Emotional release
Last weekend I’ve been to Madrid, and amongst wining and dining activities, I decided my body needed some help relaxing amidst the latest storms life brought to me. I pulled Google and looked for massages. And the one that called me the most was an Abdominal Massage for Emotional Release, with techniques like Chi Nei Tsang from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ampuku from Japanese Shiatsu, at Taolandia.
I went there and passed a beautiful gong room and headed to the therapy room filled with diplomas and books on traditional medicine. We started with a cleansing and rebalancing massage and then proceeded to the abdominal massage for emotional release.
There were so many tension points that felt like rocks filled with electricity in my belly. The therapist would tell me the organs that need my attention, and the emotions that need me to process them and release them.
Fear was a big one, for example. Fear is connected to the kidneys and bladder, and I know that I always had issues with them based on urine test strips that I use at home and blood tests done at the clinic.
He massaged the area with specific techniques, and I could feel the tension and electricity moving and dispersing, and I felt I could let go of a bit of it through breathing. He also advised me to have conversations with the fear, to listen to it, and to tell it what I’m doing to prevent what I’m afraid of.
I felt like walking on clouds afterward. I know however that there is a lot of deep work I need to do on this, and just one massage session will help relieve some tension but it won’t solve everything. We need to do the inner work, through meditation, therapies, listening, and being gentle with ourselves, as well as move energy through movement and massages.
Some months ago I attended something for emotional release in Barcelona, although using different techniques. I went for a Neo Emotional Release by The Conscious Elements which combined tapping into pressure points with guiding meditation and coaching to process what rises from the blockages. Nica, the one facilitating the session, managed to create a very safe space, and I was surprised with myself at how much self-awareness she could infuse in me through her techniques and coaching.
Although she checked different pain points I had throughout my body, we focused the session on one big one inside my abdomen. Usually, the abdomen stores a lot of emotions, and it’s also usually the least massaged area. In the beginning, she would tap gently and ask me a lot of questions, guiding me to understand the emotion and what it surfaces. Once I got more clarity, she would help me physically move that tension and ease it, and I found myself coughing it out and screaming it out. All for the good, as I felt quite relieved afterward.
To be honest, there is a lot to process subconsciously after these kinds of sessions, so I like to not plan much and just follow my intuition when my body needs them. And I also combine everything in a holistic manner.
I strongly believe that emotional detox is extremely important for health and longevity. We go through life and accumulate a lot of baggage, and it’s exhausting to keep carrying it. We need to let go, and sometimes we need to help ourselves to do so.
On this topic, I recommend a lot the author Bradley Nelson who wrote two excellent books:
The Emotion Code - Published in 2019, this book gives you the tools to identify and release the trapped emotions in your life, eliminating your “emotional baggage,” and opening your heart. The tools are really a do-it-yourself type of thing, using muscle testing to get answers from your subconscious.
The Body Code - Published in 2023, this book gives you a way to help rebalance your energy by uncovering the root causes of discomfort, sickness, and suffering in your body and spirit. The concept starts from the tools in the previous book but looks at everything in a more holistic way.
For the time being, I’ll share here a bit of knowledge on the need for emotional release and its impact on health, as well as various techniques for it.
How Do emotions work inside the body?
Once upon a time, our bodies decided to build a communication system more intricate and complex than any social media network. It's a cellular 'Facebook', a 'Twitter' at the molecular level, where likes, comments, and shares are neurotransmitters, hormones, and receptors. Yes, you've guessed it, we're talking about emotions and their biological impact on our bodies. It's a conversation that can make us feel as light as a feather, or as heavy as a sack of potatoes - all depending on how we manage it.
Let's dive into the cellular disco, where emotions are the DJ, hormones the groovy beats, and cells, the enthusiastic dancers. This dance floor is continually buzzing with activity, with the dancers responding to the DJ's ever-changing tunes. When we experience emotions like joy, stress, or sadness, our brains (the DJ) release specific hormones (the beats) into the bloodstream, sending signals to the cells (the dancers).
Take adrenaline, for instance, the hormone released when we're feeling stressed or scared. It's like the DJ dropping a high-tempo beat, making our heart race, breath quickens, and muscles tense. It's the body's way of preparing us to either fight or take flight.
Now, these hormones can bring the house down or get the party started - depending on the context. However, what happens if the DJ keeps playing the same stressful beat for too long? Well, the dance floor can get pretty chaotic. Chronic stress, for example, may lead to a constant flood of adrenaline and cortisol, increasing the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and mental disorders.
So, how do we make sure our cellular dance floor stays vibrant and healthy, without burning out? That's where emotional release comes in - the body's equivalent of a 'cool-down' track.
What can we do to process and release emotions?
Dating back to ancient times, humans have sought ways to manage emotional overload, often using techniques that promote emotional release. The Greeks had the cathartic experience of theater, where tragedy and comedy sparked a roller coaster of emotions, allowing spectators to release pent-up feelings. The Chinese developed acupuncture, aimed at rebalancing the body's energy, or Qi, promoting emotional as well as physical health.
I’ll call out especially the Chi Nei Tsang and Ampuku techniques I mentioned in my massage experience.
Chi Nei Tsang: An Ancient Technique for Modern Wellness
In the grand tapestry of ancient techniques for emotional release, a practice from the Eastern world merits special attention. It's called Chi Nei Tsang, a method as intriguing as its name. Hailing from the Taoist tradition of ancient China, Chi Nei Tsang is a hands-on healing therapy that focuses on the body's energy center located in the abdomen, also known as the 'Tan Tien'.
The name 'Chi Nei Tsang' can be loosely translated to 'working the energy of the internal organs', and that's precisely what it does. It's like a DJ playing a soothing melody to calm down a rowdy crowd, the crowd, in this case, being our over-excited or blocked-up emotions.
In Chi Nei Tsang, practitioners use deep, soft, and gentle touches on the abdomen to detoxify, rejuvenate, and energize the body. The technique aims to 'massage' the organs directly, releasing any blocked Chi (or Qi), thereby facilitating healing and promoting emotional release.
Now you might be wondering, how do emotions come into play in an abdominal massage? Well, according to Taoist beliefs, different emotions are associated with different organs. For instance, the liver is linked to anger, the kidneys to fear, and the heart to excessive joy or sadness. Over time, negative emotions can lead to an accumulation of harmful energy, which can cause physical ailments.
By massaging these organs, Chi Nei Tsang helps release these pent-up emotions, much like letting off steam from a pressure cooker. As the blocked Chi is released, the body's natural healing capacity kicks in, leading to a sense of physical and emotional relief.
In a world where many of us are constantly on the move, plugged in, and stressed out, Chi Nei Tsang offers a unique approach to emotional release. It's not just about letting go of emotional baggage but also about harnessing and balancing our inner energy for overall well-being.
So, if your cellular dance floor feels out of rhythm, perhaps it's time to try the ancient art of Chi Nei Tsang. After all, the best DJs know when to switch up the music, bringing harmony back to the dance floor. And with this ancient technique, you might just find your body's rhythm getting back in sync.
Ampuku: The Japanese Art of Emotional Harmony
Another ancient practice that serves as an emotional release technique is Ampuku, a traditional Japanese therapy rooted in the same principles as acupuncture and shiatsu. Ampuku focuses on the abdominal area, or 'Hara', which in Japanese culture, is considered the physical and spiritual center of the human body.
'Ampuku', which directly translates to 'pacify the abdomen', is essentially the Japanese version of the abdominal healing massage, similar in some ways to the Chinese Chi Nei Tsang. It, too, believes in the concept of releasing pent-up energy or emotions to bring the body back to its natural balance.
According to the principles of Ampuku, our belly is not just a repository for our physical food but also our emotional 'food'. Negative emotions like anger, sadness, or stress are seen as toxins that can 'clog up' our Hara, disrupting the body's equilibrium. Just as we cleanse our bodies of physical toxins, Ampuku promotes the cleansing of emotional toxins, thereby restoring harmony and balance.
During an Ampuku session, the practitioner uses kneading techniques on specific pressure points in the abdomen. This not only improves digestion and blood circulation but also stimulates the release of accumulated emotions. Imagine the relief of a knotted muscle finally loosening up. That's what Ampuku does for your emotional well-being.
Many people who have undergone Ampuku therapy report feelings of deep relaxation and emotional release. Some even experience vivid emotional or memory flashes during the treatment, indicating the release of deeply seated emotional blockages.
In our playful exploration of emotional release techniques, Ampuku serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most profound healing can come from the simplest acts. It's about getting in touch with our core, both physically and emotionally.
So, next time the emotional music gets too loud, and your cellular dance floor feels out of balance, consider trying Ampuku. Let the gentle rhythm of this ancient practice bring your body back into harmony, one abdominal knead at a time.
Modern techniques for emotional release
Fast forward to modern times, we now have a buffet of options. From talk therapies, where you can unload your emotional burdens onto a sympathetic ear, to physical activities like yoga, tai chi, or even a good old-fashioned run. These activities help to dissipate the hormonal build-up, reset the body's balance, and give our cells a much-needed breather.
Art therapy, laughter clubs, and dance therapy are also excellent examples of modern emotional release techniques. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a hearty laugh or a wild dance session? That's your cells heaving a sigh of relief, as your body releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that counteract stress.
In the digital age, we also have apps designed to aid emotional release. They use techniques ranging from guided meditations to virtual reality experiences, helping users navigate their emotional landscape and providing a sense of calm.
And to offer you a bit more detail on the Neo Emotional Release I mentioned in my massage experience, which is a modern technique, keep reading the next section.
Neo Emotional Release: A Cutting-Edge Approach to Emotional Balance
As we journey from the annals of ancient techniques, let's delve into the modern world with a fresh and cutting-edge approach known as Neo Emotional Release (NER). This contemporary method builds on traditional practices, incorporating modern psychology and therapeutic insights to create a comprehensive approach to emotional release.
The core principle of NER is that our bodies, particularly our muscles, hold onto emotional tension. This tension can lead to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and even chronic health issues. So, think of NER as a spring cleaning service for your emotions, helping you declutter and dust off those long-held emotional burdens.
NER combines elements of psychotherapy, neuroplasticity, and bodywork to facilitate emotional release. It's a holistic approach that recognizes the deep interconnection between our minds and bodies.
During a NER session, a trained practitioner guides you through a process of emotional exploration. You'll be encouraged to identify and express your feelings, as the practitioner simultaneously applies gentle physical pressure to specific areas of your body. This is much like pressing a 'release' button for your pent-up emotions.
The beauty of NER lies in its capacity to adapt to each individual's unique emotional landscape. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a personalized journey to emotional balance. Some people may find release through tears, others through laughter or even movement.
NER also promotes the creation of new, healthier neural pathways. By releasing old, harmful emotional patterns and replacing them with positive ones, NER facilitates not just emotional release, but emotional transformation.
In our cellular dance floor analogy, NER is like a skilled DJ who can read the room, change the music according to the crowd's mood, and make sure everyone leaves the party feeling lighter and happier.
So, if you're feeling bogged down by emotional 'traffic', consider trying Neo Emotional Release. With its modern, holistic approach, it might just be the traffic controller you need to clear the way to better emotional health and harmony.
The bottom line? Emotional release is not just about feeling better; it's about better health and longevity. It's about keeping the cellular disco going, with the right balance of beats. So next time you feel the emotional music getting too intense, remember there's always a cool-down track you can play. Whether it's a chat with a friend, a hearty laugh, a yoga session, or even an acupuncture appointment - it's your dance floor, after all. So, keep it groovy and keep it healthy.
If you feel like you need to unwind and learn more about various ways to take care of your health holistically, Barcelona Health Club offers health retreats in a serene oasis of nature. Come, enjoy, learn, and experience various health aspects that you can incorporate in your life, adapted to your needs.
