(From the book THE ASTHMA CURE by Tarika Ahuja)

Macrobiotics is a science that helps us understand the source and movement of energy around us: how we fit in as individuals, into the environment, how our body types, climate, age, thinking, consciousness, food, etc are linked with nature. Through this, we can learn and refine our sensibility about the phenomenon that runs all life on the planet. We can use this understanding to work towards our health goals, a common purpose, or even a universal cause. One phenomenon emerging out of macrobiotics is the link between natural elements and our organs.

Various organ systems in our bodies, and the foods that impact these organs, are associated with different natural elements. Let’s understand how our organs affect our emotional health, and how you can nourish specific organs to balance your emotions. 

The element of ‘wood’ is associated with the function of the liver and gall bladder. 

Nourishing Foods:

Foods such as barley, leafy greens, salads, lightly cooked green vegetables, spring-time foods (like leeks, scallions, celery, dandelion root), light, natural, and sour flavors such as lemons and Granny Smith apples nourish the liver and gall bladder. 

Harmful Foods:

They are most harmed by excess consumption of animal protein, poor-quality or excessive animal fats or trans-fats, and spicy food. They are also impaired by alcohol. 

How Liver & Gall Bladder Impact Your Emotional Health?

When your liver and gall bladder function well, you are more likely to be patient, assertive, and passionate. When these organs are clogged up, you may experience irritability, tension, and outbursts. 

The health of the liver may reflect on one’s face—in the eyes or as a vertical line between the brows. These organs are also affected by a high degree of stress and trauma. It works both ways: high stress damages these organs and the stressed organ makes a person irritable and angry. 

The element ‘metal’ is connected to the lungs and large intestine. 

Nourishing Foods:

It is nourished by brown rice, and naturally pungent flavors (ginger, mustard, cloves, turmeric, wasabi, and garlic), root vegetables (white radish, carrots). 

How Lungs & Large Intestine Impact Your Emotional Health?

The cheeks are associated with the lungs while the forehead and the lower lips are linked to the large intestine. The emotions connected to your lungs and large intestines are grief and sadness. If you are sad for a prolonged period, your lungs are more prone to becoming weak. Similarly, if the lungs are already weak, you might be more prone to sadness and grief. 

To elevate your lung health, join the e-learning program by Tarika Ahuja - Boost Your Lung Health & Immunity

About Author: TARIKA AHUJA is the best-selling wellness author, certified Macrobiotic health coach, Ayurvedic chef, and an international speaker-educator with over 15 years of experience in natural wellness. Tarika has in-depth knowledge of lung health and has written a book on the subject - THE ASTHMA CURE (published with Penguin India), which is a relevant and indispensable book for this time & age.