Xi (Joy), Nu (Anger), You (Worry), Si (Thought), Bei (Sadness), Ke (Fear), and Jing (Shock) are known as the seven emotions. Under normal circumstances, the activities of these emotions can play a coordinating role in the physiological functions of the human body. However, if these emotions become excessive and exceed the body’s capacity to bear them, they can lead to dysfunction of the organs and blood, resulting in disease. The impact of the seven emotions on human health also follows certain patterns.
1. The Nature and Degree of Emotional Stimuli
(1) The difference in the nature of emotional stimuli. Among the seven emotions, only Xi (Joy) is considered a positive stimulus, while the other six emotions are regarded as negative stimuli. There is a saying in China: “A smile can make you ten years younger.” Joy is the intention of the heart, and laughter is the voice of the heart; laughter is the external manifestation of joy. Maintaining a cheerful and joyful mood is greatly beneficial to human health. As stated in the book Rumen Shiqin: “Joy leads to fewer illnesses, as it harmonizes the hundred vessels.”
In contrast, anger can cause significant harm to the body, leading to more severe diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that anger harms the liver; when the liver loses its ability to regulate, it can cause disturbances in the flow of Qi, leading to dysfunction in other organs, resulting in more serious symptoms. The Dong Yi Bao Jian: Nei Jing Pian states: “Among the seven emotions, anger is the most harmful, as it causes the liver wood to overcome the spleen earth; when the spleen is harmed, all organs are affected.” The diseases caused by shock and fear are often more complex. Shock and fear usually arise from external stimuli; when a person is unprepared and suddenly encounters a frightening sight, hears a strange sound, or faces a dangerous situation, it can lead to extreme shock and fear. Shock and fear often harm the heart and kidneys, making treatment more challenging.
(2) The intensity of emotional stimuli. The intensity of emotional stimuli can be categorized into explosive and gradual types. Explosive stimuli generally refer to sudden emotional shocks, such as a significant unexpected blow, major achievements, unbearable pain, or major family changes. These sudden and intense stimuli can disrupt the flow of Qi and blood in the body, easily leading to acute or severe illnesses. Diseases caused by explosive stimuli often have a rapid onset and severe condition, with serious cases potentially threatening life. Among the seven emotions, joy, anger, shock, and fear are all strong and explosive emotional factors.
Gradual stimuli generally refer to situations that remain unresolved for a long time, causing the body to maintain a prolonged abnormal mental state, such as mental tension, excessive worry, or prolonged sadness. These sustained stimuli can damage the body’s vital energy, leading to disturbances in Qi and resulting in disease. Worry, thought, and sadness are all emotional factors that persist over time; prolonged exposure to such negative emotional states can lead to chronic illness.
2. Individual Differences in Emotional Changes
(1) Differences in constitution. Individuals have different constitutions, which affects their ability to withstand emotional stimuli. For example, a person with a strong heart and courage may not fear a shocking danger and can respond calmly, while a timid person may easily succumb to excessive shock and fear. Additionally, the endowment of Yin and Yang in the body varies, leading to different reactions to emotional stimuli. For instance, those with excess Yin and deficient Yang may experience depression; those with excess Yin and weak Yang may be overly sentimental; those with excess Yang and deficient Yin may have explosive emotions; and those with excess Yang and weak Yin may have a strong sense of self-esteem.
(2) Differences in personality. A person’s ability to tolerate the seven emotions is closely related to their personality and willpower. Optimistic individuals can remain calm and composed in the face of challenges, making them less susceptible to emotional stimuli. In contrast, individuals with a depressed personality may have a narrow mind and experience emotional fluctuations, making them more vulnerable to emotional stimuli, potentially leading to illness.
(3) Age differences. Children have not fully developed their Qi, organs, and central nervous system, making them very susceptible to the effects of shock and fear. Adults, facing a complex and chaotic society, are more likely to be influenced by anger. Elderly individuals often experience feelings of loneliness, making them prone to sadness and excessive worry.
(4) Gender differences. Males are associated with Yang and primarily governed by Qi, making them less susceptible to external emotional stimuli; even when emotions are excessive, they often express it as extreme joy or anger, rather than depression. Females are associated with Yin and primarily governed by blood; they are more emotional and delicate, making them more susceptible to the seven emotions. Therefore, they should consciously adopt appropriate methods to regulate themselves to avoid emotional-related illnesses.
