Anger and Acupuncture
By Dr. Renae Haldeman · New to some of these words? See the glossary.
Yay! GRRRR! YAY!
Jojo just celebrated her 50th birthday! She is a skilled hypnotherapist with a background in chemistry. What a mix of soft and hard science! She is a smart, beautiful, creative person. How could she be facing high-school-style drama on her 50th birthday in January? You would think that by age 50, all the teenage drama of flirting, cheating, and looking for a partner would be long behind her. But Jo found out about her partner in this very situation.
Jo was anything but at peace. She took up kickboxing because she wanted to let out her deep hurt, anger, and thoughts of revenge toward her ex-partner. She was losing sleep. Her mind ran through scenes of facing him and punching him in the nose. Her health began to decline. Her psoriasis (a skin condition) came back, and she had severe breast tenderness, hormone headaches, and TMJ pain (jaw pain) from clenching her teeth during the day and while she slept.
Her professional training gave her some relief, but this experience hurt her so deeply that she could not get out of it completely on her own. She came back for her second acupuncture treatment five days after her first. She said she had less anger and fewer thoughts of revenge. She felt happier and better able to be sensitive to her clients. Jo was still having trouble sleeping well. She was still clenching her teeth, which caused TMJ pain. After her second appointment, she came back after seven days for her third treatment. She said the psoriasis on her calf had not cleared up, and it was in the same place where she had pulled a muscle. She was happy to report even less anger and less tension in her jaw. Three days later, she came in for her fourth acupuncture appointment. She had slept incredibly well for two days, except for the night before. Her TMJ pain was only on the left side now, and it was less. Emotionally, she was able to let go of anger and had a forgiving spirit. Jo said her mind felt completely calm.
Jo’s 50th birthday was supposed to be a milestone celebration, but it was suddenly interrupted by this spiteful event. Now she can fully celebrate her 50th year of life, free from bad feelings. She is ready to continue her years in light and life.
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This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Please talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your own health.