Let’s chat about something a little eye-opening: the connection between your hips and your emotional state. This topic came to light for me during a tough time—my husband’s funeral at just 40 years old. It’s all a bit of a haze now, but a few moments stand out: my daughter sharing how much she loved playing basketball with him, the haunting sound of dirt hitting the coffin, and the overwhelming pain I felt. It was a pain that radiated not just from my heart and mind but also, surprisingly, from my hips.
Until that day, my hips had never bothered me, but suddenly, they felt like they were screaming in agony. I had always taken pride in my pain-free miles, but that day, my body just couldn’t hold me up. It was a shocking and frightening experience. Experts say it’s not uncommon for emotions to manifest physically; the hips, in particular, are known to be a “storage vessel for emotions.”
A Little Info on Your Hips
Most of us know where our hips are—they sit on either side of our pelvis. We might have a basic understanding of what they do, but there’s so much more happening in that area than we realize. Laura Adams, a fitness expert and author of Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep At A Time, explained that the hip joint is crucial for stability and weight support, whether we’re moving or staying still. There’s a whole group of muscles surrounding the hip joint, and it also houses organs that are vital for reproduction and elimination.
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Researchers have been diving into the mind-body connection for years. One notable insight came from neuroscientist Candace Pert, who said, “your body is your subconscious mind.” This idea is supported by recent studies showing that we physically experience our emotions. Laura Adams notes that the connection between emotional memory and physical reactions is often there to protect us, acting as a survival mechanism. That’s why stress might show up as tension in your jaw, tightness in your back, or even a pain in your neck.
Hips as Emotional Storage
Martha Greene, a well-known somatic educator, shared insights on how hips are intertwined with our emotional state. She noted that the pelvis contains essential organs and the psoas muscle, which links our upper and lower bodies. This connection is critical not only physically but emotionally too. When we face emotional stress, our psoas can tighten, and even after the stressor is gone, that tension can linger in our hips. This could even lead to headaches or lower back pain.
What to Do If Your Hips Hurt
If you’re experiencing hip pain, especially if it’s new, make sure to consult a medical professional. While the mind-body connection might explain some of the discomfort, there could be other underlying issues. After you see a doctor, Laura suggests getting curious about your pain. Ask yourself questions like when does it hurt, and what does the pain feel like? Depending on the situation, you might want to explore any emotional ties to the discomfort. Regular mindful movement, even just for a few minutes several times a week, can help. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
Lately, I’ve noticed my hips aching again—no surprise there given the challenges of solo parenting two tweens during a pandemic, along with all the political and economic uncertainties. But this time, I’m ready to listen to what my body is telling me, both mentally and emotionally—once I check in with my doctor, of course.
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In summary, our hips are more than just joints; they can hold onto our emotions and stress. It’s essential to pay attention to our bodies and explore any pain we might feel, understanding that it may be linked to our emotional state.
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