How emotions affect our health: solutions
In a recent article, we explained how emotions can affect our health and be an obstacle to our full health. So, what can we do to avoid this? We will see how to tame our emotions so that they become our life partners and stop harming us.
How to regulate emotions
Ancient texts recommended regulating emotions by pursuing activities that soothe the mind. They also advised finding constructive outlets for emotions, especially anger. Finally, they emphasized the importance of developing a fulfilling life, one that allows for both contentment and compassion. This advice is still relevant today, and we will explore it in more detail.
Controlling and regulating emotions requires first being aware of them. This seems obvious, but experience shows that many people are not. This is particularly true with the emotion of anger, the expression of which is increasingly taboo in our society. It has long been taboo in Asia. So, instead of recognizing and expressing this emotion, we hold it back. It becomes then unconscious and is projected onto those around us. Therefore bringing emotions back to consciousness is a major step on the road to healing.
to calm one’s thoughts
regulate his emotions.
Maintain peace of mind
According to the ancient texts of Chinese medicine, a healthy mind is considered the basis of health and longevity. The mind acts as the rudder of life and therefore controls all physiological functions.
TCM identifies two types of mental activity: one emotional and the other mental.
So taking care of the mind means calming one’s thoughts and regulating one’s emotions. A quiet mind is supposed to be peaceful, free from excessive desires and distracting thoughts. Therefore it is not affected by external changes.
sexual desire, which should not be controlled;
wealth, for which one should not be greedy;
rich food, which one should not eat in excess;
Jealousy, or envy, which should also be eliminated;
laziness, against which we must “wage war”.
A healthy lifestyle
The Canon of Medicine (Nei Jing), a major classic of TCM, advises: “Do not let perplexing thoughts weigh you down. Strive to be calm and optimistic. Be complacent (calm in the face of situations that may cause anger). Keep sound in body and mind. In this way, one can live to be 100 years old.” So let’s recall here the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle”:
- Eat at the right time (respect regular meal times);
- Eat appropriate foods (balanced diet, quality and quantity);
- Drink regularly, enough but not too much;
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- Exercise intensely on a regular basis;
- Maintain a good balance between activity, leisure and rest.
This basis will help to maintain a good vitality, a fluid circulation of blood and thus of qi. Thus it will promote a balanced functioning of our organs. Because of the relationship between organs and emotions, the more balanced our physical body is, the more stable our mind and emotions will tend to be.
Tools for healing
Emotional imbalance is not inevitable. As soon as we become aware of a recurring emotional excess, we can take action to rebalance it. Here are some effective tools to treat emotional disorders and stabilize the mind.
- Medical help
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- Chinese medicine: acupuncture, plants, dietetics;
- Psychological help. When the roots of the excessive emotion are deep or unconscious, psychological work may be necessary.
- Healing activities
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- qi gong, taiji chuan, martial arts;
- meditation;
- yoga (becoming a yogi, not a yoga practitioner).
- A healthy attitude in daily life
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- These tools will be more effective if we take care of our behavior in our daily life. This means developing awareness and cultivating a positive mindset. It is no coincidence that the techniques of “positive thinking” and “law of attraction” are in fashion nowadays. They fit our needs in this society.
- “Be kind and compassionate“: recommended the ancient Chinese masters. Kindness and compassion feed the heart, the emperor of organs. Thus, a “good heart” is a factor of stability and health.
Achieving a fulfilling life
So to have a peaceful mind, we must find our way to a fulfilling life. This means nourishing all areas of our lives:
- through an activity that you enjoy (professional or not);
- by practicing activities that enhance the spirit and bring joy (music, dance, qi gong, tai chi, yoga or any other type of art), various games;
- spending time in nature, gardening, or taking care of animals;
- developing harmonious relationships, including a fulfilling sexuality.
The challenges of our lives
More and more of us are facing a major challenge: “I am frustrated in my work. I don’t feel good there. Is there any way I can improve my work environment to feel better? Or should I leave it as soon as possible, risking financial insecurity.” This challenge often comes down to this crucial choice: health or money?
There are others, related to our environment and lifestyle, that rob us of full fulfillment:
- Frustration and dissatisfaction. These frustrations can be found not only in our work but also in our family life, in our relationship with our children. Excessive pressure & lack of time do not favor a harmonious life.
- Urban life. Many of us live in big cities. Therefore we are disconnected from nature, which is however a major source of balance, resourcefulness and peace.
- The rhythm of life. It is mainly based on work and the need to earn money. It ignores the biological and natural needs of the human being and thus goes against his blooming.
- Lack of spirituality. The spiritual aspiration, which is part of our natural balance, is neglected nowadays.
To face these constraints sometimes subjects us to real emotional storms. It will then prove necessary to seriously question our way of life.
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