The Connection Between Emotions and Organs in Ayurveda
Ayurveda teaches that our emotions don’t just exist in the mind—they are deeply connected to the body, specifically our organs. Every organ holds certain emotions, and when these emotions are repressed or excessive, they can manifest as physical imbalances. Likewise, if an organ is weak or overstressed, it can create emotional disturbances.
This mind-body connection is a fundamental part of Ayurvedic healing. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, Ayurveda looks at the root cause—often finding that emotional health and organ health are influencing each other in a continuous cycle.
How Different Organs Store and Reflect Emotions
Liver & Gallbladder → Anger, Frustration, Irritability
The liver is ruled by Pitta dosha, which is associated with fire, transformation, and intensity. When the liver is balanced, we feel decisive, driven, and courageous. But when it’s overworked or stagnant, emotions like:
Anger
Irritability
Resentment
Frustration
become more dominant.
Signs of imbalance:
Frequent irritability or outbursts of anger
Holding onto grudges or resentment
Feeling easily frustrated over small things
Impatience, perfectionism, or being overly critical
Ayurvedic support:
Cooling foods and herbs (coriander, fennel, mint)
Liver-cleansing practices like drinking warm lemon water in the morning
Emotional release techniques like journaling, forgiveness work, and deep breathing
Lungs → Grief, Sadness, Attachment
In Ayurveda, the lungs are associated with Vata dosha, the energy of movement and air. The lungs hold onto grief, loss, and attachment. When we suppress sadness or avoid fully processing emotions, it can manifest in lung-related issues like shallow breathing, frequent sighing, or even respiratory conditions.
Signs of imbalance:
Feeling emotionally "heavy" or unable to let go of the past
Chronic sadness, even without an obvious reason
Shallow breathing or tightness in the chest
Frequent colds, allergies, or respiratory issues
Ayurvedic support:
Deep breathing exercises (Pranayama) like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Heart-opening yoga poses to release stored grief
Herbs like tulsi (holy basil) and licorice to support lung health
Emotional practices like allowing yourself to cry and process emotions
Heart → Love, Joy, Loneliness, Betrayal
The heart is the emotional center of Kapha dosha, linked to love, compassion, and deep emotional connection. When balanced, it allows us to feel joy, empathy, and warmth toward others. But when out of balance, it can manifest as:
Loneliness
Emotional numbness
Heartbreak or fear of vulnerability
Overattachment or possessiveness in relationships
Signs of imbalance:
Feeling closed off or emotionally guarded
Anxious attachment in relationships
Physical sensations like a heavy chest or tension in the heart area
Lacking joy or excitement in life
Ayurvedic support:
Heart-opening yoga and breathwork (like Ujjayi breath)
Eating heart-supporting foods like leafy greens, beets, and healthy fats
Meditating on self-love and forgiveness
Using warming, grounding herbs like cinnamon and cardamom
Kidneys & Bladder → Fear, Insecurity, Anxiety
The kidneys are ruled by Vata dosha, which governs movement, flow, and the nervous system. They are strongly connected to fear and survival instincts. When the kidneys are weak or imbalanced, we may experience:
Chronic anxiety or panic
Deep-rooted fears, even without a clear reason
Feeling unsafe or unstable in life
A tendency to worry excessively about the future
Signs of imbalance:
Frequent urination or bladder infections
Lower back pain or kidney discomfort
Persistent feelings of insecurity or fear
Trouble feeling grounded or settled
Ayurvedic support:
Warming, nourishing foods (soups, stews, cooked root vegetables)
Grounding practices like meditation and spending time in nature
Strengthening the kidneys with black sesame seeds, warm water, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha
Releasing fear through journaling, therapy, or talking with a trusted friend
Stomach & Spleen → Worry, Overthinking, Anxiety
In Ayurveda, the stomach and spleen are linked to Vata and Kapha dosha, and they hold onto excessive thinking, worry, and over-analysis. If you’ve ever felt "butterflies" in your stomach before a big event or had a "gut feeling" about something, you already know how emotions show up in this area.
Signs of imbalance:
Constant overthinking or racing thoughts
Difficulty making decisions due to analysis paralysis
Feeling emotionally drained after social interactions
Unexplained stomach discomfort or digestive issues related to stress
Ayurvedic support:
Eating warm, grounding foods to calm the mind
Reducing mental overload with mindfulness and limiting screen time
Gentle abdominal massage to release stored tension
Sipping ginger or chamomile tea to soothe the stomach
Colon & Large Intestine → Holding Onto the Past, Resistance to Change
The colon is another Vata-governed organ, and it represents our ability to release and let go—physically and emotionally. When we struggle with change or hold onto the past, it often shows up in the colon as constipation, bloating, or irregularity.
Signs of imbalance:
Resistance to change, fear of uncertainty
Holding onto past emotions or relationships
Frequent bloating or constipation
Feeling mentally or emotionally "stuck"
Ayurvedic support:
Letting go of emotional baggage through therapy, journaling, or meditation
Eating fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated
Using Triphala to gently cleanse the colon
Practicing gratitude and focusing on the present moment
The Takeaway: Your Emotions and Your Body Are One
Ayurveda teaches that emotions and physical health are inseparable. If you’re experiencing strong emotions, they may be linked to an organ imbalance—and vice versa. Healing is about bringing both the mind and body into balance through lifestyle, diet, movement, and self-awareness.
If you’re feeling emotionally stuck, experiencing physical symptoms related to emotions, or just want to understand how to balance your emotions with Ayurveda, Lets have a chat