Emotional Balance with Meridian Massage

Everything changes, including our emotions and moods.

Emotional balance does not imply having the same, constant “emotional temperature” regardless of the moment. Yin and Yang are in a continuous cycle of change. Our emotions will also cycle, if we allow them to.

Emotional “imbalance” is often the result of our attempt to block the expression of an emotion that we do not like, or to hold onto an emotion that pleases us.

Holding on and blocking creates stagnation within the meridians and the build up of Qi.  Where the stagnation arises is often reflected somewhere in the meridians and organs associated with that emotion. Knowing the 5 Element associations of Yin Organs, Yang Organs, and emotions gives the practitioner a potent place to begin. (See the diagram below.)
Whichever emotion is pent-up or stubbornly lingering can move once the meridian system is opened up and the client finds the willingness to let go of the emotion. The letting go may look like the expression of the emotion, or it may simply be a return to deeper, more relaxed breathing and inner calm.
By working on the abdominal organ and its associated meridian, a great deal of movement in the meridian system can be created. For instance, if the emotion of worry is built up, address the Earth Element. By massaging the stomach (the spleen cannot be contacted), you contact the Stomach and Spleen meridians, and you can unblock the meridians and allow the Qi to flow.

Emotions are a reflection of Qi.

When the Qi is flowing smoothly through the meridians, the emotions are more likely to flow smoothly as well. Something might worry us, but we  keep breathing as we move into the next moment and allow the worry to dissipate.  By being present in the next moment, we are more likely to find ourselves calm, content and curious about the events unfolding in our life.

Chart of the 5 Elements with Yin Organs, Yang Organs and Emotion associations.

(Meridians have the same names as the Organs.)

Diagram of the 5 Elements