Modern research and ancient wisdom agree.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), gratitude goes beyond just an emotion—it’s seen as a practice that supports the free flow of qi (vital energy), harmonizes the body’s organs, and strengthens its natural healing abilities. Modern research seems to support this ancient belief. A Harvard University study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found a connection between gratitude and increased longevity, as well as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in older women.
According to TCM, emotions have a direct impact on health, with gratitude helping to balance the heart, spleen, and liver—organs that are vital for circulation, digestion, and detoxification. When gratitude is cultivated, it alleviates stress-related blockages, promotes heart health, and enhances overall vitality, potentially leading to a longer life. The Harvard study, which followed nearly 50,000 women with an average age of 79, showed that those with higher gratitude levels had a 9% lower overall mortality rate and a 15% reduced risk of cardiovascular-related death. These benefits persisted even after accounting for factors like social engagement, religious activity, and cognitive function.
This aligns with earlier studies. For instance, a 2016 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that practicing gratitude was associated with lower levels of inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein, which is linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions.
In TCM, health is rooted in the flow of energy through channels called meridians. If these channels remain unblocked, illness is unlikely to occur. TCM practitioner Shu Rong explains that gratitude generates positive energy, which helps meridians function properly. This positive energy, in turn, harmonizes with the forces of nature, promoting a unity between humanity and the universe.
Emotional balance is essential in TCM, where different organs are linked to specific emotions. Gratitude, a positive emotion, helps regulate the functions of key organs like the heart, liver, and spleen. TCM holds that the heart governs the mind, and being grateful fosters happiness, which calms the mind and protects the heart.
These TCM principles mirror findings from the Harvard study and other research, which show that grateful individuals tend to have lower levels of harmful lipids, better eating habits, and a healthier body mass index—factors that contribute to cardiovascular health. The liver, according to TCM, ensures the smooth flow of energy and is closely tied to emotions. Negative emotions, such as resentment, can lead to energy blockages and stress, which in turn increase the risk of liver disease. Gratitude, on the other hand, can improve emotional resilience and reduce stress.
The spleen, associated with digestion in TCM, benefits from the relaxing effects of gratitude, which aids in nutrient absorption and supports overall organ function. Similarly, gratitude strengthens the lungs, which are connected to the body’s immune defenses. Research even suggests that keeping a gratitude journal may help manage conditions like asthma.
In TCM, the kidneys are linked to growth, development, and aging. Fear can deplete kidney energy, accelerating aging, but gratitude helps alleviate fear and stress, thereby supporting kidney health and promoting longevity. Shu also highlights the balance between the heart’s fire and the kidneys’ water, emphasizing that harmony between these elements is key for well-being and the body’s natural healing processes.
Gratitude is a simple practice that fosters harmony by recognizing the interconnectedness of people, nature, and the universe. Shu encourages starting with gratitude for loved ones and everyday experiences, such as enjoying a meal or a beautiful moment. For those with spiritual beliefs, gratitude can be directed toward a higher power.
Even in times of pain and difficulty, gratitude can still be cultivated. Shu suggests:
- Being thankful for the lessons pain teaches, as it helps us grow and gain wisdom.
- Appreciating the strength gained through adversity, which builds resilience.
- Acknowledging the fragility of life and cherishing nature, especially in the face of disasters.
- Recognizing the brilliance of humanity, seen in acts of kindness during hardships.
According to Shu, discovering gratitude amid challenges helps the body and mind heal, fostering overall well-being.
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