When words become symptoms: how common sayings reveal the emotional meaning of physical pain

We use body-focused expressions every day without thinking about the deeper meaning behind them. But many of these sayings aren’t random metaphors, they’re emotional truths the body understands literally.

The subconscious mind speaks in symbols, sensations, and stored emotion. When something becomes too heavy to process mentally or spiritually, the body often steps in to express what hasn’t been fully felt or acknowledged.

In my work with the Body Code™ and Belief Code®, I see how physical discomfort can mirror emotional patterns, limiting beliefs, or unresolved experiences. This blog explores some of the expressions we use so casually, and the deeper messages they reveal.

Common sayings that point to the emotional meaning of physical pain or spiritual imbalances

These familiar expressions offer powerful insight into the emotional landscape behind physical tension or discomfort. There is often an emotional meaning of physical pain, as explained in these examples:

“They are a pain in my neck.”

Possible emotional/spiritual root:

• Feeling burdened

• Pressure from others

• Difficulty turning away from conflict

Physical correlation: Neck tension or restricted mobility.

“I can’t stomach this.”

Possible root:

• Something feels “wrong” or hard to accept

• Emotional shock

• Intuition signaling discomfort.

Physical correlation: Digestive tension or nausea.

“They stabbed me in the back.”

Possible root:

• Betrayal

• Broken trust

• Feeling unprotected.

Physical correlation: Tension between the shoulder blades or mid-back.

“I feel weighed down.”

Possible root:

• Carrying too much responsibility

• Emotional heaviness

• Taking on others’ feelings.

Physical correlation: Shoulder and upper-back tightness.

“I can’t stand it anymore.”

Possible root:

• Emotional exhaustion

• Feeling unsupported

• Wanting change but feeling stuck.

  
  

Physical correlation: Knee or leg discomfort.

“It’s hard to swallow.”

Possible root:

• Difficulty accepting a situation

• Holding back emotions or truth

• Fear of speaking up.

  
  

Physical correlation: Throat tightness or swallowing issues.

“I don’t have the heart for it.”

Possible root:

• Emotional fatigue

• Loss of passion

• Feeling disconnected from purpose.

Physical correlation: Chest tightness or low energy.

“My heart is breaking.”

Possible emotional or spiritual root:

• Grief

• Loss or separation

• Deep sadness

• Feeling unsupported during vulnerability.

Physical correlation:

• Chest heaviness

• Shallow breathing

• Emotional overwhelm

• Energetic “heart wall” responses.

Grief is one of the most powerful emotions the body mirrors, especially in the heart and chest area.

“I’m feeling torn.”

Possible emotional or spiritual root:

• Being pulled in two directions

• Inner conflict

• Struggling between choices or loyalties

• Feeling divided between what you want and what you “should” do.

Physical correlation:

• Pain or tension along the sides of the body

• Hip imbalances

• Digestive discomfort

• Energetic misalignment between left (inner world) and right (outer world) sides.

This phrase often reflects a split between intuition and obligation, a conflict the body tries to reconcile through sensation.

How the Body Code™ and Belief Code® bring relief

✨ Body Code™ helps release:

• Trapped emotional energy

• Energetic misalignments

• Past trauma stored in the body

• Nervous system tension

• Imbalanced energy circuits.

✨ Belief Code® helps shift:

• Limiting subconscious beliefs

• Old identity patterns

• Inherited emotional programming

• Protective emotional walls.

This work brings physical and mental relief - most common responses are a feeling of "lightness" and clarity.

Why this mind-body connection matters

Physical tension is often the body’s way of “speaking” when emotional overwhelm goes unexpressed. Recognising this connection doesn’t replace medical support, it complements it by bringing awareness to what the subconscious might be holding.

Your body isn’t your enemy. It’s your messenger.

Through energy healing, we help the subconscious release what the body has been carrying.

Ready to explore the emotional roots of your physical symptoms?

Energy healing offers a gentle path toward understanding and releasing the deeper emotional patterns behind physical discomfort. Note- please see your qualified healthcare professional first for any physical issues as energy healing is complementary to medical care.

👉 Learn more about Body Code™ and Belief Code® sessions in my subconscious weeding program

👉 Book a session to uncover the emotional meaning behind your symptoms

Best wishes,

Jeanette

Intuitive Guide and Subconscious Energy Healer