation, indignation, etc.

Whether expressed exaggeratedly, or on the contrary repressed, anger affects the liver. Expressed violently, it causes an abnormal rise in Qi, causing syndromes called Liver Yang Rise or Liver Fire. These often cause symptoms in the head: headaches and migraines, redness in the neck, flushed face, red eyes, feeling hot in the head, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness and tinnitus.

On the other hand, repressed anger causes Stagnation of Liver Qi which can be accompanied by the following symptoms: abdominal bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome, cyclothymic state, frequent sighs, need to yawn or s ‘stretching, tightness in the chest, lump in the stomach or throat and even some depressive states. Indeed, in the event of pent-up anger or resentment, it often happens that the person does not feel their anger as such, but rather says they are depressed or tired. She will have difficulty organizing and planning, will lack regularity, will be easily irritable, may make hurtful remarks towards those close to her, and finally have emotional responses that are disproportionate to the situations she is going through.

Over time, Liver Qi Stagnation can lead to Liver Blood Stagnation as the Qi helps the blood flow. This is particularly remarkable in women, because their metabolism is closely linked to the Blood; among other things, we can see various menstrual problems.

Joy

Excessive joy, in the pathological sense, also includes elation, frenzy, restlessness, euphoria, excitement, extreme enthusiasm, etc.

It is normal, and even desirable, to feel happy and happy. TCM considers that this emotion becomes excessive when people are overexcited (even if they enjoy being in this state); think of people who live “full speed”, who are in a constant state of mental stimulation or who are downright supercharged. It is then said that their Spirit can no longer concentrate.

TCM considers that a normal level of joy translates into serenity, zest for life, happiness and optimistic thinking; like the discreet joy of the Taoist sage on his mountain… When the joy is excessive, it slows down and disperses the Qi, and affects the Heart, its associated Organ. Symptoms are: feeling easily aroused, talking a lot, being restless and nervous, having palpitations, and having insomnia.

In contrast, insufficient joy is akin to sadness. It can affect the lungs and cause the opposite symptoms.

Sadness

Emotions related to sadness are grief, grief, depression, remorse, melancholy, sorrow, desolation, etc.

Sadness is a normal and essential reaction to integrating and accepting a loss, separation or serious disappointment. It also allows us to recognize our attachment to people, situations or things that have been lost. But sadness experienced over too long a period can become pathological: it decreases or depletes Qi and attacks the Lung. Symptoms of Lung Qi Void are shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, weak voice, incessant crying, etc.

Worries

Worries encompass the following emotional states: anxiety, obsessive thoughts, lingering worries, intellectual overwork, feelings of helplessness, daydreaming, etc.

Over-worrying includes over-thinking, both of which are very common in our western society. Excessive thinking is common among students or people working intellectually, and excess worrying is mostly found in people who have financial, family, social, etc. problems. People who worry about everything, or worry about nothing, often suffer from a weakness of the Spleen / Pancreas which predisposes them to be worried. Conversely, having too many worries knots and blocks the Qi, and affects this Organ.

TCM considers that the Spleen / Pancreas harbors the Thought which enables us to reflect, study, concentrate and memorize. If the Spleen / Pancreas Qi is low, it becomes difficult to analyze situations, manage information, solve problems or adapt to something new. Reflection can turn into mental rumination or obsession, the person “takes refuge” in his head. The main symptoms of a Spleen / Pancreas Qi Void are: mental fatigue, rumination of thoughts, worry, difficulty falling asleep, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confused thoughts, physical fatigue, dizziness, loose stools, lack of appetite.

La peur

Fear includes anxiety, dread, dread, dread, apprehension, phobias, etc.

Fear is beneficial when it helps us react to danger, when it prevents us from taking actions that could prove to be perilous, or when it slows down too spontaneous actions. On the other hand, when it is too intense, it can paralyze us or create harmful fears; if it becomes chronic, it will cause anxiety or phobias. Fear drives the Qi down and affects the Kidneys. Likewise, a Kidney Yin Void predisposes the person to feel anxious. Since the Yin of the Kidneys becomes exhausted with age, a phenomenon that is aggravated at menopause, it is not surprising to find that anxiety is more present in the elderly and that many women feel anxious at the time of menopause. . The manifestations of the Kidney Yin Void are often concomitant with those of a Heat Rise and a Heart Void: anxiety, insomnia, night sweating, hot flashes, palpitations, dry throat and mouth, etc. Let us also mention that the Kidneys control the lower sphincters; a weakness of Qi at this level, resulting from fear, can cause urinary or anal incontinence.