The BaZi Code of Anxiety: How to Understand and Alleviate Anxiety from a Chinese Astrology Perspective?
Why Are Some People Naturally More Prone to Anxiety?
As a long-time practitioner of Chinese astrology, I’ve noticed many people asking: "Why am I so easily anxious?" Through analyzing numerous cases, I’ve found that BaZi configurations can indeed reveal patterns related to anxiety tendencies.
1. Inner Conflict Type Anxiety
Do you often feel like you’re fighting with yourself? This may be related to the Self-Punishment (自刑) configuration in BaZi, such as combinations like Chen-Chen (辰辰), You-You (酉酉), Hai-Hai (亥亥), or Wu-Wu (午午).
One of my clients, Xiao Li, has You-You self-punishment in his chart. He told me: "I often stay up late overthinking the same issue. I know it’s useless, but I just can’t stop." This kind of self-exhaustion is a classic manifestation of self-punishment.
2. External Pressure Type Anxiety
People with Triple Punishment (三刑) configurations (e.g., Yin-Si-Shen or Chou-Wei-Xu) tend to develop anxiety more easily due to external circumstances. My colleague Xiao Zhang falls into this category. With Yin-Si-Shen triple punishment in her BaZi, her anxiety was noticeably more intense than others during last year’s company layoffs.
3. Overthinking Type Anxiety
Individuals with excessive Resource Stars (印绶星) often have too many ideas but lack the drive to act. An entrepreneur I know has an overly strong Resource Star in his chart. He spends every day contemplating various possibilities but hesitates to take action, which ultimately worsens his anxiety.
How Does Five Elements Imbalance Affect Our Emotional State?
1. Wood-Deficiency Anxiety
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver corresponds to the Wood element and governs emotional flow. People with Wood deficiency in their Five Elements may be more prone to liver qi stagnation, manifesting as melancholy, irritability, and anxiety.
A Wood-deficient friend of mine significantly reduced her anxiety by engaging in daily outdoor exercise and spending more time around green plants. This shows that BaZi analysis is not about fatalism—it offers guidance for improvement.
2. Cold-Dry Imbalance Anxiety
BaZi configurations that are excessively cold or dry can also affect emotional stability. Overly cold types may lean toward pessimism, while overly dry types may experience emotional volatility.
One of my clients, Mr. Wang, has an overly cold BaZi. By adjusting his daily routine, increasing sun exposure, and engaging in moderate exercise, he noticeably improved his anxiety symptoms.
How to Effectively Alleviate Anxiety Based on Personal BaZi Traits?
1. Cognitive Reframing
• Self-Punishment Configuration: Learn to accept imperfection and reduce self-criticism.
• Triple Punishment Configuration: Build a support system and learn to seek external help.
• Excessive Resource Stars: Set specific goals and turn ideas into actions.
2. Environmental Adjustment
• Wood-Deficient Individuals: Spend more time in nature and incorporate green plants into your surroundings.
• Overly Cold Constitution: Maintain a warm environment and engage in appropriate physical activity.
• Overly Dry Constitution: Create a calm atmosphere and practice meditation or relaxation techniques.
3. Behavioral Interventions
• Establish a regular routine to strengthen your body’s natural rhythm.
• Cultivate hobbies to divert attention and reduce overthinking.
• Learn emotional management skills to enhance self-regulation.
Conclusion
Understanding your anxiety tendencies through BaZi analysis is not about labeling yourself, but about gaining deeper self-awareness and finding suitable coping strategies. Remember, BaZi offers reference and insight—real change comes from conscious choices and consistent action.
If you often feel anxious, consider starting by understanding your BaZi traits to find your personalized path to relief. After all, self-awareness is the first step toward transformation.