Which element is commonly linked to the emotion of worry?

The association of the Earth element with the emotion of worry stems from traditional Chinese medicine and its understanding of the five elements theory. In this framework, each element corresponds to specific emotions, organs, seasons, and other characteristics. Earth is linked to stability, nurturing, and grounding, but when it is imbalanced or under stress, it can manifest as worry and overthinking.

In the context of emotional health, the Earth element is thought to be related to the spleen and stomach, which are believed to influence mental processes, including anxiety and overthinking. When individuals experience excessive worry, it can often indicate a disharmony in the Earth element, suggesting a need for grounding and reassurance. Thus, identifying the emotion of worry with Earth allows practitioners to address it holistically, restoring balance through various therapeutic techniques related to this element.

In contrast, while Fire, Metal, and Wood each relate to different emotions—joy, grief, and anger respectively—they do not encompass the experience of worry as effectively as Earth does within this traditional framework.