Why Do Leads in Dramas Get Sick with a Fever After Too Much Heartbreak?

Written by Melody, TCM Practitioner

In dramas, it’s a common trope: the protagonist experiences intense heartbreak and then, the very next day, comes down with a fever. While this is certainly dramatic, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, it's not entirely without basis!

How Does TCM Explain This?

TCM believes that our body and mind are intricately connected. Emotions like sadness and grief are referred to as "Qi Zhi" (情志) in TCM. If someone is stuck in a prolonged state of sadness or depression, it can easily throw the body's Yin and Yang balance out of whack 😭😪.

🔸Excessive Heart Fire (心火旺盛)

Overwhelming sadness can easily lead to excessive Heart Fire. Imagine this as a persistent internal blaze within your body. If this fire burns for too long, it can damage other organs, particularly the Lungs. The Lungs govern Qi and control respiration, so excessive Heart Fire can lead to Lung heat, manifesting as symptoms like fever and coughing.🔥🤒😷

🔸Qi and Blood Stagnation (气血瘀滞)

Excessive sadness can also disrupt the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, leading to blood stasis. When blood stasis blocks the meridians, it can cause various discomforts in the body, including pain and fever.

🔸Spleen and Stomach Dysfunction (脾胃功能失调)

The Heart and Spleen are closely linked. Excessive Heart Fire can over-restrain the Earth element (Spleen), leading to Spleen and Stomach dysfunction. This can affect digestion, resulting in symptoms like loss of appetite and abdominal bloating.

Western Medicine's Explanation:

Western medicine also offers explanations for why intense emotional stress can lead to physical illness:

🔹Weakened Immunity

Prolonged negative emotions like depression and anxiety can impair the immune system's function, making the body more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

🔹Endocrine Imbalance

Long-term emotional fluctuations can disrupt the balance of the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances that trigger various illnesses.

🔹Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance

Emotional stress can affect the function of the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and indigestion.

Why Does Sickness Appear on the "Next Day"?

In reality, the impact of emotions on the body isn't always immediate; it's a gradual process. For instance, when we get angry, our blood pressure rises, but it usually returns to normal after a while. However, if we consistently dwell in negative emotions, our bodies can develop chronic issues.

In television dramas, to heighten the dramatic effect, this process is often compressed, making it appear as though extreme heartbreak leads to illness the very next day.

Both TCM and Western medicine agree that emotional health is crucial for physical well-being. While the dramatic portrayal in TV shows might be exaggerated, it certainly highlights the profound importance of emotions on our overall health.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness, or if you'd like more personalized advice for your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation!