In Western physiology, emotional and mental processes are attributed to the brain. In TCM, certain organs are responsible for certain emotions. For example, the heart relates to joy, the liver to anger, and the lungs to sadness and worry. The spleen relates to thinking and the kidneys to fear.

According to Chinese medical theory, memory depends on the state of the spleen, kidneys, and heart, and there is a considerable overlap among how these three organs function. The spleen houses intellect and influences memory in the sense of memorization, studying, and concentration. The kidneys house will-power and are responsible for memory in the sense of memorization of everyday events, names, faces, etc. The heart controls memory because it houses the mind. If the heart is nourished with qi and blood, the mind will be strong, memory and sleep will be good, and the emotions will be stable. However, if the spleen is weak it will not be able to make blood and the heart will not be nourished which will affect sleep and memory. If the kidneys are weak it will affect the heart causing poor memory, insomnia, and agitation.

If the spleen becomes weakened by over-thinking or worrying it creates "dampness" which results in lack of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, poor memory, and a heavy feeling. The spleen’s function of transforming food and fluids into blood and its function of "holding" blood is impaired by overworking and excessive thinking which will create blood deficiency. This, in turn, will create poor memory and concentration.

The kidneys need to be powerful and full of qi in order to support all the other organs. Kidney-essence (an aspect of kidney yin) produces marrow which nourishes the brain. If kidney-essence is weak it will result in poor concentration and memory, dizziness, and the head can feel "empty."

The heart controls memory because it houses the mind. If the heart is full of qi and blood there will be good sleep, good memory, and balanced emotions. But if this is not the case, there will be insomnia, poor memory, and mental problems such as depression and other emotional problems. Prolonged use of recreational drugs such as cannabis will also result in poor memory and concentration.

The liver is an important organ in terms of emotions because its job is to regulate the smooth flow of qi around the body. The problem is that the liver houses sensitive energy which can disrupt emotions quite easily if the qi becomes stuck, which it will do in times of trauma. This will cause further emotional instability which will affect both the spleen and heart.