The Physiology of Anger and How Reiki Helps Us Release It

Anger is one of the body’s loudest messengers. It surges through us like heat, tightening the jaw, quickening the heart, and shortening the breath. Beneath its surface, anger is often asking for attention… pointing toward pain, fear, or unmet needs that have gone unseen.

At Devotion Studio, anger isn’t viewed as an emotion to suppress, but as energy to be understood and released.

The Body in Anger

When we feel anger, the amygdala, a small structure in the brain that governs emotional responses, signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. Heart rate and blood pressure rise. Muscles tense. The breath becomes shallow and quick.

This is the body’s fight-or-flight response, an ancient mechanism meant to protect us from danger. But in modern life, our threats are rarely physical. The body still reacts, even when the “danger” is a traffic jam, a disagreement, or the memory of being hurt.

If anger becomes a frequent visitor, the body may stay in a near-constant state of activation.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Chronic tension and headaches

• Digestive issues

• Disrupted sleep

• Elevated stress hormones and inflammation

• Emotional exhaustion and difficulty connecting with others

The Energy of Anger

From an energetic perspective, anger can be seen as trapped fire; energy that wants to move but has nowhere to go. It often gathers in the solar plexus chakra, the energetic center of power and self-worth. When this center is overactive or blocked, we may feel reactive, defensive, or powerless.

Reiki helps by inviting this feeling to move, soften, and transform.

How Reiki Supports Emotional Release

During a Reiki session, gentle hand placements or hovering gestures help guide the flow of energy throughout the body. Kristin channels universal life-force energy (known in Japanese as Rei-ki), helping to calm the nervous system and balance the energetic centers of the body.

Physiologically, this shift from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest” allows the heart rate to slow, the muscles to unclench, and the breath to deepen. The brain releases serotonin and oxytocin, hormones associated with peace, safety, and connection.

Energetically, Reiki creates space for stored emotion to surface and dissolve. You might feel warmth in your chest, tingling in your hands, or a wave of emotion that passes quickly and leaves behind lightness. Many people describe feeling “reset,” as if their inner fire has been cooled and redirected into clarity and calm strength.

Moving Beyond Reaction

Anger, when understood, becomes a teacher. It shows us where our boundaries lie and where healing is needed. Reiki doesn’t erase emotion. It helps us meet it without being consumed by it.

In this stillness, we begin to listen more deeply: What is this feeling trying to show me? From that awareness, response replaces reaction. Anger can help us see what’s important to us now and Reiki can transform anger into our helper.

Experience the Shift

At Devotion Studio, Reiki sessions are designed to support emotional balance and energetic alignment. Whether you’re holding anger, grief, or simply the fatigue of being human, Reiki offers a safe, gentle way home to yourself.

In-person and remote sessions are available.

Location: 2055 Albany Post Rd, Croton

Connect: Devotion@theDevotionStudio.com

Phone: 737-471-9933

Social: @theDevotionStudio