Emotions in the body
The human body is a fascinating system of intricate design, shaped by countless years of evolution. Its complexity extends not only to our physical form but also to our emotional and spiritual essence. From ancient practices like Taoism to modern science, it is understood that emotions have a profound impact on our physical wellbeing. They are not abstract concepts floating in our minds but are rooted in the body, with a tangible presence that can shape our health.
For example, Taoism, a philosophical and spiritual tradition from ancient China, offers a profound interpretation of the relationship between emotions and our physical body. Rooted in the principles of harmony and balance, Taoism introduces the "Zang-Fu" theory, mapping certain emotions to specific organs. The liver, for instance, is associated with anger, the heart with joy, and kidneys with fear. When emotions become imbalanced, they can disrupt the harmony of the corresponding organ, potentially leading to disease.
But is there any scientific truth to this? Are emotions really stored in the body? And if so, how does it work?
For this let’s go down the rabbit hole of scientific discoveries and theories.
In the mid-20th century, Wilhelm Reich, a psychoanalyst and student of Freud, extended Freud's theories to propose that unresolved emotional trauma could manifest as chronic muscle tension, a concept he called 'character armor.' Reich's work was transformative because it suggested that emotional experiences, particularly traumatic ones, could leave physical imprints on our bodies. His theories laid the groundwork for the field of somatic psychology, which further explores the interaction between the body and the mind.
As our exploration of the mind-body connection advanced, the field of somatic psychology emerged. This area of study emphasizes the profound influence our bodily experiences have on our psychological wellbeing. Stemming from the Greek word 'soma,' meaning 'the living body,' somatic psychology embodies the principle that the mind and body are inseparable and mutually influential.
A key tenet of somatic psychology is the idea that emotions can be 'stored' in the body. This concept draws from the idea of 'muscle armoring,' proposed by Wilhelm Reich, which suggests that chronic tension in the body can serve as a physical manifestation of emotional trauma and psychological defenses. Emotions, particularly those stemming from traumatic experiences, can result in changes in our physical body, including alterations in posture, muscle tension, and disruptions to regular body processes.
An example of this might be a person who, after experiencing a traumatic event, continually holds their shoulders in a raised position. This chronic tension may not only serve as a physical representation of their emotional state but also become a somatic 'memory' of the trauma, triggered whenever the individual experiences similar emotional states.
Somatic psychology also introduces the concept of 'somatic intelligence,' which suggests that by paying attention to our physical sensations, we can gain insights into our emotional state, and learn to manage it better.
This approach has been used to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and facilitate the healing process. For example, a practitioner may guide a client to bring awareness to areas of tension or discomfort in their body, helping them understand and process the emotional experiences associated with these physical sensations. Techniques can include mindfulness exercises, breath work, movement, and other physical therapies.
In a society that often privileges the mind over the body, somatic psychology serves as a reminder of the profound interconnectedness of our physical and emotional selves. It provides a holistic framework for understanding and addressing human suffering, emphasizing the importance of integrating body and mind in the pursuit of emotional well-being.
For understanding embodied emotions, it’s also worth mentioning Antonio Damasio's "somatic marker hypothesis," which provides a neurological basis for the concept of embodied emotions. Damasio posited that our emotional experiences leave 'markers' in our neural pathways. When we encounter a similar situation in the future, these markers can trigger an associated emotional and physical response. For instance, if a past experience of being bullied resulted in feelings of fear and associated somatic responses like a churning stomach or trembling hands, encountering a similar situation may trigger the same physical responses, even before we consciously recognize the threat.
To further comprehend the connection between emotions and physical health, we delve into the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). This interdisciplinary field investigates the interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system, providing a unique perspective on how emotional experiences can impact health.
One of PNI's key contributions is demonstrating the influence of stress on the immune system. The body's stress response involves a cascade of hormonal changes, including the release of cortisol, often referred to as the 'stress hormone.' While this response is beneficial in the short term, allowing us to react to immediate threats, chronic stress can lead to prolonged cortisol elevation. This, in turn, can suppress the immune system, rendering us more susceptible to illness and slowing down the healing process.
PNI research has shown that our emotional states, particularly chronic stress and depression, can influence the functioning of the immune system. For example, studies have found that individuals experiencing chronic stress or depression often have higher levels of inflammation, which is associated with a range of health conditions, from heart disease to diabetes to certain types of cancer.
In a related vein, research into 'Adverse Childhood Experiences' (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, has shown that these traumatic emotional experiences can leave a long-term physical impact. Individuals with a high ACE score are more likely to experience health issues, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders, later in life.
These findings underline that emotional experiences, particularly negative ones like stress and trauma, are not just confined to our minds. They can leave lasting imprints on our physical health and wellbeing, further demonstrating the inseparability of the mind and body.
As we have seen, emotions can leave lasting physical imprints on our bodies. Fortunately, various therapies and techniques can help us release stored emotions, restore our physiological balance, and promote overall wellbeing:
Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma. Based on observations of animals in the wild, Levine noted that, unlike humans, animals naturally 'shake off' the physical tension once a threatening situation has passed. In his therapy, he guides individuals to become aware of their physical sensations, helping them 'thaw' frozen stress responses and gradually release trapped trauma. This process allows the nervous system to return to its regular rhythm.
Bodywork therapies such as Chi Nei Tsang also offer valuable tools for releasing stored emotions. Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, Chi Nei Tsang is a form of abdominal massage that aims to improve organ function and promote energy flow in the body. Practitioners of this technique believe that unprocessed emotions are stored in the digestive system and that gentle, focused massage can help release these trapped emotions, aiding in emotional healing.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as 'tapping,' is another practice designed to help individuals release trapped emotions. Drawing on the principles of acupuncture, EFT involves tapping on specific points on the body while thinking about a particular issue or emotion. The practice is thought to unblock energy pathways, helping to release emotional burdens and promote psychological healing.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is another tool that has shown promise in helping individuals manage and release stored emotions. By cultivating awareness of the present moment and promoting non-judgmental acceptance of physical and emotional experiences, MBSR can help break the cycle of chronic stress and associated physical tension.
These therapies underline the potential for healing when we approach health holistically, considering both the physical and emotional aspects of wellbeing. They offer practical tools for releasing stored emotions, reducing chronic tension, and promoting overall health and wellness.
In the end, recognizing the body's role in emotional experiences is not about privileging the physical over the psychological or vice versa. Instead, it's about acknowledging the beautiful complexity of human beings. We are not simply minds housed in bodies, but intricately integrated organisms, where emotions and physical experiences are in constant dialogue. Understanding this can transform how we approach our health and wellbeing, encouraging us to nurture our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—in the pursuit of wellness.
Barcelona Health Club offers retreats where “emotional detox” is addressed as part of taking care of our wellbeing. If you want to experience some emotional release techniques like Chi Nei Tsang or Tension Release Exercises, book a retreat with us.
