The Liver and Anger in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Why Emotional Health Starts Here
If you’re navigating the ups and downs of perimenopause or menopause, you might notice your emotions feel stronger — especially anger. Maybe it flares up quickly or simmers underneath, creating tension and frustration. While it’s normal to feel angry sometimes, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), unresolved anger is a signal your body needs attention, especially your liver.
The Liver and Anger Connection in TCM
In TCM, the liver is considered the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi—your body’s vital energy. When the liver’s Qi moves freely, you feel balanced, calm, and energetic. But when liver Qi stagnates, often due to suppressed anger or stress, it can cause physical symptoms like headaches, digestive upset, tight shoulders, or menstrual irregularities.
Anger is the emotion of the liver. This means that when anger is not expressed or processed, it tends to “stick” and create blockages in the liver’s function. Over time, these blockages don’t just affect your mood — they can trigger physical pain and illness.
Why Suppressing Anger Is Harmful
Many women feel pressured to hide anger, especially during midlife transitions when the focus often shifts to caretaking others or maintaining harmony. But suppressing anger doesn’t make it disappear. Instead, it can turn inward and manifest as anxiety, depression, digestive issues, or even chronic pain.
Dr. Gabor Maté, in his book When the Body Says No, profoundly explains this connection:
“The body always tells the truth. When we deny our emotions, especially anger or grief, the body bears the burden, often in the form of chronic illness.”
This perspective beautifully echoes the TCM understanding that emotional suppression harms physical health.
Similarly, Stephanie Nosco, in her book Follow Your Tao, reminds us:
“Emotions are the language of the body and mind in motion; when we resist their flow, we resist the natural order of life itself.”
Her teachings align with TCM’s view that honoring and moving through emotions like anger helps restore balance and flow, particularly in the liver system.
From an acupuncture perspective, we see how emotional health and physical health are deeply connected. Treating the liver meridian through acupuncture points helps to release blocked energy, reducing tension and supporting emotional balance.
Mindful Qigong Movement: Moving Anger Out of the Body
One especially beneficial tool for supporting liver Qi flow and managing anger is mindful Qigong movement. Qigong is a gentle, flowing practice that combines breath, movement, and focused intention to help energy circulate smoothly throughout the body.
Practicing Qigong mindfully encourages you to connect with your body and emotions, allowing trapped anger or frustration to move rather than get stuck. The slow, rhythmic movements help release physical tension, calm the nervous system, and foster emotional clarity.
Even just 10-15 minutes a day of simple Qigong exercises can make a noticeable difference in balancing liver energy, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of peace — essential for women experiencing hormonal shifts during menopause.
How to Address and Release Anger
The key is not to eliminate anger — it’s a natural and valid feeling — but to acknowledge and release it safely. Here are some practical steps:
Mindful Awareness: Notice when anger arises without judgment. Simply observing your feelings can lessen their intensity.
Physical Movement: Activities like walking, yoga, or Qi Gong encourage liver Qi to flow smoothly.
Express Yourself: Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or creative outlets can help you release pent-up emotions.
Acupuncture and Herbal Support: Regular acupuncture treatments focused on the liver meridian can ease stagnation and calm your nervous system.
Embracing Emotional Wellness in Menopause
Menopause is a time of change—physically and emotionally. Your body is asking for more care, especially around how you handle emotions like anger. By working with your body’s natural rhythms and honoring your feelings, you can reduce physical discomfort and find emotional freedom.
As an acupuncturist, I encourage my clients to see anger not as a foe but as a messenger. When listened to and released, anger can become a powerful force for healing and transformation.
