Those with a short temper may sometimes lose their appetite due to anger. This phenomenon holds deeper meaning: Traditional medicine posits a close connection between the Five Emotions (joy, anger, worry, sadness, fear) and the Five Organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney). Specifically: Heart — Joy, Liver — Anger, Spleen — Worry, Lung —sorrow, kidney—fear. Any imbalance in one aspect affects its corresponding organ. For instance, excessive joy harms the heart (as it depletes qi and blood, and the heart governs blood), while intense anger damages the liver. The liver governs the free flow of qi (regulating bodily energy) and stores blood. Anger injures the liver, and over time, this indirectly harms the spleen and stomach.
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the spleen and stomach form the foundation of acquired constitution. This means food consumed must undergo joint action by the spleen and stomach to transform nutrients into vital essence distributed throughout the body's organs and tissues. However, the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach are closely linked to the liver. If liver qi stagnates (manifesting primarily as irritability and quick temper), the spleen and stomach are significantly impaired.
Conversely, poor spleen and stomach function can also lead to a bad temper. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the heart governs blood and mental functions, while the spleen and stomach govern the transformation and transportation of food and drink (digestion), serving as the "source of qi and blood generation." If the spleen and stomach are weak, food intake decreases, and the generation of qi and blood loses its source. Heart blood deficiency leaves the heart without proper governance, disrupting its function of governing mental activities. This can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, and chest tightness.When the body experiences various discomforts, one's temper naturally suffers.
In daily life, it's crucial to maintain a positive emotional state. When faced with troublesome matters, actively seek appropriate outlets to release negative emotions promptly—never suppress them for extended periods. Additionally, approach interactions with others calmly and with tolerance, avoiding petty quarrels. Remember, a peaceful mindset is one of the best remedies for health.