Mind/Body Connection: How Emotions Affect Your Physical Health

Have you ever considered that emotions are signals, that your body is telling you something needs attention?

Our emotions are closely linked to our physical body, affecting our overall emotional and physical well-being. When we become aware of which suppressed emotions are influencing our body, we can start listening to these signals and bring harmony to both emotional and physical health.

Feeling an emotion is not just a psychological experience; we experience it with our whole body.

I am reminded of a client who, many years ago, had a session with me. Her left knee was causing so much pain that walking was almost impossible. During the session, she shared that 20 years prior she had an argument that left an imprint in her subconscious mind. This experience had manifested physically in her knee for decades. With guidance, she was able to release the emotional imprint, and from that moment onwards, the knee pain disappeared.

The way we think, feel, and act has a direct effect on our body, and every ache, pain, or struggle affects our mind. Your body is constantly trying to tell you when something is wrong, especially when you are stressed, anxious, or unhappy.

Physical Signs of Emotional Imbalance

Certain physical symptoms can indicate that emotional health may be out of balance:

• Constipation

• Extreme tiredness

• General aches and pains

• Headaches

• High blood pressure

• Insomnia

• Palpitations (feeling that your heart is racing)

• Stiff neck

• Upset stomach

• Weight gain or loss

Can You Recognise Your Emotions?

We all know the names of emotions—anxiety, sadness, fear, anger—but recognising what we truly feel is often difficult. Anger and sadness, for example, may seem different on the surface, yet they often hide behind one another.

It is important to understand that emotions are neither positive nor negative. Their value depends on intensity and individual sensitivity. Anger can be liberating if expressed correctly, just as love can feel overwhelming, and happiness can tip into exaltation.

Close your eyes and ask yourself:

• What emotions do I feel?

• Anger? Sadness? Anxiety? Shame? Guilt?

What Can We Learn From Emotions?

Emotions often express blockages in the mind and body. By tuning into your body, you can understand the physical manifestations of emotions and the messages they carry.

• Anger

  • Origin: feeling powerless or experiencing injustice

  • Hidden message: determination

  • Reflection: become aware of your powerlessness. What injustice happened, and what can you release?

• Fear

  • Origin: negative thoughts about a future event

  • Hidden message: love

  • Reflection: what would you do if you weren’t afraid? Where in your body do you feel it?

• Shame

  • Origin: inadequacy, low self-esteem

  • Hidden message: self-esteem

  • Reflection: which part of your body feels wrong? How can you accept yourself?

• Guilt

  • Origin: negative judgement of your actions

  • Hidden message: forgiveness

  • Reflection: let go of the past and practise self-forgiveness.

• Sadness

  • Origin: negative judgment about a past or future event

  • Hidden message: gratitude

  • Reflection: embrace change and allow yourself to feel whole.

• Anxiety

  • Origin: fear of loss, focus on past or future

  • Hidden message: peace

  • Reflection: focus on the present moment and practise self-love.

• Jealousy

  • Origin: insecurity, sense of possession

  • Hidden message: love and self-esteem

  • Reflection: recognise your worth and self-value.

Emotions and the Body

Traditional Chinese Medicine links specific emotions to different organs:

• Joy: stored in the heart, can create over-excitement if unbalanced.

• Anger: affects the liver, symbolising the need to metabolise what is hard to accept.

• Fear: affects the kidneys, blocking vital energy and creating a feeling of paralysis.

• Sadness and Grief: affect the lungs and large intestine; difficulties letting go manifest physically.

How to Work With Your Body and Emotions

• Recognise the physical areas where you hold tension or discomfort.

• Ask yourself what message your body is sending.

• Practise mindful observation of emotions without judgement.

• Release blocked energy by expressing emotions safely and constructively.

Journal Prompts

Use these prompts to connect with your emotions:

• What emotion do I feel, and where in my body do I feel it?

• What is this feeling trying to teach me?

• If my body could write me a message, what would it say?

• My body feels nourished when…

• At this moment, I feel…

• How can I feel more at peace right now?

I hope this post has helped you understand the deep connection between emotions and the body. I would love to hear from you.