Have you ever noticed a new sensation in your body and immediately thought, “What if something’s wrong?!” If you’ve experienced this kind of worry, you're definitely not alone. I've been there myself, and so have many clients I've supported over the years. From generalized anxiety and health anxiety to panic disorder—a condition characterized by intense fear of bodily sensations leading to panic attacks—I’ve helped clients navigate their anxiety by befriending their bodies and understanding how they work.
What Are Psychosomatic Symptoms?
Psychosomatic symptoms are physical issues without a clear medical cause but strongly linked to emotional and psychological stress. If you’ve ever had stomachaches before stressful events or noticed muscle tension during periods of anxiety, you’ve experienced psychosomatic symptoms.
Common Psychosomatic Symptoms Include:
headaches
Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, nausea)
Muscle tension and chronic pain
Lower back pain
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Fatigue
Random acute sensations in the body
Noticing that a particular sensation increases in intensity the more you focus on it
How Avoiding Emotions Leads to Psychosomatic Symptoms
When we avoid our emotions—by suppressing, distracting, or numbing ourselves—we inadvertently prolong and intensify our suffering. Unexpressed feelings don't disappear; instead, they build up and often manifest physically. Avoiding emotions is similar to holding a beach ball underwater: you can manage it temporarily, but eventually, it bursts to the surface with even greater force.
Emotions, even uncomfortable ones, are a natural part of being human. They aren’t something to fear or avoid; rather, they offer valuable insights into our inner experiences. Processing emotions by safely feeling and moving through them is essential to emotional and physical wellbeing.
How Do We Process Emotions?
There’s no single right way to process emotions—everyone’s needs and methods differ. Some find talking to a trusted therapist or friend helpful, while others prefer journaling, art, or music as outlets. Physical activities like yoga, exercise, or spending time in nature also effectively support emotional release and reduce psychosomatic symptoms. Discovering what resonates with you personally is key to emotional healing.
Healing Psychosomatic Symptoms Through Awareness
Psychotherapy is incredibly effective at identifying emotional patterns that trigger psychosomatic symptoms. Chiropractic care further enhances healing by releasing physical tension, improving nervous system function, and fostering overall resilience. Together, psychotherapy and chiropractic care offer a holistic approach to restoring mind-body harmony.
Remember, your emotions aren’t obstacles—they're essential guides toward greater self-understanding and healing. Embrace your unique way of processing emotions, and trust your ability to move towards growth and authentic living.
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