Pain or Sensation…or Something More??
We all experience pain differently. Sometimes, pain is invisible, yet its presence is undeniable because we feel it deeply. Doctors often struggle to pinpoint the root cause of pain. While tools like X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests can detect physical issues and lead to a diagnosis, they don't always reveal the underlying source of our discomfort—the "dis-ease" that exists within.
Pain manifests in various ways and for different reasons. It serves an essential purpose: it's our body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. How do we distinguish between physical pain and emotional pain?
Understanding Physical Pain
Physical pain is often the result of trauma—like a car accident, a fall, or an injury. However, physical pain is rarely just about the event itself. It’s worth asking:
What was happening in your life when the injury occurred?
Who were you interacting with at the time?
What were your expectations, beliefs, or thoughts in that moment?
Where were you emotionally when the physical trauma happened?
Physical pain may have roots beyond the surface. Could it be connected to your mindset, emotions, or environment leading up to the injury?
The Layers of Emotional Pain
When we suppress or ignore emotional pain—be it fear, grief, or unresolved hurt—it doesn’t disappear. Instead, it lodges itself in the body. Over time, these suppressed emotions can lead to physical pain or even illness.
How often have you, or someone you know, visited a doctor only to leave without a conclusive diagnosis? Emotional pain, when left unchecked, often manifests physically. For instance, deeply held beliefs about your genetic predispositions can shape your reality. If you believe you're destined to develop heart disease or cancer, your body may align with that expectation.
As Dr. Bruce Lipton says, “We can change the expression of our genes.”
Messages from the Body
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle sensations carry messages. It’s vital to pause and ask: What is this sensation trying to tell me?
In her book You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay explores how emotions influence physical conditions:
Influenza reflects mass negativity, fear, and belief in statistics.
Heart problems stem from a lack of joy and emotional hardness.
Arthritis can indicate feelings of being unloved, as well as harboring criticism and resentment.
Modern science has added another layer of understanding. For example, pain once attributed to aging, such as arthritis, may also result from the thickening of fascia—a connective tissue in our body. This thickening often stems from lack of movement or physical trauma.
The Role of Beliefs and Words
Our beliefs, shaped by what we hear and are taught, influence our thoughts. These thoughts become words, and words hold immense power. Words can create health, happiness, and connection—or illness, sadness, and division.
Be mindful of how you think and speak about your body. Your body doesn’t distinguish between positive and negative self-talk—it simply responds to the messages you send it. By choosing to support, praise, and believe in your body’s ability to heal, you create a foundation for health and vitality.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve faced my own share of pain—both physical and emotional. From traumatic injuries to the emotional “stuffing” of feelings, I’ve learned that healing is a wholistic journey. Physicians play a vital role in treatment, however, awareness and connection to our inner selves are equally important.
Pain, for all its challenges, has been a profound teacher. It has shown me the importance of listening to my body, honoring my emotions, and recognizing the MindBody connection.
Moving Toward Awareness
It is my deepest hope that others can also uncover the links between emotional pain and physical sensations. By becoming aware of your body’s triggers and releasing buried emotions, you can embrace the profound connection between your mind and body.
Notice the sensations in your body and ask what they’re trying to tell you.
Acknowledge and process emotions rather than burying them.
Understand the profound impact your thoughts, beliefs, and words have on your health.
Your body holds immense wisdom. By listening to it, you can move closer to healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
