The Surprising Link Between Emotion and Heart Wellness

Udumbara Udumbara
Dec 21, 2024 - 11:05 Updated: Dec 20, 2024 - 20:32
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The Surprising Link Between Emotion and Heart Wellness

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Read about the intricate relationship between joy, emotions, and heart health, drawing insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern medical research.

Joy can uplift our mood and support overall health, but both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine recognize that excessive joy may adversely affect the heart. Thus, implementing practical strategies to cultivate inner calm in various situations can promote better heart health.

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The Potential Harm of Excessive Joy

A notable case study involves Mr. Lee, who unexpectedly received a promotion at work, which filled him with immense joy. However, this overwhelming elation triggered distressing symptoms such as heart palpitations, insomnia, and even anxiety.

According to TCM, emotions and physical health are intricately linked. Seven main emotions—joy, anger, worry, anxiety, sadness, fear, and fright—are closely associated with specific organs in the body. Prolonged excitement or sudden, intense joy can have negative effects on the heart.

In TCM philosophy, the heart governs the mind, playing a central role in regulating mental, emotional, and cognitive activities. Excessive joy can disrupt the natural flow of energy within the body, potentially leading to restlessness, insufficient blood supply to the heart, or impaired blood circulation. Consequently, this imbalance may also trigger a range of health issues.

From a medical perspective, extreme joy can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, which are normal physiological responses to excitement. However, studies have shown that mood swings are significant contributors to cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and stroke. This risk becomes particularly pronounced in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), who are more susceptible to conditions like myocardial infarction and stroke.

With treatment from TCM, Mr. Lee gradually regained his health.

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Effective Ways to Manage Emotions

Another compelling case involves Anna, who experienced a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure after winning the lottery, accompanied by chest pain and tightness. Her initial joy quickly turned into intense panic and tension,  highlighting the importance of managing emotions effectively.

Spirituality

Developing a positive outlook rooted in spirituality can promote inner peace and help mitigate the harmful effects of excessive emotions.

After experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier, Anna began managing her emotions through meditation techniques. Practices such as prayer and expressing gratitude played a significant role in helping her maintain emotional stability.

Biblical and Stoic Perspectives

Both Eastern and Western traditions offer profound teachings on spirituality. For instance, the Bible emphasizes humility, gratitude, finding joy in simple blessings, while also underscoring the importance of inner peace and trust in God.

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