According to Chinese medicine, different emotions reside in different organs. Each of these organ systems contains emotional and spiritual functions as well as specific physical functions. When the sequence of separation is activated, that is, whenever you suppress your emotions, the organs pick up the physiological slack for one another. Rather than easefully flowing into each other, in the sequence, the organs stress one another. None is functioning optimally, and they compete for your reduced energy and vitality. It is a complex way of getting your attention, trying to buy time to help the heart restore receptivity to the soul. Often it ends in disease because we are so busy responding to symptoms and repressing them that we do not address the original source of suppression. The longer we avoid doing so, the more we make the problem bigger and more difficult to heal. 

Study the following diagram so you will be able to quickly correlate each organ system with its emotion. You can also use the diagram to gain a deeper understanding of how emotions move throughout the body and identify those triggers that cause you to suppress specific emotions.

The Sequence of Separation can be difficult to recognize because it becomes activated during a moment of unconsciousness. If not addressed, the suppressed moment slowly and gradually sucks away vitality and causes people to rely heavily on stimulants and sedatives like caffeine, alcohol, drugs and sugar to regulate energy and mood. Often people come into my clinic describing one set of symptoms, but their diagnostic pulses reveal what is going on at a far deeper level.

Below is an exercise to help you get in touch with the messages from your body. If you need more help or want a more in-depth diagnosis, hop on my schedule. Call the office at 541-465-9642.

Suppression Exercise

First, read over the exercise and then take a walk to really think about it. Next, note how you feel and then write your insights in a journal. They’ll arise both now and later. This is your heart speaking to you, telling you how to heal and begin developing a deeper relationship with yourself.

• In which organ system do I currently and in the past most often experience symptoms?
  • Lungs–sinus, cold and flu, cough, sneezing, asthma, breathing issues, thyroid.
  • Spleen–digestion, energy level, bowel movements, musculoskeletal issues.
  • Liver–headaches, menstrual cramps, irritability, flank pain, left-sided symptoms.
  • Kidneys–urogenital issues, sexual function, adrenal issues, low back and knee pain.
  • Heart–sleep issues, memory issues, language articulation issues.

Now that you’ve identified an organ system related to your symptoms, look at the emotion related to your symptoms:

• Lung: Sadness
• Spleen: Worry
• Liver: Anger
• Kidney: Fear
• Heart: Anxiety

Do you feel surprised or validated?
Now move your awareness to the areas of your body where you experience these symptoms, whether you feel them there right now or in the past. That area may or may not be the same place in your body as the named organ. Place your hand over that part of your body and breathe for a few minutes. Pay particular attention to any subtle sensations in your body. When you become aware of a feeling or sensation ask, “What is this?” As you do this, just be with your body. There is no need to conjure up anything or force yourself to feel a specific emotion. Be attentive and loving with your body, and be open to what arises. Something will come up for you, if not now, then within the next few days.

Practicing this exercise is a great way to listen to the messages your body and soul are sending you. It will help you build trust in yourself and your intuition.