When Emotions Get Stuck: How Feelings Shape Your Qi

By Maria Chah, DOM, AP & Jennifer Troyan

We’ve all felt emotions in our bodies - maybe a knot in your stomach when you’re worried, a lump in your throat when you’re sad, or heat rising to your head when you’re angry. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these aren’t just random sensations - they’re signs of how emotions affect the flow of Qi, your body’s vital energy. Knowing how they are connected offers clarity and understanding, which lends to healing and balance. When you are aware, you will notice it sooner and bring yourself back in balance more quickly.

Emotions in Balance vs. Emotions in Excess

In TCM, emotions are a natural and necessary part of life. When they’re felt, expressed, and then released, they actually help Qi move in healthy ways. The trouble comes when emotions are excessive, prolonged, or suppressed. That’s when Qi gets blocked, scattered, or depleted - leading to both emotional and physical symptoms.

The Five Main Emotions and Their Qi Effects

  • Anger (Liver Qi) - When balanced, anger gives us drive and direction. When excessive, it makes Qi rise up, leading to headaches, dizziness, or tight shoulders.
  • Worry/Overthinking (Spleen Qi) - Healthy thoughtfulness helps us plan. Too much worry knots Qi, causing digestive issues, fatigue, or feeling “stuck.”
  • Fear (Kidney Qi) - A little fear sharpens awareness. Excess fear sinks Qi, which may show up as bladder problems, low back weakness, or feeling unsteady.
  • Sadness/Grief (Lung Qi) - Sadness helps us process and let go. But if prolonged, it dissolves Qi, leaving us drained, with shallow breath or low energy.
  • Joy/Excitement (Heart Qi) - Joy warms the spirit. Yet too much stimulation can scatter Qi, leading to restlessness, insomnia, or racing thoughts.

The Healing Side of Emotions

It’s important to remember that emotions are not “bad.” Each has a purpose, and when expressed in balance, they keep us connected to ourselves and others. TCM teaches that the key is flow - when emotions and Qi move freely, both mind and body feel lighter.

How Acupuncture and TCM Can Help

Acupuncture helps smooth the flow of Qi, easing the physical and emotional effects of being “stuck.” It also supports the organ systems most affected by each emotion.

Take Emily’s story as an example. Emily described herself as a “chronic worrier.” Her mind raced from the moment she woke up - thinking about work deadlines, family responsibilities, and even small details like what to cook for dinner. Over time, she noticed her stomach often felt bloated, her energy dipped in the afternoons, and she was constantly tired no matter how much sleep she got.

From a TCM perspective, this was a sign of Spleen Qi imbalance. The Spleen is closely tied to digestion and energy production, and worry or overthinking can weaken its function.

Through a series of acupuncture sessions, Emily felt her body start to relax in ways she hadn’t experienced in years. Her digestion improved, her afternoon fatigue eased, and she described feeling “lighter in both body and mind.” Alongside acupuncture, she was encouraged to eat more warm, grounding foods and to create a simple morning ritual - just ten quiet minutes to enjoy tea before looking at her phone.

Within weeks, Emily noticed that her worries didn’t consume her the same way. She still had responsibilities, but her Qi was no longer tangled up in constant overthinking. Instead, it flowed more smoothly, leaving her with better focus, steadier energy, and a calmer outlook.

Beyond acupuncture, lifestyle practices play a role:

  • Deep breathing for grief and sadness.
  • Journaling or movement for anger.
  • Grounding foods and routines for worry.
  • Rest and quiet time for fear.
  • Calming rituals for excess joy.

TCM Tip: Foods & Teas to Ground Worry

Warm, grounding foods: soups, stews, root veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, squash), whole grains (oats, rice, quinoa), warming spices (ginger, cinnamon).

Teas for calm: ginger or chamomile to ease digestion and relax the mind; cinnamon or licorice root for gentle warmth and balance.

Your emotions are not separate from your body - they live in your Qi. When emotions linger or overwhelm, they can affect your physical health. With the support of acupuncture, lifestyle practices, and awareness, you can help your emotions move through rather than weigh you down.

Balanced emotions = balanced Qi.

Curious about how the environment affects Qi? Check out our recent article on Qi Dynamics and The Six Evils for a deeper look at external influences.

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Good health to you all!

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Information in this article and on this website is intended for informational or educational purposes only. This information does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about a medical condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health professional.

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