The Energy of Emotions: How Feelings Shape our Health

Contributed by Sandra Quist, Homeopath & Reiki Therapist

In my homeopathic practice, I ask a lot of questions, many of them are simple but profound: When did the pain start? What was happening in your life at that time? What was the strongest emotion you were feeling?

Many people don’t immediately realise how deeply their emotions are tied to their physical pain. Then, almost like a lightbulb turning on, they suddenly remember — a divorce, a sudden death, being treated unfairly — and slowly they begin to make the connection.

We are energetic beings, and emotions are pure energy. They are something we feel, not something we can see. This is why conventional medicine often struggles to address pain that has an emotional root. If you can’t measure it or scan for it, it’s easy to overlook. This is where energy-based therapies, including homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology or reiki truly shine — working with the energetic body to release blocks and support deep healing.

Even our everyday language reflects how emotions impact the body: we talk about being “heartbroken,” feeling “gutted,” or having “butterflies in the stomach.” These aren't just figures of speech — they are real energetic experiences our bodies are communicating via physical symptoms.

I first truly noticed the connection between emotions and illness when I became a mother. As surprising as it sounds, it was through observing my son that I began to see it clearly — even before I recognised it fully in myself. Although he was a resilient child and bounced back quickly from most childhood illnesses, I noticed a pattern. At times when something unfair happened — perhaps at school or on the playground — he would suddenly spike a strong fever. Fairness was very important to him, and when he felt powerless or wronged, his body responded physically. When working with clients my aim is to help them heal the stuck emotion - the emotion that wasn't allowed to be expressed in a way that helped to heal it. Emotions are energy in motion - they need to be allowed the space to move and flow in a way that helps the person process and heal

While we all experience a wide range of emotions, often there is one core feeling in a given moment that leaves the strongest imprint. If that emotion isn’t processed or expressed properly, it can become stuck — turning into stagnant energy that eventually seeks an outlet. If left unresolved for long enough, it may take longer to heal, both emotionally and physically.

Much of how we process our feelings we learned in childhood so it is important that we begin to change these paterns in our own children. Have you ever noticed your child suddenly getting sick after parents have been arguing, or developing a stomach ache that only appears during school hours? If you take a little time to investigate and listen, you might be surprised to discover the emotions that trouble your child. Often times they are too young to understand some things happening in their environment and by simply helping them feel supported in their feelings it can make a world of difference in their experience of life.

Of course, there are times when we burn the candle at both ends, pushing ourselves through endless to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries until we inevitably catch a cold or come down with something more serious. It's not always one single emotional event that tips the scales; sometimes it’s the slow, steady drip of chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and physical overwork that wears down the body's natural resilience. Illness, in these moments, becomes the body’s way of demanding that we stop, rest, and pay attention. The body is always speaking to us — we simply have to listen.

We can begin with our children. Teach them to name and express their emotions. Encourage them to listen to their bodies when they are tired, upset, or overwhelmed. Help them understand that resting, talking, and feeling are not weaknesses but vital parts of being human. The more they understand themselves, the healthier and more balanced they will become as adults.

Healing begins when we honour emotions as the energy they truly are.

If you feel that emotions or stress might be contributing to your pain or health challenges, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Through homeopathy or a deeply restorative Reiki session, we can work together to help release stuck emotions and support your body’s natural healing process.

To book a consultation or learn more, feel free to reach out to me, Sandra Quist, at sandra@thehague-naturalhealthcentre.com. I would be honoured to support you on your healing journey.