Release of Emotions

Last year my mother was watching a TV show (some drama like Grey's Anatomy) and one character underwent acupuncture and had an emotional reaction to the point of tears, and on the table. She wanted to buy me a session of acupuncture, so I have finally gone (yesterday) and they said that my spleen is very weak.

Anyway, I had forgotten at this point that there were possibilities of emotional releases, since I finally went to the acupuncturist on a whim. I felt angry when I went to my kung fu and qi gong class in the evening and then also felt very self-conscious and sensitive. I couldn't perform for the first half, and then the second half I had to leave because I felt so distraught. I didn't want to cry in front of anyone, so I tried to regain composure. I don't like to hide my feelings and I wanted to work them out, but there didn't seem to be as much as I thought there would be. I suppose we shall see as I continue to take the medicine and return next week for my appointment. There doesn't seem too much to cry about, when I thought about it, but I didn't want anyone worrying about me having disappeared, so I had to suck it up and formally depart.

I don't recommend analysing emotions, because I agree that people may set themselves on these feelings and never really let go of them, but I would say to cherish and know all of them, accept them, and let them go. It's tough to let them go since they have been with us for so long, but then that is why I am going for the therapy.

Tess

Crying shows that you may of been holding onto some grief, and anger and frustration could be held onto resentments about family or friends, in which case, its good to let them go, I do agree with Chad on that point, and also believe that it is helps the natural healing process of the body.

A lot of people have tightness in the mid thoracic part of the spine, and I recognise this to be held onto anger or resentments, as there is no other musculoskeletal strains or improper posture causing this stagnation.

Emotions such as anxiety builds in the upper part of the body, when our energy is swirling due to stimulation or projecting too far into the future, anxiety builds or we begin to panic and dread the worst. Awareness of this energy build up, and practice still mind practices, with deep breathing and being in the present can allow us to flow with life and its events better.

Most forms of Bodywork and Energy Work can act as the catalyst for release of unexpected and/or unexpressed emotions. More specifically, Deep Tissue Massage seems to be the area where "emotional release" is most prevelent. Well, at least where "emotional release" is most expected to occur.

Generally, drinking a good bit of water after one&#39s treatment allows the flow of emotions to dissipate quickly. This is not to say that the emotional release will mean very litte or will not occur at all. Quite the contrary. They can be very powerful and very cathartic.

However, the anger and upset seems to be diminished when the body is well hydrated. In fact, additional water drinking is suggested when the feelings and emotions become to come to the surface. It is always best speak to your practitioner at your follow up appointment.

This definitely sounds like a powerful release of emotions due to the Shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu works on the Nadis / Sen points which affects our Energy System. In Yogic understanding, we hold deposits of karma in our Nadis. This can show up as blockages of intense emotion. When you receive healing work that gets these blockages moving, you might experience this as a release where you feel you are acting out the emotion. When this happens right after a healing treatment, this is a red flag that you are releasing a karmic deposit. Don&#39t panic! It is a healthy and wonderful thing to unwind and heal these old deposits. The problem arises when we get stuck acting it out, as you mentioned. This effect can be nuetralized by a good meditation practice. Meditation will help you to witness the emotions, rather than identify with them. And it will also help you to process the intense emotions much faster. I recommend finding a local class or group in your area.