HEALING ARTS Calming Anger By Li Hua, L. Ac. TCMD.
Anger is an intense emotional response, a strong feeling of dislike or displeasure. It involves a strong uncomfortable and emotional response to a perceived provocation. It often involves the violation of one’s per- sonal boundaries. Anger may have physical correlations such as tightened muscles, increased heart rate, rise in blood pressure, acute feeling, a flushing of the face and hands, elevated levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Anger can have many physical and mental consequenc- es. The external expression of anger can be found in facial expressions, body language, physiological responses and. at times, acts of aggression. Anger is the reaction that occurs when expectations are greater than the desired results. Anger can be of multi-causal origin. Anger isn’t always bad. Being angry can help to share concerns. It can also assist in the establishment of personal boundaries. Anger must be handled appro- priately. It becomes a problem only if not managed in a healthy way. Uncontrolled anger can negatively affect personal or social well-being.
There are many triggers to anger: losing patience, feeling unappreciated, and victimized. Other causes of anger include memories of traumatic or enraging events. Anger may be based on dissapointed expecta- tions. When a person is not taught how to express anger appropriately, the frustrations can simmer bringing up buried feeling, or build up until it explodes in an angry outburst. In other cases, changes in brain chemistry or underlying medical conditions contribute to angry outbursts.
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that anger is related to an imbalance of the body’s Yin & Yang, Chi (energy / life force) and the blood the liver, kidneys, or the heart. When a person is suffering from health prob- lems, such as infections, hepatitis, diabetes, high cho- lesterol, hypertension, insomnia, indigestion, abnor- mal bowel movements, menopause/hormone-changes, stresses, pains, physical traumas, injuries, physically or verbal abuse, anger may rise to the surface more easily. Acupuncture treats the symptoms as well as the causes of the anger.
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that anger can be exacerbated by eating certain foods. Overeating, missing meals or an irregular meal schedule as well as eating out of season foods, failure to prepare the foods in the proper way, or improper food combinations, can create an “anger igniter”. Red meats, deep-sea fish, onions, ginger, garlic, hot pepper, hot spices, dates, mangos, grapes, oranges, millet rice, wine, beer, or
Oracle 20/20 June 2016
energy beverages are warm or hot foods and drinks which may lead to anger. If combined with other cool or cold character food or drinks, may balance the nutrition and avoid anger. Cool and cold foods such as duck, pork, chicken, turkey, vinegar, lime, lemon, bamboo shots, asparagus, cucumbers, diakon, turnips, cabbage, dandelion, greens, lettuce, peas, watermelons, white rice, black unsweetened coffee, green tea and black tea, will balance out the hot foods
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches to do certain exercises to prevent and decrease anger. The same exercise may work well for one person yet may not work for another person. There are two categories of exer- cise. They are Yang exercises and Yin exercises. Yang exercises are active ones, such as, running, jumping, climbing mountains or stairs, playing ball and dancing. These exercises can increase heart rate, activate the lung function and absorb oxygen. Yin exercises are the opposite and calmer. They include Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation, breathing exercise, yoga, painting, reading and sweeping. These calm the mind and nerves con- necting the mind, body and spirit together. When the body Yang is higher, doing Yin exercise helps the per- son to find balance. If the body Yin is higher, add Yang exercise in daily life. Keep the whole body balanced.
Usually, after uncontrollable anger, regrets follow. When anger rears it’s head, counter it by writing your feelings, go out for a walk or leave the environment that caused the anger. Only express the emotions that provoked the anger when the flash of anger has passed. Don’t try to talk during emotional stress. Practice a discipline or a philosophy which helps manage anger. Think it out before expressing angry feelings or talking.
Contact Li Hua
L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or e-m
aac2000.com or surf her w at ww
w.aac2000.com
ail lihua@ eb site
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