The Issues Are in the Tissues

A Personal Story of Somatic Healing

Entering the Work

I lay down on the massage table; it was my turn for abdominal work. I was attending a 4-day workshop called Brain Therapy—a combination of Cranial Sacral, Myofascial Release, and Massage designed to take tension off the brain and calm the nervous system.

At first, it felt like any other session. But as my partner began working, something deeper stirred.

The Emotional Release

A familiar sensation rose within me. I looked into her eyes and said, “I’m about to have an emotional release.”

The words had barely left my mouth when the tears came. Grief poured out of me—the kind of grief that folds you into the fetal position. A memory resurfaced, one I thought I had already processed years ago.

I sobbed deeply, my whole body shaking with sadness. The release went on for what felt like half an hour. Then, when the waves finally passed, I was left completely exhausted.

The Healing Response

What I experienced was more than emotion—it was energy my body had been holding for years. After resting, I slowly re-oriented myself, walking around the room before stepping outside to place my bare feet on the ground.

Grounding in nature calmed me immediately. Thank goodness this happened at the end of the workshop—I had no capacity for more bodywork that day. My body had already done what it needed to do.

The Issues Are in the Tissues

That moment gave me a profound understanding of something I’d been taught: “the issues are in the tissues.”

The word somatic comes from the Greek soma, meaning body. Our bodies hold memories, emotions, and experiences long after our minds believe they’re resolved. With all the bodywork I had received, my nervous system finally felt safe enough to let go of what I’d been carrying.

The Aftermath

Once the energy was released and I rested, I felt incredible. My body was lighter. My breath expanded. My ribcage felt like it had more space to move. Most of all, I had energy again.

What I realized is that holding onto old emotions had been silently draining my life force. The moment I let them go, that energy became available for living.

Why Somatic and Energy Work Matter

So many of us walk around every day feeling depleted, not realizing our bodies are holding on to old stories. Those unprocessed emotions weigh us down, even when our minds can’t see them.

This is the beauty of Somatic and Energy Work: it clears the space for healing. It allows you to thrive, to breathe deeper, and to bring more of yourself into your daily life.