Why Processing Anger is So Important in Healing PMS/PMDD

I admit that it took me a very long time to uncover, understand and process the anger I’d held onto since childhood. Raised by a tiger mother, I was not encouraged, even allowed, to express the slightest hint of anger growing up. I learned to repress it and push it deep down into my psyche, and my body.

I first discovered the powerful energy of anger within me when I had my initial PMS outbursts in my mid 20s. These experiences shocked me to my core. I was frightened by them, but I didn’t know how to deal with, and tame, this fierce tiger.

On my own journey to healing, I’ve learned to understand the source of my anger and have discovered ways to process it and transform it into creative energy. The major breakthrough came when I had a heart-to-heart conversation with my mother when my parents came to visit me a couple of years ago. For the first time, she listened to me and acknowledged the pains I experienced growing up.

And that was all I needed. At that magical moment, we were both set free. In tears, we embraced each other. I felt that I saw her soul for the very first time, and she saw mine. Today, my mother and I enjoy a very intimate and beautiful relationship that I’m deeply grateful for. Read more…

What’s more, I felt that the long held anger leave my body. My angry PMS outbursts left as well. Even when I experienced the anger a couple of times later on, it had lost its hold on me, and its power over me.

PMS is caused by liver Qi stagnation. And the emotion that corresponds to liver is anger.

Learn more about liver qi stagnation and PMS here.

Repressed anger, or inappropriately expressed anger, can hinder the natural flow of liver energy, causing depression, anger, mood swings, and other physical PMS symptoms.

So to completely heal ourselves from PMS/PMDD and other menstrual problems, we cannot ignore the emotional aspects of healing, especially when you experience mood-related disturbances.

I won’t get into the depths of emotional healing in this post, but I wanted to share what I’ve learned over time.

And I want to encourage you to make a sincere inquiry as to the nature and root of your own anger. All of the answers are within you. All you need to do is to ask and allow the insights to come to you.

It may come while you’re journaling, painting, meditating or taking a walk in the woods. Be patient. It will be revealed to you if you allow it.

I highly recommend that you keep a mood journal for this reason.

Healing our emotional wounds is crucial to living a truly happy and fulfilled life. I hope you’ll give yourself time and permission to heal. I’m sending you lots of love wherever you are, my friends…