*Revised 8/24/2022
Have you been hurt by the actions or words of someone else ... falsely accused, misunderstood, emotional or physical traumatic experience? These hurtful acts can leave you with lingering feelings of anger, bitterness, frustration and possibly even vengeance.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) each organ is associated with specific emotions. When these emotions are repressed and not managed appropriately, the corresponding organs can become "stuck", "deficient", and unable to function properly causing symptoms that could lead to serious disease and illness.
Why Forgiveness is Important For Your Health
The Liver is a key player in the breakdown, metabolism and detoxification of fats, hormones, dietary toxins and environmental toxins like pesticides and industrial chemicals. It detoxifies your blood which will again flow back throughout the body nourishing it. When anger, bitterness and frustration are not processed appropriately, the liver ends up being the "storehouse" of these emotions.
When you are emotionally stressed it affects all of your organ systems. However, the Liver is where it all starts. Stress and blocked emotions .... anger, bitterness, frustration .... are the most common contributors to blocked Liver creating an "imbalance" that can eventually lead to "stagnation". Have you ever seen stagnant water? It is gross.... covered with thick, green sludge.... and smells even worse.
Nothing gets moved out. A "stagnant Liver" is like stagnant water. Imagine, a "stagnant" Liver.... your liver.... trying to process and move out all of the toxic sludge from your body. This is exactly what can happen when emotions like anger, irritation, frustration, or resentment, are:
- repeatedly repressed
- not dealt with
- expressed at inappropriate times
- have excessive amounts
Physical Effects When There Is No Forgiveness
- Weakened Immune Health
- Symptoms worse in Spring: pollens are increased causing more for the liver to filter
- Migraines
- Hay Fever
- Vertigo
- Symptoms worse in Spring: pollens are increased causing more for the liver to filter
- PMS and painful cramps (the liver stores, cleanses and ensures the smooth flow of blood)
- Digestion
- Hiccups
- Acid reflux
- IBS
- Nausea
- Abdominal distention
- Constipation
- Skin issues including acne
- Fatigue
- Headaches/Dizziness/High Blood Pressure
- Sleep issues: waking between 1am - 3am (learn more about your Organ Clock here)
- Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, Plantar Fasciitis
- Stiff neck and shoulders
- Muscle discomforts
- Changes in hair, nails and eye strength
Emotional Consequences When There Is No Forgiveness
- Depression/Anxiety
- Increased stress
- PTSD
- Relationships are affected (anger and bitterness carried over into each)
- Can't enjoy the "present" (too focused on being "wronged")
- Feeling there is no purpose in life/lacks meaning
- Loss of valuable and enriching connectiveness with others
Benefits of Forgiveness
Many feel that by hanging onto these emotions or .... "holding a grudge" .... is a form of punishment for the person who committed the hurtful act. In reality, the only person being harmed is yourself. Forgiveness does not mean you are condoning the offensive act. It will, however, allow you to leave it in the dust, move forward and bring improved health and peace of mind:
- Healthier relationships
- Improved mental health
- Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
- Lower blood pressure
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Stronger immune system
- Improved heart health
- Improved self-esteem
Whatever the reason.... a traumatic past experience, death, relationships, or outside triggers like industrial toxins.... clearly, the important thing is to find a way to release these emotions. Forgiveness can definitely be a process and not always an easy one.
Feeling like you are in a traffic jam on this highway of emotions? No worries!! This method will help you navigate through and figure out what areas of your health are in need of help.
Is dealing with whatever is bothering you the only thing that will detox the liver or is there something you can take to do so.
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Zelda