Over the years, the tension in my everyday life has manifested itself in various parts of my body. I assume I’m not unique in this regard, as everyone has tensions and needs to relieve themselves of them.
When I was in college, tension showed up in my stomach, sometimes making it difficult for me to eat. Once I ended up in the local teaching hospital as physicians and their shadow interns tried to discern what was wrong with me. I endured barium X-rays, glucose tolerance tests, and psychological analysis. Six days later I was released with an admonition to visit my family doctor, who said I was high strung.
But that was years ago. In the interim, my stomach problems turned into emotional problems, which subsequently turned into frozen shoulders, which then became neck pain, which then – and currently – became clenched teeth.
After many years of this syndrome, I realize that at one time or another my body takes the brunt of my feelings. Perhaps the original family doctor was right when he said I was high strung. I’d like to rid my body of such responsibility, but so far I’ve not been able. But, here is what I have done as a safeguard.
When one part of my body seems to be exhausted, I do whatever it takes to recognize it and nurture it. With this in mind, I’m currently seeing a masseuse who works on the relationship of frozen shoulder to clenched teeth. I think I’ll be happy with the result.
Most likely another part of my body will take up the slack. Will it be my arms or my throat or maybe back to my stomach? It’s okay, since I recognize the syndrome and am ready to work with it.
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