How the Body Holds Emotion

By Rachel Herbst, DC

Emotions don’t exist in the mind alone. They are deeply woven into our physical being and experiences. Scientific studies and somatic practices have long suggested that the body stores emotional memory. Many of our chronic tensions or discomforts can be linked to unresolved feelings new and old. You might’ve heard of the book “The Body Keeps the Score”- a book that explains this connection.

When we experience strong emotions like fear, anger, or grief, our nervous system reacts. Muscles tense, breath shortens, and heart rate changes. If these emotions are not fully processed, the physical responses can linger. For example, stress often manifests as tight shoulders, while sadness might show up as heaviness in the chest. Over time, these patterns can become embedded, affecting posture, movement, and overall health.

Even if it is not a past trauma or unprocessed emotion, our bodies react to how our nervous system feels in general. Anxiety and depression are other examples where not only are we mentally and emotionally affected, but physically as well. 

Practices like yoga, breathwork, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy help release these stored emotions by bringing awareness to the body. Through intentional movement and attention, people often are more aware of current emotional and mental states that have been overlooked. 

In short, the body remembers what the mind may forget. Tuning in and listening to the body can be a powerful path to physical, emotional, and mental healing. And as this isn’t always easy to do on your own, note that our massage therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractor can help you realize where the tension is and how to release it. Feel free to book with us to help unlock your body and improve your overall health