By Dr. Alice Honican, Licensed Acupuncturist, Bio-Energetic Practitioner
In Western physiology, emotional and mental processes are attributed to the brain. The brain, situated at the top of the body, plays a crucial role in how emotions affect us. Emotions impact the limbic system within the brain, sending nerve impulses down through the hypothalamus and through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve centers, eventually reaching the internal organs.
In contrast, Chinese medicine views mental processes not as a pyramid but as a circle or sphere of interaction between the internal organs and their emotional effects. The state of an organ affects emotions, and emotions, in turn, affect the state of the internal organ. This holistic view of organs as mental-emotional spheres of influence is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine.
Each organ is associated with specific emotions: the heart with joy, the liver with anger, the lungs with sadness and grief, the spleen with worry and overthinking, and the kidneys with fear. For example, the kidneys correspond to the anatomical kidneys, the energies associated with the kidneys on an energetic level, the brain and thinking on a mental level, and fear on an emotional level. All these levels interact simultaneously. Consider long standing anger: while everyone feels angry at times, harboring anger for years can cause disease. Anger makes the qi rise and negatively impacts the liver. In such cases, the tongue may be red, especially on the sides, the pulse wiry, and the stools hard and dry. The patient may suffer from headaches and exhibit frustration. Acupuncture points and herbs chosen for treatment aim to soothe the liver and sedate fire.
Chronic stress is detrimental to both the mind and body. When a person is constantly in fight or flight mode, elevated cortisol levels compromise optimal rest and digestion. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points along the meridian to restore and balance the flow of qi, allowing the body to function normally and repair itself. Acupuncture can lower cortisol levels, release endorphins, and opioids—natural feel-good neurotransmitters—to relieve pain and foster a greater sense of physical and emotional well-being. Improved emotional and mental health leads to enhanced physical health.
To create a treatment plan, an acupuncturist observes the body and tongue, takes the pulse, and asks questions about energy, sleep, pain, digestion, menstrual cycles, and mental state. In cases of severe and long-standing emotional problems, acupuncture alone may not suffice. The patient might need the support of a skilled counselor. For chronic mental and emotional issues, I recommend a series of 10 treatments, with 1-2 sessions per week.
Acupuncture is highly effective for achieving emotional balance and overall wellness. By treating the whole person, it supports lifestyle improvements and self-care practices, helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.
To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you and to schedule your first treatment, visit Longevity Health. Start your journey towards emotional balance and holistic well-being today.
