Feeling Emotionally Heavy? This Part of Your Body Could Be Holding Sadness

Can the body hold onto sadness? Explore the emotional connection between stress, the nervous system, and physical tension through this simple healing practice by Sanatangyan.

While emotional suffering is generally an experience we have in our minds, we oftentimes feel the effects of that emotional suffering in our bodies as tension, heaviness or pain. Somatic healing, which is a relatively new area of study, has been developed to deal with the various ways we carry emotional states in our bodies.  One simple body-based practice involving the clavicle and shoulder area is now gaining attention for helping release emotional heaviness, grief, and stress naturally.

Can the Body Really Store Sadness?

When our emotions are stored in this way, they also affect our bodies and how we are able to physically express ourselves. Somatic healing explains how both grief and sadness can become stuck in specific parts of the body over time.

According to somatic healing practitioners, shoulders, collarbone area and upper chest are the most often associated with holding emotional weight. Many people tend to hold tension in these areas of their bodies as they experience stress, heartbreak, or unresolved grief.

For centuries, the wisdom of ancient Indian culture has understood that there is a primal connection between the mind and body. The Bhagavad Gita speaks beautifully about the importance of maintaining emotional equilibrium:

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।

सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥

Remain balanced in success and failure, for true yoga is emotional equilibrium.

The knowledge found in this text is very closely related to somatic healing; the goal of both is to restore balance through physical sensation and emotional awareness. There is a shared interest in exploring how ancient spiritual knowledge informs modern wellness practices through platforms such as sanatangyan.

The Shoulder and Clavicle Area May Hold Sadness

Many somatic therapists believe that sadness and grief are commonly stored around the chest, clavicle, and shoulder region. Emotional burdens often make the shoulders feel heavy without a physical reason.

Reiki master Talyn Fiore demonstrated a simple technique believed to help release emotional heaviness from this area.

How to Perform the Somatic Release Exercise

• Sit comfortably with the spine straight but relaxed.

• Lean against a wall if support feels helpful.

• Place the index finger below the clavicle (collarbone).

• Move toward the shoulder and place the middle finger there.

• Begin gently massaging the area in circular motions.

• Continue slowly until the body naturally feels ready to stop.

• Repeat the same process on the other side.

According to somatic teachings, tenderness or tightness in these spots may indicate emotionally stored grief or sadness. Emotional reactions such as tears or deep sighs may naturally arise during the process.

The practice also suggests that:

• The right shoulder and clavicle may relate to masculine emotional wounds.

• The left shoulder and clavicle may relate to feminine emotional wounds.

Whether taken symbolically or emotionally, the practice encourages deeper self-awareness and gentle emotional release.

Why Breath and Intention Matter

Somatic healing is not only about movement. The emotional intention behind the practice is equally important.

A person may perform the movement physically, but healing becomes deeper when the mind also participates. Slow breathing and mindful awareness help calm the nervous system and create emotional safety inside the body.

In spiritual teachings connected with Sanatan Dharma, intention is considered powerful energy. Thoughts influence emotions, and emotions influence the body.

“मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः” - (Amritabindu Upanishad)

“The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation.”

This means healing often begins from within.

Powerful Affirmations for Emotional Release

Affirmations are a powerful tool for further enhancing emotional healing, particularly when used with deliberate inhalation/holding of breath.

Some calming affirmations include:

• “With every exhale, sadness leaves the body.”

• “The shoulders relax and the mind softens.”

• “All emotions are allowed to be felt safely.”

• “Healing is happening gently and naturally.”

• “Rest, breath, and peace are welcome here.”

Inhale-Exhale-Repeat - while performing the above will help to solidify the body/mind connection.

The Spiritual Side of Emotional Healing

According to Sanatan Dharma, we should never suppress any emotional experience; instead we should observe each of our emotions so that we can consciously release them from our bodies.

The Bhagavad Gita reminds us:

“दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः।” - (Bhagavad Gita 2.56)

A person of wisdom remains steady in sorrow and free from unhealthy attachment in happiness.

This does not promote repressing feelings, but does help provide a path to being aware of how you feel while not being in bondage to your suffering.

Breathwork, meditation, chanting, yoga and somatic release are all breathing and body techniques or therapies through which an individual can cleanse themselves physically and emotionally and create balance in the nervous system.

When we provide our bodies and minds with the ability to let go of past traumas, we open the door to emotional recovery and relief. When you develop your awareness, movement and breath will help support your emotional release cycle from heavy to lightness, balance and serenity. This is the method shared in the teachings of Sanatangyan.