Understanding and Healing Anger: A Mind-Body-Spirit Approach to PMDD Rage
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
note, this post was originally written in February 2025
Understanding and Healing Anger: A Mind-Body-Spirit Approach
Anger. It's a powerful emotion, one that can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and, at times, all-consuming. I’ve known this rage all too well, and for me, much of it stemmed from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). If you’re someone who ovulates, you may find that anger and irritability spike in the luteal phase of your cycle, which occurs roughly 10-14 days before the start of your period. This is when we are most likely to feel heightened emotions like irritability, frustration, and sometimes, full-blown rage.
However, even if your anger doesn’t have a hormonal link, it's essential to remember that our anger is often a signal to check in with our bodies. Emotional overwhelm, like anger, doesn’t always originate from our thoughts or situations; it’s sometimes a direct reflection of what’s happening physically inside us.
The Cycle of Anger and the Body’s Wisdom
Anger that boils over can be a sign that we need to pay attention to the state of our bodies. When our emotions feel out of control, it can be helpful to pause and ask ourselves: Is there something happening physically that might be contributing to my emotional state?
For those who experience hormonal fluctuations, understanding where you are in your menstrual cycle can be a game-changer. As I mentioned, in the luteal phase, our bodies naturally experience shifts that can stir up intense emotions. But even if you don’t experience PMDD or any hormone-related changes, your body might be storing emotional energy that’s contributing to your anger.
Tending to the Body
When working through anger, it's crucial to remember that emotional work can take a toll on our physical bodies. The body and mind are intimately connected, and what we feel emotionally can manifest physically. To help release pent-up anger and move through it in a healing way, try integrating these practices:
Stay Hydrated: Our emotions can become more volatile when we're dehydrated, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
Fasting: Sometimes, giving the body a break from food allows for emotional clarity. Consider a gentle fast or a detox period to allow your body to reset.
Move Deliberately: Stretching, yoga, and breathwork can help release stored tension in the body and provide a physical outlet for anger. Movement helps to calm the nervous system and release trapped emotions.
Massage and Pressure Points: As we release anger, our bodies can reveal areas of tension, particularly in the fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds our muscles). These areas may hold onto emotional energy. Consider getting a massage or using self-massage techniques to work through these knots and pressure points. This physical release can be incredibly soothing for the body and mind.
The Spiritual Side of Anger: Embracing the Divine Dark Feminine
On a deeper, spiritual level, anger can be a call to connect with the divine energy of the dark feminine. This aspect of the feminine energy is often misunderstood and can be seen as chaotic or destructive, but in truth, it’s a powerful force for transformation and empowerment.
When we’re feeling consumed by anger, it can be helpful to reach out to a spiritual guide who embodies this energy; goddesses and ascended masters who teach us to embrace our shadows and honor the full range of our emotions.
Santa Muerte: She is a goddess of transformation, often associated with death and rebirth. Working with her can help you release old emotional baggage, find healing in the darkest of times, and transform your anger into a source of personal power.
Lilith: Known for her fierce independence and refusal to be subjugated, Lilith is a symbol of reclaiming your inner power, standing up for yourself, and embracing your emotions fully.
Hekate: As the goddess of magic and crossroads, Hekate invites us to walk through the darkness and embrace the lessons found in shadow work. Her energy can support us in facing our anger head-on, guiding us to release and transform it into wisdom.
These divine feminine figures offer strength, empowerment, and transformation. When you find yourself overwhelmed by anger, consider calling on one of these spiritual guides to support you in processing and releasing the emotion, helping you to heal and find balance.
Giving Yourself Grace and Love
Perhaps the most important step in working through anger is to remember to give yourself extra grace and love. It’s easy to get caught in cycles of self-criticism, especially when we feel overwhelmed by intense emotions. But remember, you are human. You are allowed to feel. You are allowed to process. And you are worthy of kindness, especially from yourself!
Healing isn’t a linear process, and emotions like anger often come up when we least expect them. But by tuning into the body, mind, and spirit, we can move through these emotions with awareness and self-compassion. When you honor the signals your body is giving you, and when you embrace the healing power of the divine feminine, you’ll find that anger can be transformed into a source of strength and wisdom.
So, the next time anger rises, remember to take a deep breath. Check in with your body. Move with intention. Seek out the support of divine energy. And above all, give yourself the love and grace you deserve.