Chinese Medicine Explains Why Anger Causes Heart Attacks

Recently, there was study that linked being angry to heart disease. People who are frequently angry had a higher risk of heart disease because anger constricts the blood vessels’ ability to open, aka the narrowing of arteries, which increases the risk of a heart attack

This study was shared in a news release for the government website, the National Institutes of Health. The news release stated that,

“The reasons anger negatively affected blood vessel function are unclear”
National Institutes of Health, nih.gov

This is interesting because Chinese Medicine has an explanation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there’s something called Five Element theory that associates elements in nature with organs in your body, and different emotions. When you experience a negative emotion, it has a harmful impact on its related organ.

So right now, you might be thinking that anger is the emotion associated with the Heart, and that’s why frequent anger can increase the risk of heart disease. I like your thinking, but it’s not the Heart that’s affected by anger, stress, and frustration.

In Chinese Medicine, those emotions adversely affect the Liver.

So what does that have to do with heart attacks?

Before diving in, I want to mention that with TCM, when I say Liver, this encompasses more than just the physical organ. It also includes the energy meridians associated with the organ. It’s one of the reasons why I capitalize Liver–because I’m referring to more than just the liver.

Energy meridians are invisible pathways in your body where energy flows. This energy is called qi. It’s your body’s life force energy.

When qi is flowing smoothly and abundantly, a person is healthy. When the flow of qi is blocked or insufficient, this is what leads to physical disease.

Qi is life

Qi is the energy that powers your body, and helps it carry out essential functions, such as maintenance, healing, immunity, and resilience. Your day to day energy levels depend on how bountiful your qi is.

Qi also helps move physical substances through your body—everything from food through your digestive tract, air in and out of your lungs, and blood through your cardiovascular system.

According to Chinese Medicine, one of the most important things that your Liver does is ensure the smooth flow of qi throughout your body. So, if the Liver is impacted by anger, then the smooth flow of qi, and consequently blood, is impacted.

When someone is angry, stressed, and frustrated, these emotions hit the Liver hard, making it less able to ensure the smooth flow of qi and blood. This lack of flow is similar to what happens to a river when the current is restricted. The pressure can increase, or the water downstream runs low and sediment builds up.

Similarly, when Liver qi becomes stagnant, this leads to what Chinese Medicine refers to as blood stasis. This essentially describes the hardening of arteries which causes the flow of blood to be constricted, and as a result, increases the risk of heart disease.

The poetry of health…

Chinese phrases may sound poetic in English. E.g. ensures the smooth flow of qi. But don’t let the simple language hide the power of Chinese Medicine for your health and vitality.

For example, the trapezius muscle in our bodies has a name that sounds scientific: trapezius. But this muscle got its name because it’s shaped like a trapezoid. So it’s not as scientific as it sounds. It’s merely a description.

And that’s what Chinese Medicine is too. It’s a way for you to better understand your body so that you can better take care of your health.

Clear away for good health, which is clearly a way for good health!

When the qi is not flowing in one’s body, it’s like a rain gutter filled with leaves. It’s going to cause problems, overflow, and possible water damage. In addition, if the leaves are not cleared, they’re going to rot in the gutters.

But there’s a simple solution: simply clear the leaves and debris periodically. And if you do it regularly, everything works as it should.

The same is true for your body. For good health, clear negative emotions and blocked energy on a regular basis.

Since you’re reading this on my Chinese Reflexology site, you might be thinking that all you need to do is massage your Liver point. Well, unfortunately, that’s not a good idea. It could actually be harmful and set your body back.

With Chinese Reflexology, you need to take a holistic approach because the Liver is interconnected with other organs. Addressing only one organ will not heal the whole body. In addition, since the liver helps filter toxins from the blood, you don’t want to be massaging this point without building a solid foundation first.

You need to massage other points first for several weeks in order to build a base layer that strengthens your body so that you can practice safely. Otherwise, you may stimulate the release of toxins held in the liver, and that can make you feel quite ill if your body’s not ready for it.

But there is a simple, effective, gentle and safe way for you to clear away the energy blocks in your body’s Liver meridian, and clear away the effects of anger and frustration. This gentle, yet powerful self-care practice is Meridian Massage.

Meridian Massage is a potent self-care practice to harmonize your health from the inside out, clear the blocks in your energy meridians, strengthen your qi. It enables you to get the benefits of acupuncture without needles. Since you can practice on yourself, you become empowered to heal your body.

FREE Meridian Massage Workshop

If you’re reading this article right now, you’re in luck! I have exciting news!

I recently taught a FREE online workshop: An Introduction to Meridian Massage with my friend and co-host David Wei, an expert in Traditional Chinese healing arts.

The Introduction to Meridian Massage workshop is available to watch for free until end of day on June 2nd.

This workshop is part of my annual free course giveaway where I give away a full course—not a fluffy appetizer—to thank readers like you for your support.

In the workshop, you’ll learn Meridian Massage techniques, the TCM theory related to energy meridians, and master points to support your Liver and its energy meridian.

Many chronic health issues have their roots in a Liver imbalance. This includes cardiovascular disease, stroke, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, poor night vision, allergies, insomnia, migraines, and more.

In TCM, the Liver is one of the most important organs and energy meridians for optimal health and vitality, so I hope you’ll make the time to learn the incredible healing art of Meridian Massage. Discover how to nurture your energy meridians for vibrant health and vitality.