Are your issues in your tissues?
Updated: Aug 21
Before doing any body work, I ask my clients, ‘Is there anywhere in your body you would like me to work on?’
Whilst this is an important question, my next question tells me so much more, ‘Is there anything going on for you right now you would like to share with me?’
Re read that and imagine how you would feel being asked that.
The mind body connection is way more powerful than we realise. When you feel nervous, say you’ve got an important interview coming up, do you feel it emotionally or physically?
The answer is both.
We hold our worries in our minds, and they can manifest in our bodies, in this example maybe you get a tight tummy, need to frequent the loo more often, or start to breathe a little faster, feel a little warmer.
Our bodies physically respond to our emotions, this is a fact.
There is a relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health.
By nurturing this relationship, it can lead to a healthier, happier you. If our physical health can effect our mental health, it makes sense it works both ways right? If we nurture our mental health it can have a positive impact on our physical health. Just like if we look after our physical health it positively impacts our minds.
Guiding you in meditation, or Eft in a Wellbeing session, this mind body connection is further explored. I love the moment when someone gets the connection and feels it for themselves. Somebody may get a physical sensation, while we are bringing attention to an emotion they are feeling and when the emotion is processed, the sensation disperses. While I’m not a magician, magical things happen when you realise this connection, you gain back control of your mind and body, that is when the powerful work begins!
At around the age of 22 I was diagnosed with IBS. Now, whilst I wholeheartedly know many people suffer with this condition, I’m not saying we can necessarily ‘think it away.’ I was sent to a nutritionist who told me to add more fibre to my diet and not knowing at the time I was having an over sensitivity to wheat this didn’t particularly help. I went on my own exploration of food intolerance tests, supplementary therapies, and various elimination restrictive diets.
Now I’m not bashing these ideas, we all need to do our own research and take responsibility for our own bodies, but it wasn’t until I started to think about my emotional state that things started to make more sense to me. I would eat certain foods and my body would reject them, yet at other times, no problem? ‘Hmm. What’s going on here?’ I thought. Same food, different day, different mood or stresses and no reaction.
It was around the same time that I introduced meditation into my life and started to feel the benefits of connecting my thoughts to my body. Whilst I hope and know things have moved on from the '90s, if only that doctor who diagnosed me in a five-minute consultation (not their fault, this is what they have to work with) had asked me ‘what’s going on with you?” He could have opened up a whole can of worms and sent me for counselling which is what I actually needed. But I don’t go down the 'shoulda woulda coulda' path. I got there my own way, and I now connect to my mind and body in a way I could never have imagined.
I am not suggesting you ignore physical issues, and it is always best to check anything out with your GP first. But if after being reassured all is well, look to your mind, your thoughts, your environment and what emotionally is going on for you.
Chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune system, increased inflammation, and even heart disease. On the flip side, a positive mindset can boost our immune system, reduce pain perception, and aid in recovery from illnesses.
We can cultivate a healthy mind-body connection by:
Practicing meditation and mindfulness. By practicing you become more aware of your thoughts, reduce stress, and improve your emotional well-being. Even just a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference.
Exercise and movement. By releasing the feel-good chemicals endorphins, it can help deal with anxiety and depression.
Nutrition. Consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support both your mental and physical health.
Sleep. Good sleep habits ensure your mind and body recover and rejuvenate.
Social connection. Positive social interactions have a big impact on our mental wellbeing.
Healing Therapies. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, EFT, massage or Reiki that focus on the mind-body connection.
Be patient with yourself and embrace the practices that resonate most with you on your journey to wellbeing.
I encourage you to explore and nurture this connection in your daily life. By integrating practices that support both your mental and physical wellbeing, you can unlock the potential for a happier, healthier you. Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments and let's inspire others to embark on this transformative journey together.
Our bodies talk to us and communicate what they are feeling. We can hear what they need if we just pause and listen.
So, the next time you get an ache, or something physically is going on for you in your body, you may want to check in with yourself and ask yourself, “are my issues in my tissues?”
Go gently,
Karen