The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, emotions are not just feelings—they are directly linked to organ health and the flow of qi (vital energy). When emotions become excessive, repressed, or stagnant, they disrupt the body's balance, leading to illness over time.

Each organ is associated with a specific emotion:

• Heart → Joy (or Excess Excitement) & Anxiety (can cause restlessness, insomnia, palpitations)
• Liver → Anger & Frustration (leads to stagnation, headaches, high blood pressure)
• Spleen → Worry & Overthinking (affects digestion, creates fatigue)
• Lungs → Grief & Sadness (weakens immunity, causes shallow breathing)
• Kidneys → Fear & Overwhelm (drains energy, weakens adrenal function)

If emotions aren’t processed and released, qi becomes stuck, creating blockages that manifest as physical symptoms—pain, tension, digestive issues, or chronic fatigue.

How Qi Gong Supports Emotional Regulation

Qi Gong works on both the mind and body, helping to clear emotional stagnation and restore balance. Here’s how:

1. Moves Stagnant Qi

Slow, mindful movements release pent-up energy, preventing emotional buildup in the organs. A stuck liver from anger? Flowing Qi Gong movements help disperse it.

2. Breathwork Clears Emotional Tension

Deep, intentional breathing brings in fresh qi and expels old, stuck energy. The lungs, tied to grief, are especially responsive to breath-based Qi Gong.

3. The Six Healing Sounds Release Emotional Residue

Each organ has a vibrational sound that clears stored emotions—“Shhh” for anger in the liver, “Haaa” for anxiety, and so on. This actively flushes out emotional toxins.

4. Meditation & Mindfulness Cultivate Inner Stability

Qi Gong integrates meditation and focused intention, helping you observe emotions without being controlled by them. Over time, this strengthens emotional resilience.

5. Strengthens the Body to Handle Stress

By balancing the nervous system, Qi Gong makes you less reactive to stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It trains the body to stay calm, adaptable, and energized.