Emotional Release Through Bodywork: A Compassionate Guide to Letting Go & Feeling Better
I. When Emotions Get Stuck in the Body
Do you ever feel like the world is resting on your shoulders? Or that lump in your throat that doesn't go away? These sensations are emotional rather than merely physiological. In the practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other somatic healing modalities, our bodies are narrators rather than just containers. Additionally, they occasionally tell us that we are holding onto more than we know.
Emotions don't always flow freely in our bodies, especially those connected to stress, trauma, or loss. They may become lodged in tissues, muscles, or even affect our posture. This concept, known as somatic memory, is ingrained in Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score. The idea is straightforward but effective: The main idea is that our bodies hold emotional memories that our minds may try to forget or suppress.
Everyone has the right to heal, and at Open Care Community, we offer a safe space in downtown Brooklyn where that healing can start. With sliding-scale and accessible clinics, our bodywork therapies are designed for real people with real feelings, making emotional well-being available to more New Yorkers.
Want to feel calmer, uplifted, and lighter? Book a bodywork session at Open Care Community.
II. What is Emotional Release through Bodywork?
a. Body Holding Patterns on an Emotional Level
Emotions may stick in our muscles and tissues if they are not processed.
Shoulders: Burdened down by responsibility,
Hips: Associated with trauma and ignored feelings
Jaw: Tightness in this area may be a sign of unspoken words and anger, and trauma
Diaphragm: Shortness of breathing may be a sign of fear or anxiety
These body parts are all common areas where qi, the energy that flows throw your body, gets stuck. We regularly treat these areas with acupuncture, providing physical and emotional release.
b. What Happens During Emotional Release?
As physical tension is released during bodywork sessions, emotional release can also happen. This could show up as:
Tears: A normal response to letting go
Laughter: Expressing relief or happiness
Trembling: The body uses this method to release pent-up energy
Deep sighs: A sign of release and relaxation
These responses are the result of the parasympathetic nervous system becoming active, which leads to relaxation and healing.
Our experienced practitioners can help interpret what your body is saying
III. Bodywork Modalities That Support Emotional Processing
At Open Care Community, we offer a variety of Chinese medicine techniques that can aid in emotional recovery, each one tailored to meet your body where it is.
a. Acupuncture: Restoring the flow of qi
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are believed to block the flow of "qi" or energy. We use acupuncture points to help qi flow smoothly and help bring about emotional balance. We treat individual points and the meridians, or pathways, that flow through the body; in doing so, we are treating common patterns. Some common patterns we treat are:
Liver Qi Stagnation: Associated with anger and frustration.
Heart Qi Deficiency: associated with sadness and grief.
Studies and observations have indicated that acupuncture is useful in reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and helps to achieve emotional equilibrium.
Explore acupuncture for emotional balance at Open Care Community.
b. Tui Na (Therapeutic Chinese Massage)
Tui na massage is not merely soothing—it is specific to individual meridians. The liver, heart, and lungs are thought to regulate emotional well-being. A typical session might include targeted release points, mild stretching methods, and rhythmic pressure. It works especially well for:
Anxiety: By relaxing the body and mind.
Depression: By promoting the flow of energy.
Stress: By easing tense muscles
we primarily utilize Tui Na in private appointments or massage appointments. Feeling held back by tension? Release it with tui na bodywork. Book here.
c. Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping and gua sha are centuries-old practices that encourage lymphatic flow and relieve physical and emotional stagnation. Patients usually feel "lighter" or "freer," as though a burden has been lifted, following the procedure. These traditional techniques consist of:
Cupping: Using suction to increase blood flow and eliminate toxins.
Gua Sha: The technique of scraping the skin to promote blood flow.
Both techniques encourage healing through the skin, fascia, and nervous system. Cupping and Gua Sha are included as part of our private treatments; if you are booking community acupuncture and would also like cupping or gua sha, please book two appointments.
Explore our Cupping and Gua Sha therapies.
IV. What to Expect from an Emotional Release Session
a. Nervous About Crying on the Table? You’re Not Alone.
It's normal to be anxious about experiencing emotions during bodywork. At Open Care Community, we provide a safe, accepting atmosphere where you can feel free to express your feelings.
b. How Practitioners Hold Space Emotionally Safely
Our practitioners are trained in trauma-informed care. Thus ensuring:
Empathy: Hearing your distinctive experience.
Active Listening: Present and engaged.
Support: Offering aid along the road to recovery.
We understand that needles can make people anxious; our practitioners are mindful of your comfort as they work. We always want our patients to feel comfortable and safe. If at any point in your treatment, if you need to stop or take a break, please just let your acupuncturist know.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Generally, after a treatment, patients will be able to go about their regularly scheduled day. However, if you experience strong physical or emotional release during treatment, we encourage you to take it easy after treatment, if possible. This will give your body time to integrate the treatment and make the most of relaxation.
Set Intentions: Think about what you want to accomplish or release.
Stay Open: While it helps to set intentions, it’s also important to keep an open mind. Treatments can bring up unexpected emotions, which can feel great or can require a bit of extra space and grace in your day.
Seek Balance. Yin and Yang are important principles in Chinese Medicine. It’s easy to understand them as the constant search for balance. As the points above illustrate (set intentions vs stay open), seeking balance can at times feel contradictory. If you have a yoga practice - or you’ve ever stood on one foot for a long time - you will realize that balance requires constant motion.
Keep in mind that healing is a process, and every step matters.
V. The Science Behind It: How the Body Remembers and Releases
a. Somatic Psychology 101
Somatic psychology studies the relationship between mind and body. It recognizes that emotions and trauma can be physically stored, resulting in chronic pain or tension. Many forms of body work, including acupuncture, focus on relieving physical tension to help release these pent-up emotions.
Also read this. Clinical massage for mental health, Somatic experience
B. Nervous System 101: Fight, Flight, Freeze- Then Flow
Our autonomic nervous system controls many involuntary functions in our body (heart rate, digestion, etc), as well as our stress and emotional responses. There are two main branches of our autonomic nervous system, and while they govern many complex functions, we focus on two broad functions:
Sympathetic: Activates the "fight or flight” or “freeze” response to perceived stress.
Parasympathetic: Promotes "rest and digest,” or helps us return to calm after a stressful situation.
Bodywork therapies the vagus nerve, encouraging relaxation, emotional regulation, and even digestion and sleep.
c. Key Studies & Resources
Research supports the effectiveness of bodywork in emotional healing
These results highlight the significant benefits of including bodywork in techniques for emotional healing.
VI. How To Know If You’re Ready for Emotional Release
a. Signs that emotions may be stuck
Chronic Muscle Tension: Persistent tightness or pain.
Digestive Issues: Stomach discomfort without a clear cause.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Emotional Numbness: Feeling disconnected or indifferent.
b. When to Seek Support
We often say that our bodies whisper before they scream. Unfortunately, we can’t always hear the whispers. It’s always great to seek care as soon as you notice that things are out of balance. The earlier the intervention, the faster the healing, but we are here for you at every stage of healing. Our goal at Open Care Community is to provide you the support you need on your healing journey. A holistic approach to healing can be achieved by combining bodywork with mental health support.
VII. Healing Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
a. After the Session
Rest: Let your mind and body absorb the experience.
Hydration: Fluid intake should be adequate to facilitate the release of toxins
Reflection: Journaling will help process feelings and insights.
Ongoing Support: Think about follow-up sessions or add-on therapies. Small Steps
Healing doesn’t stop when the session ends. Your body will continue to integrate the treatment for a few days after treatment. Consistency is key - coming in once a week to treat an acute issue will result in faster results that last longer. The way acupuncture works, we often will do a number of treatments (for example, a patient might come in once a week for 12 weeks). Patients then switch to maintenance treatments, sometimes coming once a month, or as needed when an issue comes up. Every patient is different, every treatment is tailored to the individual patients, and your acupuncturist can discuss this with you after your first session. We’ll be here as part of your journey.
VIII. Why Choose Open Care Community?
At Open Care Community, we prioritize:
a. Gentle, Affordable, Trauma-Informed
We believe health care should be both compassionate and affordable. Our sliding-scale fees, ADA accessibility, and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity create a space where you can show up fully, no matter your background or story.
b. Located in Downtown Brooklyn
Conveniently situated on the 10th floor of 44th Court Street, it's easy for the public to get there by public transportation.
c. Multi-Modality Support
From acupuncture to herbal consultations, sports medicine to massage, we combine a full spectrum of integrative care that meets all of your emotional, physical, and energetic needs.
IX. Further Reading & Resources
Feel physically lighter and emotionally freer. Book your affordable, sliding-scale bodywork session now at Open Care Community.
