The Emotions That Make You Sick: The Secret of the Seasons According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 12 main meridians are associated with specific organs and are also linked to the seasons of the year. Each season represents both a moment of balance and a potential source of disharmony that may affect certain organs and meridians. Here's how the 12 meridians are generally matched with the seasons:

1. Spring (approx. March–May) Liver Meridian: Spring is associated with the Liver, which awakens and becomes revitalized during this season. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood and plays a key role in emotional balance, detoxification, and planning.
   

2. Summer (approx. June–August) Heart Meridian: Summer corresponds to the Heart, seen as the "emperor" of all organs. The Heart governs blood circulation, consciousness, and emotional joy. It is vital for mental clarity and emotional stability during the bright, active months.
   

3. Late Summer (approx. August–October) Spleen/Stomach Meridians: Late Summer is linked to the Spleen and Stomach, which are central to digestion and transformation. This transitional season supports nourishment, grounding, and mental clarity.
   

4. Autumn (approx. October–December) Lung Meridian: Autumn is associated with the Lungs, which govern breathing and the intake of vital energy (Qi). It’s a time of gathering and letting go, reflecting the Lung’s role in releasing the old and defending the body from external pathogens.
   

5. Winter (approx. December–March) Kidney Meridian: Winter corresponds to the Kidneys, considered the root of vitality and the storehouse of Essence (Jing). It’s a season of rest and conservation, supporting deep energy renewal and resilience.

Each meridian is also associated with specific emotions and functions, which influence health and energetic balance throughout the seasonal shifts. For example, the Liver is particularly sensitive to stress and anger, while the Heart reflects joy and restlessness.

The Emotions That Make You Sick

According to TCM, every meridian is not only connected to a physiological function and season but also to a specific emotion that can either strengthen or disturb its energy. Here are the main emotional correspondences:

Anger, Irritability, Frustration

Organ/Meridian: Liver

Functions: Regulates the free flow of Qi, supports detoxification and blood circulation, affects tendons, vision, and menstrual cycles.

Seasonal Influence: Spring – Liver energy rises. An imbalance may lead to tension, migraines, digestive disorders, and emotional swings.

Joy, but also Agitation, Euphoria, Mental Restlessness

Organ/Meridian: Heart

Functions: Governs blood and blood vessels, regulates consciousness (Shen), sleep, and emotional stability.

Seasonal Influence: Summer – Heat can overstimulate the Heart, causing insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, or agitation.

Worry, Overthinking, Chronic Anxiety

Organ/Meridian: Spleen/Stomach

Functions: Transforms food into Qi and Blood, controls muscles and body tone, supports focused and clear thinking.

Seasonal Influence: Late Summer – Excessive rumination may "block" digestion, causing bloating, fatigue, and brain fog.

Sadness, Melancholy, Grief

Organ/Meridian: Lungs

Functions: Governs respiration and Qi intake, regulates skin and immunity (Wei Qi), supports emotional release.

Seasonal Influence: Autumn – A season of letting go. Grief can stagnate Qi and weaken immune or respiratory function.

Fear, Insecurity, Lack of Willpower

Organ/Meridian: Kidneys

Functions: Stores Essence (Jing), governs growth, fertility, bones, hearing, and willpower (Zhi).

Seasonal Influence: Winter – Energy withdraws deeply. Kidney imbalances can cause fatigue, back pain, fearfulness, or apathy.

Emotions Over 24 Hours

In TCM, each meridian also reaches its peak activity during specific hours of the day, following what’s called the “Chinese Body Clock” or “Meridian Clock”. This topic will be explored in a future post.

Summary: The Connection Between Emotions and Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are not merely psychological experiences—they are energetic forces that, when excessive or suppressed, can disturb the organs and create illness:

• Anger → harms the Liver

• Excessive joy or agitation → scatters the Heart's energy

• Worry → weakens the Spleen

• Sadness → suppresses the Lungs' Qi

• Fear → drains the Kidneys

How to Stay Balanced

To maintain health throughout the seasons and life transitions:

• Harmonize emotions with nature’s rhythms

• Practice Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or therapeutic yoga (not just commercial fitness styles)

• Eat with the seasons

• Rest deeply

• Receive regular Shiatsu treatments→ Book your healing journey here