The Physical Fallout of Anger
The long version:
Emotional outbursts cause our adrenal glands to produce cortisol and adrenaline. This in turn raises blood pressure, and increases the amount of glucose in the blood, along with fat globules in the vessels. It’s meant to give a burst of energy and fuel for added strength. (a.k.a. fight-or-flight) However, a continued supply confuses the stress responder in the brain (hippocampus) and causes an inability to suppress the anger response. (This repeated elevation in blood pressure, and fat in the vessels, is how anger increases the risk of Heart attacks and/or Heart disease.)
During fight-or-flight, the body shuts down gastrointestinal contractions and chemical secretions are reduced. (FYI - Fear loosens your bowels. Anger bottles you up.) *
Muscles tighten, readying for a fight, constricting to the point of dysfunction. (Hello neck and back pain, headaches, TMJ, brain fog...) The dysfunction remains long after your anger is gone.
Let’s revisit the Adrenal glands - which produce adrenaline, cortisol and the hormone DHEA. Adrenaline affects the way your blood clots, which could increase the risk of having a stroke. Cortisol not only makes you hungry all the time, it also makes blood sugar rise. When there is a constant barrage, the body stores the excess - a.k.a. creates fat deposits in the abdomen. DHEA leads to the production of male and female sex hormones, which when imbalanced effects cortisol and aging. *
In short, when the Adrenal glands are constantly taxed, they suffer from exhaustion and cause physical fatigue. We end up moving less, and craving more sweets, just to give us a ‘boost.’
During fight-or-flight, the body shuts down gastrointestinal contractions and chemical secretions are reduced. (FYI - Fear loosens your bowels. Anger bottles you up.) *
Muscles tighten, readying for a fight, constricting to the point of dysfunction. (Hello neck and back pain, headaches, TMJ, brain fog...) The dysfunction remains long after your anger is gone.
Let’s revisit the Adrenal glands - which produce adrenaline, cortisol and the hormone DHEA. Adrenaline affects the way your blood clots, which could increase the risk of having a stroke. Cortisol not only makes you hungry all the time, it also makes blood sugar rise. When there is a constant barrage, the body stores the excess - a.k.a. creates fat deposits in the abdomen. DHEA leads to the production of male and female sex hormones, which when imbalanced effects cortisol and aging. *
In short, when the Adrenal glands are constantly taxed, they suffer from exhaustion and cause physical fatigue. We end up moving less, and craving more sweets, just to give us a ‘boost.’
Abridged:
Angry outbursts create physical fallout:
- High blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Muscle tension/pain
- Weight gain
- Premature aging
Massage is a healthy coping option, which can alleviate the fallout, bringing you closer to overall well-being.
Think cause and effect.There are consequences to everything... YOU choose.
Anger, if well managed, can push us towards positive changes in our lives. Unaddressed, it creates problems all around us.
I offer the following links, for further research:
Release Anger Through Massage
Massage and Emotional Wellness
Where Anger Shows Up in the Body
Overcoming Anger: How to Identify It, Stop It, and Live a Healthier Life
Harvesting Happiness for Heroes: Reintegration Strategies for Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Grief, PTSD
7 Ways Getting Angry Can Hurt Your Health
This is What Happens to Your Body When You Get Angry
Anger Management: The Two Faces of Anger
Anger Management
Anger Awareness
Massage and Emotional Wellness
Where Anger Shows Up in the Body
Overcoming Anger: How to Identify It, Stop It, and Live a Healthier Life
Harvesting Happiness for Heroes: Reintegration Strategies for Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Grief, PTSD
7 Ways Getting Angry Can Hurt Your Health
This is What Happens to Your Body When You Get Angry
Anger Management: The Two Faces of Anger
Anger Management
Anger Awareness
How does massage help?
Obviously, massage is not going to fix what got you to that angry place... but it will ease the aches and pains anger creates. It will promote better circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce the heart rate, decrease cortisol levels, and increase serotonin - all of which reduces stress, anxiety and tension. Breathing is relaxed, sleep is better, clarity and outlook improves.
Massage establishes a healthy effective coping skill... and the benefits are cumulative. Massage may not fix what got you angry, but it certainly can quell trigger sensations while working through issues.
Massage establishes a healthy effective coping skill... and the benefits are cumulative. Massage may not fix what got you angry, but it certainly can quell trigger sensations while working through issues.
* Footnotes:
http://www.constipationexperts.co.uk/blog/2013/10/can-your-emotions-cause-constipation.html
http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/diarrhea-anxiety.shtml
https://www.verywell.com/anxiety-stress-and-diarrhea-1944810
http://www.winners2000.co.uk/articles/doolan_adrenal.pdf
https://www.sharecare.com/health/human-emotions/what-effects-fear-anger-body
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23065351
http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/diarrhea-anxiety.shtml
https://www.verywell.com/anxiety-stress-and-diarrhea-1944810
http://www.winners2000.co.uk/articles/doolan_adrenal.pdf
https://www.sharecare.com/health/human-emotions/what-effects-fear-anger-body
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23065351