Are Our Hips Holding More Than We Think?
By Sophie Hardy
The idea that we store emotions in our hips has become a popular concept in both wellness and holistic health circles. This belief suggests that emotions, particularly those associated with trauma, stress or unresolved emotions, can manifest as tightness, pain or discomfort in the hip area.
From a symbolic perspective, the hips are seen as a significant area of the body where we hold onto emotions related to control, security and primal fears. As a yoga teacher and massage therapist I have observed that certain poses and manipulations that target the hips can evoke emotional releases in some clients, leading them to experience unexpected waves of sadness, anger or even joy. While this idea is frequently reported anecdotally, it there's a scientific basis for these experiences.
From a scientific standpoint, the connection between emotions and physical tension, especially in the hips, can be partly explained through the body's stress response. When we experience stress, the body engages its "fight or flight", which often results in muscle tension, particularly in areas like the hips and lower back.
The psoas muscle, which runs through the pelvis and connects the spine to the legs, plays a role in this response. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged tension in the psoas, contributing to a sensation of tightness or discomfort in the hips. While science may not fully validate the idea of storing emotions in specific body parts, it does support the concept that stress and unresolved emotions can manifest physically, particularly in muscles that are closely tied to our survival instincts.
Posture and chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, are often closely related to the state of the hips and surrounding muscles. Tight hips can limit your range of motion and lead to compensatory movements that strain other parts of the body, including the lower back. For instance, if the hip flexors are tight, it can cause the pelvis to tilt forward, increasing the curve in the lower back and leading to discomfort or pain. Additionally, the gluteal muscles, which are crucial for stabilising the pelvis and supporting the lower back, can become weakened or overactive due to hip tightness, contributing further to posture issues and pain.
In this sense, the physical consequences of tight hips go beyond discomfort, they can disrupt the body's overall alignment and contribute to chronic pain syndromes.
Ways to release emotions from the hips:
Yoga
Yoga is a powerful practice for releasing emotions stored in the body. Hip-opening poses, like pigeon pose are particularly effective in releasing tension and emotions that may be held in the hips.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a natural approach to healing trauma by increasing awareness of the body’s physical sensations and releasing the trauma that manifests physically.
Massage and Bodywork
Massage and bodywork are also valuable methods for releasing trauma from the hips. Techniques like deep tissue massage can release tension and emotions stored in the muscles and connective tissues around the hips. Additionally, bodywork techniques such as myofascial release can be particularly effective in easing tension and improving mobility with trigger points.
I encourage you to approach your body with a sense of curiosity and compassion. By giving these techniques a go, you may begin to notice subtle shifts not only in your hips but throughout your entire body and mind. Enjoy the process of releasing what no longer serves you and creating space for greater ease!
*This article should not be regarded as a replacement for professional or medical advice.
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