Angeraccording to TCM
Symptom family: Anger and Hostility
Did you mean? Irritability
What is Anger?
Anger is a natural emotional response to perceived threats, frustration, or injustice, often characterized by feelings of intense displeasure or hostility. While it can be a normal and healthy reaction, anger becomes problematic when it is frequent, intense, or expressed in harmful ways. Chronic or unmanaged anger can have serious implications for both mental and physical health, leading to strained relationships, increased stress, and even contributing to conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. Understanding the root causes of anger is essential for managing it effectively.
How Does TCM View Anger?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anger is seen not merely as an emotional state but as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body’s energy, or Qi. Unlike Western medicine, which might focus on psychological or physiological triggers, TCM emphasizes that anger can arise from various patterns of disharmony, such as Liver Qi Stagnation or excess Heat. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as each pattern requires a different approach to restore balance and harmony in the body.
Root Causes of Anger in TCM
TCM attributes anger to several underlying patterns, with Liver-related imbalances being the most common. One prevalent cause is Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire, a pattern where suppressed emotions or stress cause the Liver's energy to become blocked and subsequently overheat. This can lead to symptoms such as outbursts of anger, irritability, and chest discomfort. Another common cause is Interior Wind, often associated with symptoms like dizziness, tremors, and convulsions, alongside episodes of anger.
This pattern indicates a disturbance in the Liver’s ability to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, resulting in erratic and forceful expressions of emotion. While these are among the most frequent causes, other patterns like Heat in the Uterus Blood or Phlegm-Heat also contribute to anger, each with distinct manifestations and treatment strategies.
Explore below more details about what might cause Anger according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Wind
- Qi Stagnation
- View More Causes
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Anger
Common Symptoms: Thirst Flushed Face Constipation Dark Urine Irritability Eye Hyperemia Dry Stools Dizziness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Uterus Blood | Anger, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan |
| Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire | Anger, Outbursts of anger, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San |
| Liver Fire Blazing | Outbursts of anger, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire | Outbursts of anger, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Anger
The treatment of anger in TCM involves selecting the appropriate formulas and herbs to address the underlying pattern of disharmony. For instance, if the anger is due to Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire, a formula like Jia Wei Xiao Yao San is often recommended. This formula harmonizes the Liver and Spleen while clearing Heat and calming the mind.
In cases where Interior Wind is the primary cause, Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin may be prescribed. This formula pacifies Internal Wind and extinguishes Liver Heat, helping to soothe anger and stabilize emotional fluctuations. The selection of herbs and formulas is always tailored to the individual's specific pattern, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address anger, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Wind
- Qi Stagnation
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Heat:
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause anger, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Anger Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire |
| Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire |
| Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Huai Jiao Wan | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Gu Jing Wan | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire |
| Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liver Fire Blazing |
| Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Liver Fire Blazing |
| Xie Qing Wan | Liver Fire Blazing |
| Zi Xue Dan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire |
Acupoints for Anger
Acupuncture is a key modality in TCM for managing anger, with specific acupoints selected to regulate the body’s energy and calm the mind. One of the primary acupoints used is Taichong LIV-3, located on the foot, which is known for its ability to subdue Liver Yang and invigorate Liver Qi. This point is particularly effective in releasing the pent-up energy that can lead to anger and emotional distress.
Another important point is Xingjian LIV-2, which helps clear Liver Fire and resolve Damp-Heat, making it useful for treating anger accompanied by intense heat symptoms. Acupoints such as Dazhong KID-4, located near the Achilles tendon, also play a role in calming the mind and lifting the spirits, particularly in cases where anger is tied to Kidney-related imbalances. By stimulating these points, TCM practitioners aim to restore balance and prevent the recurrence of anger-related symptoms.
Explore below some acupoints used to address anger, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Liver Channel
- Kidney Channel
- Directing Vessel
Xingjian LIV-2
Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.
Taichong LIV-3
On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.
