How your emotions make you sick

After years of studying health and how to allow the body to naturally heal, there is one thing that keeps coming back to me as significant, and that is our emotions. The role they play in our physical wellbeing, and how much gunk we carry from early childhood. From our upbringing, our traumas, conditioning, and belief system. How everything we ever lived is stored in our cells, and how our emotional terrain affects our vital organs. 

From my own experience, living through diagnoses of Lyme, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcers, Insomnia, Anxiety, and Chronic Fatigue, I know how important diet is, how important a complete, lifestyle change is, including fresh air, grounding, rest, and a loving community. But there is a BUT. Our emotional health cannot be separated from our physical and mental health. And our organs are telling a story of unresolved and unreleased feeling. A holding on that leads to ill health and obstruction.

We are not a machine, in need of chemicals and separation We are spiritual beings, living in a physical body that is a direct reflection of our inner terrain. All of it. The good the bad and the ugly. 

The electromagnetic field emitted by our hearts can cause specific changes in the brains of the people around us. We now know from research that we can enter deep meditation states through practice and then these states can cause definitive changes in all our major regulatory mechanisms. Even the length of our telomeres, (a key biomarker for cell lifespan), inflammation, and cell repair. We can talk to our organs, and we can identify which feeling is being stored in which organ. All in the name of healing. 

This is not a new concept:

In traditional Chinese medicine, emotions and physical health are intimately connected. Nervous tension and anger, sadness, worry, fear, and stress are each associated with a particular organ in the body. As an example; anger will affect the liver and result in rashes, digestive issues, dizziness, and dry mouth, to mention a few.

Our organs do not only store unresolved emotions but will also reflect to us that very emotion. Staying with the liver example. It will be affected by your anger, but you will also feel angrier with an unhealthy liver. So those who are struggling with anger issues might want to pay attention to their liver health. 

Let us look more specifically at our vital organs and how they relate to our emotions. How everything we think, feel, and eat creates our health. Once an intense, uncomfortable emotion is moved through, the “root cause” is removed, but there can still be physical effects in its wake that require repair. This is why food as medicine is so important, and why what to eat has been included in the below information for complete healing. 

1. Lungs

Emotions: Grief and sadness. Emotions are often not processed well. Sadness is often looked upon as something we need to get over. Being sad is not acceptable and we, therefore, suppress it, and the same goes for grief. 

The lungs form energy from the air and help to distribute it throughout the body. They work with the kidney to regulate water metabolism. The lungs are very important in the immune system and resistant to viruses and bacteria. They also regulate the sweat glands and body hair and provides moisture to the skin.

Emotions stored in the lungs can result in:

• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Dry mouth and throat
• Weight loss
• Pain in shoulder and back
• Hoarseness
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Tightness in chest

Symptoms of Lung Imbalance will include shortness of breath and shallow breathing. Also, nights sweats and fatigue, frequent cold and flu, allergies and dry skin.  

Simple steps to help your lungs heal:

• Breathe deeply and connect with your lungs. Ask them what they need.
• Work through any grief and sadness you are experiencing
• Give your emotions space and care.
• Breathe fresh air.
• Do Qigong for the lungs.
• Breathe in essential oils like Rosemary, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus.

Foods that may support the lungs:

• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Apples
• Organic Apples
• Lotus root (found at Asian markets. These are deliciously sliced and fried in coconut oil. They taste like potatoes.)
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Ginger
• Pomegranate
• Oranges
• Turmeric

“A British study found that even after controlling for other factors, people who reported eating two to five apples a week had a 32% lower risk of asthma than people who ate less.”

2. Liver 

Emotions: Anger, resentment, frustration, and irritability. Bitterness pointing towards the gallbladder.  

Anger affects the liver more than any other organ, so if you feel angry, look towards your liver. 

The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. It secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions, and so much more. A very important detoxifying organ, which is very adaptable to healing. 

Emotions stored in the liver can result in: 

• Headaches 
• Skin conditions
• Pain behind the right lower rib
• Jaundice
• Irritation
• Feeling toxic and sluggish
• Digestive issues
• Low energy
• Anger
• Red eyes

Suppressed anger can do a lot of damage and turn into depressed states. It is important to find a healthy outlet and to release the emotional imprints. 

Simple steps to help your liver heal:

• Breathe deeply and connect with your liver. Ask it what it needs.
• Work through any anger issues that you may have. 
• Hit a pillow, scream from nature.
• Set healthy boundaries.
• Forgive all that needs to be forgiven.
• Laugh more.
• Breathe fresh air.
• Do Qigong for the liver.
• Use essential oils over your liver, like Rosemary, Grapefruit, Ginger, fennel, and Lemon.
• Dandelion and Milk Thistle are great liver herbs.
• Use a castor oil pack.

Foods that may support the liver:

• Dandelion greens
• Swiss chard
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Beetroot juice
• Celery juice
• Prickly pear
• Watermelon
• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Papaya
• Banana

Detoxifying the liver will inevitably affect all other organs of the body including the brain. I see many feelings clearer in their thinking from doing some deep liver-work. Detoxifying the liver and flushing the gallbladder is essential to all other organ health. 

3. Stomach:

Emotions: Worry and feeling insecure. This is the core of our being. Our solar plexus. 

The stomach shoulders the long-term effects of worry, weakening digestive fire. 

The lining of the stomach secretes hydrochloric acids and enzymes that break down the food so that it can continue on its journey through the digestive system. As it secretes acid and enzymes, the stomach muscles contract to mix the food with the acid and enzymes. The acid also works to kill harmful microbes that may have made their way into the body along with food and drink. 

Emotions stored in the stomach can result in: 

This lowers hydrochloric acid production and can cause bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits while thinning the gut lining

• Lower hydrochloric acid production
• Bloating
• Gas
• Thinning of the stomach lining
• Ulcers
• Indigestion
• Allergies
• Headaches

Worry is like planning for the worst. It will manifest like a low-grade inflammation and wreak havoc in the entire body. When digestion fails, we suffer at the core. 

Simple steps to help your stomach heal:

• Breathe deeply and connect with your stomach. Ask what it needs from you.
• Eat fruits and vegetables. 
• Practice fasting.
• Look at why you are worrying.
• Know you are safe.
• Let of control issues.
• Allow yourself to care less about what other people think.
• Do Qigong for the stomach and digestive system.
• Drink peppermint essential oil. 
• Use a castor oil pack.
• Practice deep breathing.

Foods that may support the stomach:

• Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Ginger
• Licorice
• Bananas
• Papaya
• Apples
• Fresh juices
• Figs
• Prunes
• Grapes
• Dates

The stomach will be best served with the less is more method, meaning rest. When we feel worried we don’t have an appetite, and this is related. When the stomach is upset, it wants to be left alone to heal and restore. Breathe deeply and know that worrying never resolves anything and that your core depends on you letting go. 

4. Heart 

Emotions: Stress, lack of enthusiasm and vitality, despair, depression, insomnia.

The human heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. The heart is also partially responsible for an even and regular pulse. It influences vitality and spirit and is connected with the tongue, complexion, and arteries.

Emotions stored in the heart can result in: 

• Irregular heartbeats
• Poor memory
• Weakness
• Easy bruising
• Premature graying of the hair
• Pain in chest
• Prickly pains

Lack of joy, stress, and despair will take a toll on a healthy heart. We call it heartbreak when the feeling of such despair becomes overwhelming. Love is always the answer, and lack thereof will hurt our hearts more than anything. 

Simple steps to help your heart heal:

• Breathe deeply and connect with your heart. Ask it what it needs.
• Process any events in your life that have left you heartbroken.
• Eliminate stress.
• Forgive everything and everyone.
• Practice compassion.
• Meditate.
• anticipate good things.
• Surround yourself with loving people.
• Set healthy boundaries.
• Breathe fresh air.
• Do Qigong for the heart.
• Practice self-love and self-care.
• Exercise.

Foods that may support the heart:

• Oranges
• Papaya
• Cantaloupe
• Berries
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Pomegranate
• Apricot
• Apples
• Kiwi
• Peaches

Stress makes everything worse, absolutely everything, but it is an extra burden on the heart. Love yourself more and allow your heart to heal through this love. Nothing is worth holding on to, as living is in the NOW moment.

5. Kidneys

Emotions: Fearful, insecure, weak willpower, feeling isolated, and aloof. 

Fear resides in the kidneys and can manifest as chronic adrenal fatigue. Leading to poor kidney filtration, and therefore a myriad of symptoms and so-called diseases. Fear can be many things, from general lack of security to traumas and shock. Usually, this imprint is from early childhood, where feeling fear can easily be triggered. 

Emotions stored in the kidneys can result in:

• Adrenal Fatigue
• Pain
• Edema
• Rashes
• Bags around the eyes
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Boils and pimples
• Urinary tract infections
• Burning upon urination
• Lower back pain
• Kidney stones

Symptoms of kidney imbalance, besides the feeling of anxiety and fear, will often look like a general uneasiness and fear of change. Trying to find security in food, old patterns, people, and situations. 

Simple steps to help your Kidneys heal:

• Breathe deeply and connect with your kidneys. Ask them what they need.
• Work through any fear that comes up for you. 
• Give your emotions space and care.
• Walk barefoot to ground your being.
• Do Qigong for the kidneys.
• Use a castor oil pack.
• Walk barefoot.
• Practice daily breathwork.
• Rub Juniper Essential Oil on your kidneys. 
• Drink lemon water.
• Chanca Piedra, the stone breaker herb is great for kidney stones and sluggishness. 
• Stretching.
• Yoga.

Foods that may support the kidneys:

• Watermelon
• Grapes
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Parsley
• Nettle
• Cilantro
• Berries
•  

The kidney is the organ for sustaining life. Responsible for growth, development, and maturation. Involved with lungs in water metabolism and respiration. Also connected with the adrenal glands, bones, teeth, ears, and head hair.

Talk to your organs.

Years ago, I read about Carlos Castaneda`s teachings where he talks about talking to your organs. Not until recent years have I been practicing this myself and with my clients. Such a powerful tool. 

This is how you do it:

Find a comfortable position and close your eyes. Make sure you will not be disturbed. Breathe deeply and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to relax fully. Slowly relax every muscle, every organ, and joint of your body, keeping your focus on the breath. 

When you feel relaxed, find the organ you want to talk to, and focus your inner eye on it. See it, feel it, visualize it fully to the best of your ability. 

Now, connect to the symptoms from this organ, and allow the emotions stored in the organ to arise. Stay with it for a moment. Don’t judge or try to change anything, just observe and feel. Lean into it.

Start talking to the organ, like a person. Be direct. Be clear. Feel appreciation and support. Be compassionate for the suffering. Express your support, and feel love for whatever you see or feel. This is a part of your inner child, so speak gently.

Ask simple, direct, and honest questions such as:

“Why are you in pain?” 

“Do you have a message for me?”

“Is the anything I need to know or see?”

“How can I help resolve this?”

“Is there anything I can do to resolve this issue?”

Pay attention to what comes up and spend a moment to be present with what arises. Thank your organ and your body and take a few deep breaths as you anchor the information. 

The balance and regulation of our emotional state is an important part of our daily hygiene. Our physical health depends on it. Although emotions are good, we often tend to store those we do not want to look at, to process.

Be brave, dive in, and allow your entire being to heal. Emotions are considered pathological when repressed and contained. They are hurtful to our cells when expressed without control, out of context, and in a place of despair. 

Let your inner world flow and let go of everything no longer serving you. Forgive and allow. Live with passion and love in your heart.

Your body depends on it.

Hilde Larsen

Health/Mindset Coach/Author/Speaker/Detox Specialist/Life-Enthusiast

www.inspiredbyhilde.com