Stress is endemic within modern societies. There are many, many illnesses that are stress-related. Within Chinese medicine stress affects the Liver organ and there is a saying that states, 'disharmony of the Liver is the cause of 10,000 illnesses'.

The main reason that the Liver is so important is because the function of Liver within Chinese medicine is to ensure the smooth circulation of qi (energy) throughout the body. Many illnesses are the result of qi not moving correctly and obstructions forming within our bodies.

Long periods of stress often cause tension to build up in our shoulder muscles that then leads to shoulder, neck pain or headaches. In Chinese medicine the Gall Bladder channel runs over the shoulders, up the neck and over the sides of the head. The Gall Bladder is paired with the Liver and stress-related problems often affect the Gall Bladder channel.

When energy (qi) stagnates over a long period time then this can cause our blood, and other body fluids to collect. This is because energy moves blood and our body fluids. If untreated this can even lead to the formation of masses; such as breast lumps, fibroids in the uterus, harmless cysts, etc. If blood stagnates in the chest then the lungs and heart will be affected. In fact, all the organs in our bodies can be affected by stress and imbalances with the Liver. Different people will be affected in different ways.

People who are under a lot of stress and are unable to manage their stress are often irritable and short-tempered. Small everyday 'mishaps' can result in explosive behaviour and this is a sure sign that one is not coping, for example, dropping a cup and then 'flying of the handle'. This kind of imbalance inevitably affects other people and can lead to tensions and general unhappiness.

I cannot understate the importance of managing stress to prevent illness. Everyone is affected by stress, not only the person under stress but also everyone whom he or she comes in contact with.