From Pain to Balance: An Osteopath’s Insights on Emotions, the Body, and Healing

For ten years, I visited my physiotherapist/osteopath/acupuncturist monthly.

I placed immense value on these visits, as they were a crucial anchor that allowed me to keep functioning. The calm that P. brought was something I needed, and I always felt more energetic after seeing him. I slept better, and my pain complaints were virtually gone. Due to circumstances, these visits ceased, and I was truly distraught; I could no longer rely on him, which made me very anxious. I searched for a year for a new osteopath who could take over this role, but the combination of P.'s calming presence, his relaxed demeanor, and the blend of osteopathy and acupuncture was hard to match. My complaints worsened; I developed hip pain and could only walk for 10 minutes a day. During that period, I read the renowned book I discuss in my e-book and eventually became pain-free.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with P. again. It had been three years since my last consultation with him. He had read my e-book and shared his insights as a complement to the story I aim to convey: that changing your mindset is essential in letting go of chronic pain.

P. wishes to remain anonymous because he absolutely dislikes being in the spotlight, even in a blog article. From my own experience and that of others who were his patients, I know this man deserves a statue. He was my 'sensei,' my shifu, my little haven of peace, a support with an incredibly extensive knowledge of the human body. I am grateful that he wanted to read and discuss my e-book.

Emotions and the Body: A Two-Way Interaction

According to P., it's important to realize that emotions and physical complaints influence each other—in both directions.

An emotional blockage or stress can cause physical pain—think of tense shoulders, pelvic pain, or chronic fatigue. But prolonged pain or tension can equally evoke emotions: frustration, sadness, fear.

There are five primary emotions that we all experience:

• Fear and anxiety are linked to the kidneys as an organ and meridian. This energy is connected to bones and teeth and is associated with the ears as a sensory organ.

• Sadness and grief are linked to the lungs. They reflect in the voice and the skin.

• Melancholy and overthinking are linked to the spleen and manifest in the muscles and lips.

• Anger is connected to the liver and expresses itself in the tendons. The liver meridian ensures a smooth flow of energy and harmonizes emotions. In cases of anger, this energy becomes blocked, intensifying the emotions.

• Joy is linked to the heart and is associated with the tongue as a sensory organ.

When one of these five emotions becomes dominant for an extended period, an energy imbalance or stagnation occurs; this is the stagnation of energy flow in the meridian. This can lead to physical complaints.

Each meridian passes its energy to the next meridian.

“Our body tells us what's going on, even if we can't articulate it ourselves.”

Organs and Emotional Signals

P. explained that in Chinese medicine, organs are connected to emotions. For example, pain in the shoulders, trapezius muscle, or hips can indicate liver stagnation—a term that denotes an energetic imbalance. The liver is emotionally associated with anger. Thumb pain, elbow, or shoulder complaints can also be viewed in this context.

The body constantly strives for balance between yin and yang, tension and relaxation, action and rest. When this balance is disrupted, the body seeks a way to release. Sometimes through pain, sometimes through fatigue, and sometimes through illness during moments when you finally have peace.

Why You Sometimes Get Sick During your Vacation

In my e-book, I mention that people often experience less pain on vacation: they relax, stress dissipates, and complaints vanish. But P. and a teacher friend added that the opposite often occurs. Think of people who only get migraines on vacation or teachers who invariably fall ill during school holidays.

Why? Because the body then feels space to crash. Finally, no pressure, no deadlines—so it can.

“You don't get sick because you rest, but because the body then has the chance to release something.”

Everything Is About Seeking Balance

We tend to look for physical solutions when experiencing pain complaints. But according to P., it's equally important to examine how you live. How you eat. How you move. How you feel. And especially: how you calm your mind.

For one person, that's walking. For another, a good conversation with a psychologist. For some, meditation, yoga, or sports work. There's no right or wrong way.

“It doesn't matter how you calm your mind—as long as you do it.”

Especially When It's Difficult, It's Necessary

“It's precisely the person who can't meditate who needs meditation the most.”

Many people find it difficult to sit still. Their thoughts race. They start overthinking, become restless. And yet, it's exactly that mind that craves space.

The power of meditation or conscious breathing—focusing your attention on painful areas or weak organs—restores the balance between mind and body.

The same applies to movement. Suppose someone wants to start jogging. Naturally, the beginner experiences more resistance than someone who has been running for years. But that person will feel the greatest impact. Small step, big gain.

The Quick Fix Doesn't Exist

P. noted that many patients desire a quick solution. A treatment, a pill, an answer. But unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.

“Balance is not a destination, but a process and a lifelong task.”

You can follow some dietary advice, see a psychologist, take supplements, or visit the osteopath—but the puzzle is spread across all these elements, and it requires self-insight to piece them together.

Sometimes your moment of peace is a 30-minute walk. Not spectacular. But effective. Because if that helps you clear your mind after a busy day, it's just as valuable as therapy or a yoga session.

In Conclusion

This conversation with P. once again confirmed for me that pain isn't solely in the body. It's in who we are, how we think, how we feel. And how we deal with everything life throws at us.

You don't have to be a top athlete. You don't have to meditate every day. But you may seek what brings you balance. And that may be something different today than it was yesterday.

You don't have to be perfect—you just have to listen.

Your Path to a Pain-Free Life

P's insights perfectly align with the message of my e-book: that it's possible to let go of chronic pain if you're willing to look inward. Not from a place of struggle, but from gentleness and awareness. By pausing to consider what your body is telling you. By not suppressing your emotions, but learning to listen.

Finding balance is a process, not a goal. And in that process, every step is valuable—whether it's a conversation with a therapist, a peaceful walk, pottery, or reading a book that offers you insights.

Do you recognize yourself in this story?

Perhaps it's time to embark on your own path to healing—step by step, with loving attention to both body and mind. In my e-book, I share how I became pain-free through a powerful mindset shift. Perhaps my story can inspire you to take the helm as well.

Special thanks to P., for your valuable insights that helped me walk this path!