hurts them, whether physically or mentally. Obsessive jealousy would also fall under this broad
category.
"Love" in the sense outlined above affects the Heart and it quickens Qi. This will be felt on the
left Front position (Heart) with an Overflowing quality, and the pulse will also be rapid. It may
cause such symptoms and signs as palpitations, a red tip of the tongue, a red face, insomnia and
mental restlessness.
Hatred
Hatred is quite similar to anger but it differs from it in so far as it indicates a "cold" and
calculating malice rather than the uncontrollable and spontaneous outbursts which are typical of
anger. When harboured for many years, hatred is a very damaging and destructive emotion. It
affects the Heart and Liver and it knots and slows down Qi. It can be felt on the pulse of the
left-hand side with a Wiry but Slow quality. The symptoms and signs caused by hatred include
chest pain, hypochondrial pain, insomnia, headache and palpitations. These manifestations
include pain in some part of the body as when hatred is felt for many years, it only turns inwards
to injure the person himself or herself.
Craving
By this is meant a state of constant craving which is never satisfied. This can include craving for
material objects or recognition.
Craving affects the Heart and it scatters Qi. Craving also affects the Pericardium by stirring the
Minister Fire. In disease, Minister Fire refers to a pathological, excessive Empty-Fire arising
from the Kidneys. It arises from the Kidneys and it affects the Pericardium and therefore the
Mind.61(228) If the Mind is calm, settled and content, the Pericardium follows its direction and
there is a happy and balanced life. If the Mind is weak and dissatisfied, the Pericardium follows
the demands of the craving and the person constantly desires new objects or new recognition,
which, however, even when attained, are never satisfying and leave the person more frustrated. It
is for these reasons that both Daoism and Buddhism put the emphasis on reducing craving to
prevent the arousal of Minister-Fire which stirs the Mind.
Craving will cause Heart-Fire or Heart Empty-Heat depending on the underlying condition of the
person. If there is a tendency to Yin deficiency, which is common in people who tend to
overwork, it will lead to Heart Empty-Heat. This will cause palpitations, a malar flush, a dry
throat, insomnia and mental restlessness.
Guilt
Guilt is an extremely common emotion and cause of disease in the West. A feeling of guilt may