Lifestyle
By Jenna Matthews
Updated: Dec. 14, 2021
The day of my husband’s funeral was a blur. Only a few vivid moments remain in my mind—my daughter sharing her fond memories of playing basketball with him, the haunting sound of dirt hitting the coffin, and an overwhelming sense of pain. This pain wasn’t just in my heart and mind; it was also in my hips.
I had never experienced hip pain before, but suddenly I found myself struggling to stand. It was an unsettling and frightening sensation. Experts familiar with the mind-body connection suggest that this response isn’t surprising. The hips can serve as “storage vessels for emotions.”
Understanding the Role of Your Hips
Most people can identify their hips, the area on either side of the pelvis, and have a general idea of their function in daily life. However, many are unaware of the intricate processes occurring around the hip joint.
Laura Khoudari, a certified personal trainer and author of Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep At A Time, explains that the hip joint is crucial for our stability and movement. She highlights that approximately twenty muscles surround this joint, and the pelvis houses our reproductive and elimination organs, making it vital for both physical and emotional health.
The Mind-Body Connection
The mind-body connection has been a subject of research for decades. In 1985, neuroscientist Candace Pert stated that “your body is your subconscious mind.” Current studies support this notion, revealing that we universally experience emotions in our bodies. Khoudari emphasizes that we often physically manifest our feelings as a survival mechanism, which is why stress can lead to tension in areas like the jaw, shoulders, back, or hips.
Hips: A Repository for Emotion
Martha Eddy, a prominent somatic educator and founder of Dynamic Embodiment, discusses the significant role of the hips in this connection. She notes that the pelvis contains our creative and reproductive organs and features the psoas muscle, which links the upper and lower body. The psoas is also surrounded by the kidneys and adrenal glands, which regulate our fight or flight response. When confronted with emotional stress, our psoas muscles tense up, and even after the stressor is gone, this tension can linger, potentially causing headaches and lower back pain.
What to Do If You Experience Hip Pain
If you notice new pain in your hips, it’s essential to consult a medical professional. While the mind-body connection may explain some discomfort, other underlying issues could be at play. Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, Khoudari advises her clients to explore the source of their pain by examining when it occurs and the nature of the discomfort. She encourages finding pain-free moments or reflecting on the emotional connection to the hips through guided practices or journaling.
Engaging in regular mindful movement, even for just a few minutes several times a week, can be beneficial. Mindfulness has been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance emotional health, and help manage pain. This movement can include everyday activities like chores or warm-ups before a workout.
Recently, I’ve noticed my hips aching again. This time, I recognize the sources of my stress—navigating the challenges of solo parenting during an ongoing pandemic, grappling with political and financial uncertainties, and adapting to new environments. I feel better equipped to address the pain and understand what my body needs, both mentally and emotionally. After consulting a doctor, of course. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post and learn from the experts in the field. Additionally, for more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit NHS.
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Summary
This article explores the surprising relationship between hip pain and emotional well-being, highlighting the hips’ role as potential storage sites for emotions. It underscores the importance of the mind-body connection and recommends consulting healthcare professionals for any new pain. Mindful movement practices can help manage stress and enhance emotional awareness.