Your body speaks to you all the time

The body often communicates through pain, fatigue or discomfort. Yet, we tend to dismiss these signals (been there done that too), pushing through without listening. According to The Healing Power of Illness which I’ve been reading this month by Dahlke and Dethlefsen, physical complaints are deeply tied to emotional blockages. For instance, lower back pain may arise from feelings of insecurity or lack of support, while headaches might reflect unresolved thoughts or suppressed self-expression.

When we ignore these signals, the body holds onto stress until it manifests physically. Over time, this can lead to deeper discomfort or illness. Recognizing and addressing these blockages isn’t always easy, especially when we tell ourselves that we’re fine. But is that really true? Often, we avoid or suppress emotions like fear, guilt or anger, thinking they don’t affect us, but our bodies hold onto them until we’re ready to face them.

Practices like massage, cupping, Reiki and breathwork can help us reconnect with our bodies and release what’s stuck. These aren’t just treatments for physical pain, they’re tools for emotional release and personal growth.

Massage
Massage provides a safe space to let go of stress and emotions you might not realize you’re holding. It helps release physical tension and emotional weight, creating a sense of lightness and relief.

Cupping
Cupping helps release stagnant energy, improve circulation and detoxify the body. It can also bring old emotions to the surface, offering a chance for deeper processing. Plus, cupping isn’t just about relaxation, it can enhance physical performance, whether you're running, surfing or just trying to move more freely.

Reiki
Reiki works on an energetic level, balancing areas of misalignment and supporting the body’s natural ability to rebalance itself. It’s gentle yet powerful and helps create emotional and physical harmony.

Breathwork
Breathwork is a simple yet profound way to reconnect with your body, calm the mind and release stress. This year, I learned a lot during retreats about the breath and I’ve integrated subtle breathing techniques into my sessions and can’t wait to deepen my knowledge next year.

A different view on illness

What if it’s the body’s way of asking us to slow down, reflect and address emotional needs we’ve ignored? Seeing illness this way changes everything, it becomes less about fear and more about self-awareness.

Ask yourself:

How do I express myself?

Am I taking up the space I need and saying no when necessary?

Do I live authentically without guilt?

Am I holding onto emotions that need to be released?

Do I listen to my body’s signals or push them aside?

Your body speaks to you all the time. The key is to listen. It’s not always easy to accept what you discover, but as you reconnect with yourself, your body will find its way back to balance and vitality. This journey isn’t about perfection: it’s about progress. And I’m on this journey with you.