Have you ever had one of those days—or weeks, or even months—where you feel a constant pressure in your chest? Maybe it’s a low hum of anxiety, a simmering frustration that’s always just below the surface, or a heavy sadness you can’t quite shake. You might even feel physically tense, with a stiff neck, tight shoulders, or an upset stomach, but you can’t pinpoint a specific cause.

If this sounds familiar, please know this first and foremost: you are not alone, and what you are feeling is valid. Life throws a lot at us. Between work, family, and the general pace of modern life, it’s incredibly easy for emotions to get stuck. We often have to “power through,” pushing our feelings down just to get through the day. But those feelings don’t just disappear. They become pent-up energy with nowhere to go, and they frequently manifest as physical pain, mental fog, and emotional exhaustion.



At A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center here in Jacksonville, we understand this mind-body connection deeply. We see many wonderful people just like you who are seeking a natural, holistic way to release what’s been held inside. The good news is that you can learn to let it go. Here are five gentle, effective ways to start that process.

1. Move Your Body to Move Your Energy

When emotions get stuck, our energy—or what we call Qi (pronounced "chee") in Traditional Chinese Medicine—gets stuck, too. One of the most direct ways to get this energy flowing again is through physical movement. This doesn’t mean you need to run a marathon.

• Try This: Put on your favorite music and just sway or dance in your living room. Go for a walk on one of our beautiful Jacksonville beaches and focus on the rhythm of your steps and the sound of the waves. Practices like Yoga or Tai Chi are also exceptional, as they combine mindful movement with breathwork, specifically designed to harmonize your body and mind. The goal is to literally shake up the stagnant energy and create flow.

2. Connect with Your Breath: The Anchor in the Storm

Your breath is your most powerful and always-available tool for calming your nervous system. When we’re stressed or holding in emotion, our breath becomes shallow. By consciously deepening it, we signal to our brain and body that it’s safe to relax.

• Try This: Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, feeling your belly expand like a balloon. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Aim for your exhale to be longer than your inhale. Just 2-5 minutes of this "belly breathing" can significantly lower your stress hormones and create a sense of space around those crowded feelings.

3. Express Yourself Creatively

Words sometimes fail us, especially when emotions are complex. Creative expression offers a non-verbal outlet for what’s inside. There are no rules, and no one ever has to see it.

• Try This: Grab some crayons or markers and a piece of paper. Don’t draw a picture of something; just let your hand move freely with color, expressing how you feel. Journaling without judgment—simply writing down whatever comes to mind—is another powerful release valve. The act of getting the energy out of your head and onto a page is profoundly freeing.

4. Experience the Healing Power of Therapeutic Touch

Sometimes, the body holds onto emotions long after the mind has tried to forget. This is where the healing power of therapeutic touch can be truly transformative. At A Balanced You, we offer specific, time-tested therapies to address this exact issue.

• Acupuncture: By inserting fine, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture works to unblock stagnant Qi and rebalance the body’s systems. For pent-up emotions, it can calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and release deep-seated physical tension. It’s a profoundly relaxing experience that encourages your body’s own innate healing abilities to take over.
• Tuina Medical Massage: More than a relaxation massage, Tuina is a therapeutic form of bodywork rooted in Chinese medicine. It uses techniques like rolling, pressing, and stretching to target meridians and specific points. It is incredibly effective at releasing muscle adhesions, improving circulation, and moving stuck emotional energy that manifests as pain or stiffness.
• Cupping Therapy: You might have seen the distinctive circular marks. Cupping uses suction on the skin to draw up tissue, which helps to break up stagnation, increase blood flow, and facilitate the flow of Qi. It’s particularly helpful for deep muscle tension and can create a powerful sense of release, both physically and emotionally.

5. Talk It Out in a Safe Space

While internal and physical practices are vital, giving voice to your feelings is equally important. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional therapist can provide immense relief. It helps you feel heard, validated, and less alone in your experience. We view mental and emotional wellness as a crucial part of your overall health and are happy to provide resources and referrals.

You Deserve to Feel Like a Balanced You

Releasing pent-up emotions is a journey of self-compassion, not a race. It’s about finding the tools that feel right for you. At our clinic, our sole purpose is to provide a safe, supportive, and natural path to help you release what’s holding you back and rediscover your sense of balance and well-being.

If you’re ready to explore how acupuncture, Tuina, or cupping can support you on this journey, we are here to help. You’ve already taken the first brave step by seeking answers.

Contact A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to help you feel like yourself again.

References & Further Reading:

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2022). "Acupuncture: What You Need To Know." https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). "Relaxation techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response." https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
3. American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). "The power of the expressive arts." https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/expressive-arts

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.