Emotions in Chinese Medicine: Problems or Resources

How specific emotions can harm target organs, as described in the Su Wen, is widely known. What is less commonly known is a system of psychological therapy developed by Zhang Congzheng and refined by Zhu Danxi based on Five Phases. “Living Noose Therapy” also called “Use Emotion to Overcome Emotion” involved deliberate provocation of particular emotions to impact other emotions. The core concept was to use the Ke Cycle to immediately break through an emotional state, and the Sheng Cycle for longer term resolution. Zhu Danxi also emphasised the emotional role of the Gall Bladder and how the Gall Bladder is injured by fright. These ideas lead us beyond the view of emotions as pathogenic factors, to seeing emotions as human resources, which, when managed well, can lead to a rich and fulfilling emotional life.