Joy
Finding joy in things we do can
give great pleasure, satisfaction and the ability to appreciate all
that we are given in life! The greatness of finding JOY in anything we
do is an art, which encompasses other feelings of appreciation,
happiness and self contentment. These wonderful emotions have a
balancing counterpart and are found with every emotion we feel. On one
end of the spectrum is Joy, on the other sadness. On one end of the
spectrum there is anger, on the other there is pensiveness. This
balancing act we experience all the time.
From a Western Science point of view,
emotions arise from complex chemical reactions deep inside our brain.
We actually have different classes of emotions that arise from
different brain areas. We have ancient, primitive emotions that we
share with all animals that have brains. These emotions are very
powerful and drive what we think of as instinctual behavior.
Traditional Chinese Medical Theory
recognizes control of our body by Five Elements: Earth, Wood, Fire,
Water and Metal. Each of the Five Elements is associated with a
particular organ. The Ancients related a variety of different
characteristics with each element and therefore with each organ.
Traditional Chinese Medical practitioners use such characteristics to
help diagnose patients and to understand the etiology of the symptoms.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, joy is most prevelant in the Summer.
It is considered the emotion of Summer. Although we can and do
experience joy at any time or season, it is Summer when this emotion is
most in excess. This is believed to be due to the changes of light and
great heat which vary the balance within us.
For example:
Joy (Over-excitement or Manic behavior)
Affects the Heart and Fire Element
Slows the flow of Qi
then Fear controls Joy (Water controls Fire)
Common signs and symptoms include:
Palpitations
Insomnia
Unclear Thinking
Mania, Disturbed Shen (possibly manic, risk-taking)
Heart Attack
An example of this is:
Migraine headache caused by sudden joy from receiving good news.
Finding Balance in Joy
Joy, as the energy of love, is one of the highest vibrations on
this planet. According to the Universal Law of Attraction, as we think
and feel we vibrate. And as we vibrate, we attract. When we vibrate
with joy and love, we attract what is for our greater good.
Bring the joy, love and happiness that's already inside you to life!
Sages tell us that joy is realized when the personality and soul are in
harmony. Experience ways to go beyond conditional happiness to the
blissful state of joy and love. As you resonate with joy, love and
happiness you automatically draw to you a more meaningful, healthy,
loving life.
The experience of joy can:
- strengthen your immune system.
- regenerate your whole physical system.
- burn away the impurities in your emotional system.
- disperse worries, anxieties, grief, greed, irritation and other negative emotions.
- sharpen your intellect and strengthen your memory.
- clarify and balance your mind.
- expand your consciousness and understanding.
- open you to receive higher impressions, inspirations, and transforming energies.
Related Articles:
- Summer and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Cold Chrysanthemum Tea to Quench Summer Heat
- Summer Herbal Medicine Chest
- Summer Essential Oils
About the Author:
Andrew
Pacholyk, L.Ac., specializes in rejuvenating naturopathic therapies based in the
ancient Chinese Medical approach to Endocrinology, Gynecology and Pain
Management that encompass the increase of metabolism through hormonal
balance, infertility, menopause and menstrual disorders, as well as increasing
blood flow and vital energy in order to decrease pain, trauma and its
associated symptoms. Andrew, through his