As a vital genre of national folk music, Chinese folk songs carry rich cultural meaning and collective memory. Beyond their artistic value, they possess inherent psychological functions due to their melodic structure and lyrical imagery, offering a culturally grounded approach to emotion regulation and stress intervention. These songs evoke emotional resonance, allowing for tailored emotional alignment. For those experiencing anxiety or mental tension, soft and flowing melodies—such as the Jiangnan folk song Jasmine Flower (Mo Li Hua) and the Suzhou Pingtan piece Slow, Slow Tune (Sheng Sheng Man)—can help regulate autonomic nervous system activity and reduce cortisol, a hormone involved in the stress response. Natural imagery in the lyrics helps shift attention from stressors and promotes psychological relaxation. For those suffering from emotional repression, expressive songs such as the Northern Shaanxi tune Little Peach Blossom (Xiao Tao Hong) or the modern adaptation Farewell to You (Bie Jun Tan) support the release of negative emotions like sadness and loneliness, helping prevent emotional rumination. In practice, Chinese folk songs are now used in counseling and university-based emotional education. For example, upbeat songs such as Joyful When the Sun Rises (Tai Yang Chu Lai Xi Yang Yang) are integrated into courses on "Music and Emotion Regulation" to enhance dopamine production—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation—and stimulate positive mood. Psychologists and psychotherapists also use folk songs aligned with clients' emotional states to support cognitive reappraisal and emotional catharsis. This presentation explores the psychological mechanisms and practical applications of Chinese folk songs, emphasizing their therapeutic potential as culturally embedded tools for emotional well-being.