How to Read “There’s no medicine for lovesickness”
horeta yamai ni kusuri nashi
Meaning of “There’s no medicine for lovesickness”
“There’s no medicine for lovesickness” means that once you fall in love with someone, you cannot control those feelings through reason or willpower. Romantic feelings spring from deep within the human heart, and they cannot be stopped by logical thinking.
This proverb is used when someone in love ignores advice from others who say “you should stay away from that person.” It also applies when someone knows “this love is not good for me” but still cannot suppress their feelings.
The expression acknowledges the strength of romantic feelings and their power to transcend reason.
Even today, you cannot erase feelings for someone you love through logic. You might try to think about conditions or pros and cons, but your heart points in a different direction.
This proverb captures the essence of human emotion in simple terms. It positively accepts the overwhelming power that love holds.
Origin and Etymology
There are various theories about when this proverb first appeared in literature. However, it was already widely used during the Edo period. The expression “lovesickness” is a metaphor that compares romantic feelings to an illness.
People in the Edo period observed those who fell in love. They noticed that the symptoms resembled those of a disease.
People lost their appetite, could not sleep at night, and thought only of the other person. They ignored advice from others and could not make rational judgments. This truly deserved to be called a “sickness.”
The phrase “no medicine” contains deep insight from people of that time. In Edo period medicine, some kind of remedy or treatment existed for most illnesses.
But lovesickness alone could not be cured by any famous doctor or any medicine. This was not a medical problem but an issue related to the essence of the human heart.
This proverb represents the crystallization of our ancestors’ excellent observation skills. They expressed the strength and uncontrollable nature of romantic feelings using the familiar concept of illness.
It accurately captures the power of emotions that reason cannot suppress, with a touch of humor. This expression has been loved by people for generations.
Interesting Facts
From a medical perspective, the brain during love is actually in a special state. When you fall in love, the brain releases large amounts of neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin.
These suppress the function of the frontal lobe, which controls reason. In other words, the expression “no medicine” is scientifically accurate.
People in the Edo period had experientially understood that romantic feelings use biological mechanisms to make reason uncontrollable.
The word “sickness” also reflects the cultural background of the Edo period. In literary works of that time, people commonly expressed the pain of love as “love affliction” or “love sickness.”
Especially unrequited love or love across social classes could cause actual physical illness from mental burden. The idea of connecting love and sickness was based on people’s real experiences.
Usage Examples
- I can’t forget her and can’t focus on work. It’s truly “there’s no medicine for lovesickness.”
- It was useless even when friends tried to stop him. After all, there’s no medicine for lovesickness.
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “There’s no medicine for lovesickness” shows a universal truth. Human emotions have stronger power than reason. We want to think of ourselves as rational beings.
But in reality, we may live more moments driven by emotions.
Romantic feelings are deeply connected to humanity’s most fundamental desires. The biological mission of species preservation, the psychological need to escape loneliness, the spiritual thirst to connect deeply with someone.
When all these appear in the form of love, it becomes more than just a matter of feelings. It becomes an experience that shakes your very existence.
This proverb has been passed down for generations because it acknowledges human weakness. By admitting that perfect reason and complete self-control are impossible, we can become more tolerant toward ourselves and others.
Rather than dismissing someone in love as “foolish,” we accept them as “that’s what it means to be human.” This shows depth and kindness in understanding humanity.
At the same time, this proverb also affirms the powerful force of love. Being able to have emotions so strong that reason cannot control them is proof of human richness.
When AI Hears This
When you scan the brain of someone in love, it shows surprisingly similar reactions to cocaine users. Specifically, a deep brain area called the ventral tegmental area activates and releases large amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Research shows this dopamine release reaches the same level as when drug addicts take drugs.
What’s interesting is that in this state, the prefrontal cortex, which controls reason and judgment, decreases its activity. In other words, the brain has a built-in mechanism that literally makes you “unable to make normal judgments” when you fall in love.
Furthermore, experiments confirm that just showing someone a photo of their lover can reduce pain. This uses the same brain mechanism as painkillers like morphine.
Here’s what’s fascinating about the double meaning of “no medicine” in this proverb. It seems to mean there’s no medicine to cure it.
But actually, the brain is already producing its own homemade drug. You don’t need to administer medicine from outside. Rather, the brain itself has become the strongest drug factory.
So “no medicine” actually means “no additional medicine is necessary.” Love having power beyond reason is not a matter of feelings but a physical phenomenon of brain chemistry.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people that you don’t need to completely control your emotions. Modern society tends to demand that we always be calm and rational. But this may go against human nature.
If romantic feelings cannot be controlled by reason, let’s start by accepting that fact. Don’t blame yourself for falling in love or try to forcibly suppress your emotions.
Instead, acknowledge “this is what it means to be human.” By doing so, you can see a healthy way to deal with emotions.
However, accepting emotions and acting on emotions are different things. Even if you cannot control romantic feelings, you can choose how to express those feelings and how to act.
It’s important to respect the other person’s feelings and find a way to coexist with your emotions while considering the overall balance of your life.
When you fall in love with someone, it’s natural as a human being. Don’t deny those feelings, but don’t let them control you too much either. Learn to deal with them skillfully.
That is the life wisdom this proverb shows us.
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