In recent decades, our understanding of emotions has shifted dramatically. Once thought to reside exclusively in the brain, emotions are now seen as dynamic processes that deeply involve the body. Nowhere is this connection more clearly articulated than in East Asian medicine, where emotional experiences are closely linked with the health and balance of the internal organs. A striking example of this is found in the classical Korean medical text, DongUiBoGam, which illustrates how different organs store and manifest emotional energies.
Reframing Emotions: From Cognitive Isolation to Somatic Integration
Western medicine has traditionally treated emotions as neurological events—an output of brain activity influenced by chemical imbalances or stress-related responses. While this approach has its strengths, it often overlooks the full-bodied nature of emotional experience. East Asian medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese and Korean medical theories, offers an alternative model that views emotional imbalances not just as mental phenomena but as disturbances within the body’s internal organs—referred to as the Five Viscera (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys) along with the Gallbladder.
A recent study applied the term frequency-inverse document frequency (tf-idf) method to the DongUiBoGam text to quantify how often specific emotions were associated with particular organ systems. The findings affirm what many practitioners of East Asian medicine have long held: emotions and organs are intricately connected.
Mapping Emotions to Organs: Insights from DongUiBoGam
1. Anger and the Liver
The Liver is considered the seat of anger. In East Asian medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When anger arises or is repressed, it disrupts this flow, often resulting in symptoms such as tension headaches, red eyes, or menstrual irregularities. Chronic resentment or frustration can lead to what practitioners call “Liver Qi stagnation.”
Emotional Signature: Irritability, rage, bitterness
Physical Manifestation: Muscle tightness, digestive upset, eye problems
2. Happiness and the Heart
Happiness—when balanced—is said to nourish the Heart, the ruler of all emotions in East Asian medicine. But too much excitement or overstimulation can lead to Heart imbalances. This organ governs not only blood circulation but also the Shen (spirit or mind).
Emotional Signature: Joy, elation, contentment
Physical Manifestation: Palpitations, insomnia, restlessness
3. Thoughtfulness and the Heart & Spleen
Excessive thinking, worry, or obsessive focus is tied to the Spleen and Heart. The Spleen is central to digestion and the transformation of nutrients. Overthinking “injures” the Spleen by weakening its ability to process both food and information, leading to fatigue and poor concentration.
Emotional Signature: Rumination, overanalysis, pensiveness
Physical Manifestation: Digestive issues, poor appetite, mental fog
4. Sadness and the Heart & Lungs
Sadness and grief directly impact the Lungs, which are responsible for Qi intake and respiration. Long-standing sorrow can weaken the Lung Qi, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory conditions. The Heart is also involved, particularly when grief is profound and disrupts emotional stability.
Emotional Signature: Loss, sorrow, despair
Physical Manifestation: Shallow breathing, crying spells, immune dysfunction
5. Fear and the Kidneys & Heart
Fear is rooted in the Kidneys, which are considered the “battery” of the body. This organ governs growth, reproduction, and adrenal function. Chronic fear or trauma can deplete Kidney essence, leading to symptoms like chronic fatigue or lower back pain. In acute situations, fear may affect the Heart, causing palpitations or shock.
Emotional Signature: Panic, dread, insecurity
Physical Manifestation: Incontinence, cold limbs, adrenal fatigue
6. Surprise and the Heart & Gallbladder
Sudden shock or surprise jolts the Heart and Gallbladder. The Gallbladder is associated with courage and decision-making. Emotional trauma or unexpected events can disrupt its Qi, resulting in indecisiveness or timidity.
Emotional Signature: Shock, startle, hesitation
Physical Manifestation: Chest discomfort, confusion, poor decision-making
7. Anxiety and the Heart & Lungs
Anxiety blends several emotional tones, often including fear, worry, and sadness. It affects both the Heart (responsible for emotional integration) and the Lungs (regulating the breath). Breath-focused practices in East Asian medicine, like Qi Gong or acupuncture, often aim to restore Lung and Heart balance to alleviate anxiety.
Emotional Signature: Nervousness, worry, restlessness
Physical Manifestation: Shortness of breath, tight chest, insomnia
The Language of Healing: Neural vs. Somatic
This study underscores a fundamental difference between Eastern and Western paradigms. Western medicine uses a neural vocabulary—focusing on brain chemistry, neurotransmitters, and psychological diagnoses. In contrast, East Asian medicine employs a somatic language—speaking through the body, with organs as the primary interpreters of emotional disharmony.
This isn’t merely a semantic difference; it leads to distinct therapeutic approaches. While a Western physician might prescribe SSRIs for depression, an East Asian practitioner might diagnose a “Lung Qi deficiency” and treat it with acupuncture, herbs, or lifestyle adjustments aimed at grief resolution.
Reintegrating the Body into Emotional Wellness
As science continues to explore the mind-body connection, East Asian medicine offers a time-tested framework that could enrich modern emotional care. Emotions are not disembodied states—they are deeply embodied, shaping and shaped by the internal organs that sustain life.
Understanding this ancient model not only broadens our emotional vocabulary but also opens up new avenues for healing. Whether through breathwork, acupuncture, herbal medicine, or mindful movement, East Asian practices remind us that to heal the mind, we must also tend to the body.
