Understanding Anger: What It Does to the Body and How Holistic Healing Can Help

Anger is a powerful and natural emotion. It can arise when we feel threatened, hurt, or mistreated, and while it is a normal response, if left unchecked, it can affect both our mental and physical well-being. Understanding what anger does to the body and how holistic practices can help release this emotion is key to maintaining emotional balance and fostering healthier relationships.

The Impact of Anger on the Body

When we experience anger, our bodies go through a series of physiological changes. The "fight or flight" response is activated, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to respond to a perceived threat, causing a variety of physical reactions, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: The body prepares to either fight or flee from danger.

• Tight muscles: The body tenses up in anticipation of physical exertion.

• Shallow breathing: The body takes in more oxygen in preparation for action.

• Digestive issues: The body diverts energy away from digestion, often leading to upset stomachs or constipation.

• Headaches: The tension in the body can manifest as headaches or migraines.

Chronic anger or frequent outbursts can have long-term effects, such as contributing to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immune function. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and strained relationships.

Anger as the Second Emotion

It’s important to understand that anger is often the second emotion, not the first. It is usually a reaction to deeper, underlying emotions such as fear, hurt, disappointment, or frustration. When we feel those initial emotions, they can be uncomfortable or difficult to confront, so we often shift into anger as a defense mechanism. However, by addressing the root cause—what we’re truly feeling underneath the anger—we can begin to heal more effectively.

Rather than letting anger control us, it's important to take a step back and dig deeper to understand what’s really happening within. By identifying the primary emotion driving our anger, we can approach healing from a more holistic and compassionate place.

Holistic Approaches to Release Anger

While it's important to acknowledge and express our emotions, finding healthy ways to release anger is crucial to preventing long-term damage to our bodies and minds. Holistic practices can offer gentle, yet powerful, ways to heal and release this emotion both from ourselves and others' projections.

1. Breathing Techniques

Deep, conscious breathing can help calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of anger. By focusing on slow, deep breaths, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the "fight or flight" response and promotes relaxation.

How to do it: Try deep belly breathing by inhaling through your nose for a count of four, holding for four, and then exhaling slowly for a count of six. Repeat several times until you feel the tension release.

2. Reiki Healing

Reiki is a form of energy healing that helps to balance the body's energy and clear emotional blockages. When we are angry, energy can get trapped in the body, leading to physical discomfort and emotional distress. Reiki can help to release these blockages and restore harmony.

How it works: A Reiki practitioner will place their hands on or near the body, channeling healing energy to clear any negative energy associated with anger. This can help bring emotional relief and a sense of calm.

3. Sound Healing

Sound healing, using tools like crystal bowls, gongs, and tuning forks, can help shift the frequency of negative emotions, such as anger, and bring the body back into a state of balance. The vibrations from sound waves can penetrate deep into the body, releasing tension and facilitating emotional healing.

How it works: The resonating tones of sound healing instruments help to reset the energy of the body. Listening to or being immersed in sound frequencies can help calm the mind and release emotional blockages tied to anger.

4. Access Bars Therapy

Access Bars is a gentle, non-invasive treatment where 32 points on the head are lightly touched, allowing energy to flow freely and release mental and emotional clutter. This technique can clear limiting beliefs and emotional blockages, including those related to anger, helping you feel lighter and more at peace.

How it works: By activating the Bars points, the body’s energy flow is optimized, clearing stuck emotions and negative patterns. This process can reduce stress and anger, allowing for greater emotional freedom.

5. Meditation

Mindfulness meditation helps us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment. When you're feeling angry, meditation can provide a peaceful space to process and release your anger rather than holding onto it.

How it works: In a quiet, comfortable space, close your eyes and focus on your breath. When angry thoughts arise, acknowledge them, but do not engage with them. Let them pass like clouds in the sky. Over time, meditation helps build emotional resilience and a deeper sense of calm.

6. Epsom Salt Baths

An Epsom salt bath is a great way to calm both the body and the mind. Magnesium, which is found in Epsom salt, helps the body relax and releases pent-up tension. Taking time for a warm bath allows you to unwind, easing anger and frustration while restoring balance.

How it works: Dissolve Epsom salt in warm bathwater and soak for 20-30 minutes. This allows your body to absorb the magnesium, which can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

7. Affirmations and Visualization

Affirmations are positive statements that can help shift your mindset and release anger. By repeating phrases like, "I am calm," "I release all anger," or "I am at peace," you can reprogram your thoughts and move beyond frustration. Visualization also helps to see the anger leaving your body and being replaced by calm and tranquility.

How it works: As you close your eyes, imagine the anger leaving your body as dark, heavy energy. Picture it dissolving into the earth or being absorbed by a peaceful light. Continue to focus on feelings of calm and peace.

8. Crystals for Anger

Certain crystals are known for their ability to absorb negative energy and promote emotional healing. Amethyst, black tourmaline, and rose quartz are excellent for helping with anger and emotional tension.

How it works: Carry or wear crystals throughout the day or place them near your body during relaxation practices. They can help absorb negative energy, balance emotions, and bring a sense of peace.

Releasing Anger from Others' Projections

It’s not just our own anger that affects us—sometimes, we can feel the anger projected by others. Holistic practices can help shield and protect us from absorbing this energy.

• Grounding: Standing or sitting barefoot on the earth, or visualizing roots growing from your feet, can help you stay grounded and prevent negative energy from affecting you.

• Energy Protection: Imagine a protective shield of light surrounding your body. This shield can block out external anger and negativity while allowing positive energy to flow freely.

• Clearing Techniques: Use tools like sage or palo santo to cleanse your environment of negative energy. You can also use sound healing or Reiki to clear emotional projections.

Conclusion

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it is not managed properly, it can have negative effects on the body and mind. By recognizing that anger is often a secondary emotion and taking the time to understand the root cause, we can approach healing in a more mindful way. Embracing holistic practices like Reiki, Access Bars, sound healing, meditation, and others can help clear anger from within ourselves and protect against the anger projected by others. These methods offer a gentle, yet powerful way to regain balance, peace, and emotional freedom.