The impact of emotions and desires on health: the double-edged sword of emotions and desires

The seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thoughts, sadness, fear, and surprise) and the six desires (the physiological needs of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind) are innate psychological and physiological reactions of human beings. Moderate expression can regulate the body and mind, but excessive or long-term imbalance will damage health. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that excessive emotions can disrupt the flow of qi and blood, leading to organ dysfunction; modern medicine has also confirmed that negative emotions may cause high blood pressure, decreased immunity and other problems, while rationally channeling desires is helpful for mental health. This article will explore the relationship between emotions and health at different levels and provide scientific suggestions.

Excessive emotions: the health costs of losing control of your emotions

The Classic of Traditional Chinese Medicine "Huangdi Neijing" points out that "anger hurts the liver, happiness hurts the heart, thinking hurts the spleen, sadness hurts the lungs, and fear hurts the kidneys." Excessive emotions can directly damage the corresponding organs. For example, long-term anger may cause strong liver fire, manifested as headaches and insomnia; excessive thinking can easily lead to weakness of the spleen and stomach and loss of appetite. Modern research also shows that chronic stress (worry) can increase cortisol levels and suppress immune system function. A study by Harvard University in the United States found that optimists (moderately "happy") have a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than pessimists, but ecstasy (such as excessive excitement) may induce heart burden.

Imbalance of Six Desires: Healthy Wisdom of Desire Management

The six desires are basic needs for human survival, but neither indulgence nor suppression is good for health. For example, excessive gluttony (tongue lust) may lead to obesity and diabetes, while excessive dieting may lead to malnutrition; addiction to visual stimulation (eye lust) may cause eye fatigue and sleep disorders. Psychologist Maslow proposed the "hierarchy of needs theory", emphasizing that only by moderately satisfying desires can we achieve physical and mental balance. Research by Japanese scholars has found that moderate contact with nature (satisfying "physical desires") can reduce stress hormone levels and improve happiness.

The Way of Regulation: Practical Methods for Balancing Emotions and Desires

Combining traditional wisdom and modern science, the seven emotions and six desires can be regulated through the following methods: 1) Emotional management: practicing mindfulness meditation (such as the MBSR therapy of Jon Kabat-Zinn in the United States) to relieve anxiety; 2) Desire channeling: adopting the "80% fullness" dietary principle (derived from the longevity concept of Okinawa, Japan); 3) Lifestyle: regular exercise (such as Tai Chi to reconcile qi and blood) and social interaction (releasing "joy" emotions). Some companies, such as Huawei Health, have launched mood monitoring bracelets to assist users in tracking their mental state.

Summary: Harmonious symbiosis is the foundation of health

The seven emotions and six desires are like the "barometer" of the body. Moderate expression can promote physical and mental health, while extreme expression can become a cause of disease. Traditional Chinese medicine’s “Emotions and Will Overcome Method” (such as “Sorrow Overcomes Anger”) and modern psychology’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have the same approach and effect, both emphasizing the importance of active adjustment. You can refer to the recommendations of the "Mental Health Guidelines for Chinese Residents" on a daily basis, find a balance point based on individual differences, and seek professional help when necessary. The soothing products (such as Zaoren Anshen Capsules) launched by health manufacturers such as "Tong Ren Tang" must be used under the guidance of a doctor and cannot replace emotional management.

Quote sources:
1. "Huangdi Neijing" (classic theory of traditional Chinese medicine)
2. Harvard School of Public Health "Research on Mood and Cardiovascular Disease" (2018)
3. "Research on Nature Contact and Stress Hormones" by the University of Tokyo, Japan (2020)
4. Product example: Tongrentang Zaoren Anshen Capsules (National Drug Approval Number Z11020452)