Our bodies are incredible, intricately connected systems where emotions, thoughts, and physical health are all intertwined. In many holistic health practices—such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda — organs are believed to store emotions.
This fascinating idea suggests that unresolved emotional traumas can manifest in physical discomfort or illness within specific organs. In the practice of Ayurveda, there is a deep connection to the mind and body that looks at meditation, breath work and yoga to harmonise your holistic well-being.
The mind-body connection: How do organs store emotions?
It’s important to recognise that emotions are not just fleeting feelings. Here’s a breakdown of some common beliefs about which organs hold onto specific emotions:
Anger and frustration are connected to the liver – When you’re irritable, frustrated, or chronically stressed, your liver may become overworked, leading to feelings of tension, headaches, or even digestive issues.
Grief and sadness are connected to the lungs – Think of when you might feel sad or anxious; it impacts your breathing and causes a heavy feeling in your chest.
Worry and anxiety are connected to the stomach – Sometimes when you are worried about something, you experience butterflies or knots in your stomach. A cup of chamomile tea can help smooth your worries.
Fear is connected to your kidneys – It’s important to keep yourself hydrated during a fearful situation to regulate the kidneys’ functions.
Joy and sadness are connected to the heart – Any emotion, especially sadness, can be felt in the heart. To ease heartache, try relaxing the body through laughter and journalling.
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Releasing emotional tension
While different organs may be linked to specific emotions, there are also general practices you could use to help release emotions and improve overall well-being:
Bodywork
Practices like acupuncture, massage, or even reflexology can help release trapped emotional tension by working with the body’s energy systems.
One bodywork practice is lymphatic drainage, which stimulates blood flow and toxin drainage in your body. Check out this bargain on Daddy’s Deals.
Breathwork
Breathing exercises help calm the nervous system, regulate emotional responses, and release stress from the body.
Meditation and mindfulness
Developing a meditation practice can help you become more aware of emotional patterns and address them before they manifest in the body.
Exercise
Physical movement is one of the best ways to process and release emotions. Whether it’s running, yoga, or dancing, find an activity that helps you feel good and releases emotional energy.
Understanding the connection between your organs and emotions can empower you to address your emotional health in new, holistic ways. By acknowledging the emotions you’re holding onto and practising techniques to release them, you can support both your physical and emotional well-being, leading to a healthier, more balanced life.
This article is based on alternative healthcare practices. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking on any holistic health treatment.
Compiled by: Amy Steenkamp
First published by Woman&home
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