Understanding Somatic Symptoms: How Emotional Triggers Show Up Physically

Written by Rebecca Newbold, M.S. Psychology

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What if I told you that your chronic sore throat, frequent migraines, or recurring hives could be more than meets the eye?

Humans, like all animals, are somatic in nature, meaning we express our inner energy externally.

Let me break this down with an example.

Anole lizard immediately after scratch (left) and one hour aftr healing & rest (right) - demonstrating somatic response to stress

In 2020, I accidentally scratched an anole lizard with my car tire. While there was no serious injury, the lizard was clearly in distress. Its bright green body turned a muddy brown color. I gently took the lizard back to my patio (just down the street) and sent healing light energy throughout its tiny body. I put out water and gave it time to rest. When I returned shortly after, its vibrant green color had returned completely and not long after that, the lizard made its way back to the canal.

That color shift was an outward response to internal distress.

Similarly, on a recent family vacation, I noticed a lot of old triggers and stress resurfacing. Thanks to the healing work I’ve done, I was able to remain grounded and regulate my reactions to those around me. But my body didn’t feel safe. Over the course of a week, I experienced swollen lymph nodes, multiple migraines, strange breakouts in unusual places, and more… all with no connection to an external illness.

So what the heck was going on?

No matter how much healing you have done, your body still responds to triggers.

My body was having a physical response to the emotional undercurrents and tension around me even though outwardly, I was composed.

Let’s talk about why this happens.

Somatization is when your body presents physical symptoms in response to emotional or mental stressors. It doesn’t matter whether you consciously react to the situation… your body reacts based on its felt sense of safety, not your logical understanding of what's happening.

In other words: no matter how “healed” you are (or think you are), your body will still respond when your nervous system feels unsettled.

Here’s what somatization might look like:

• When you don’t feel heard or safe to speak up, your throat might feel tight, leading to a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes.

• When your body feels unsafe, your nervous system becomes hyperaware, taking in more sights, sounds, and sensory input than usual. This can lead to overwhelm, tension headaches, or pain behind your eyes.

• When you’re under pressure or holding onto too much, your body might attempt to release those internal stressors, sometimes through breakouts, rashes, or hives.

  
  

Just like the lizard didn’t choose to change color, you may not be aware of your somatic symptoms until they show up. But how you respond still matters.

Do you... take an allergy pill or painkiller and push through, ignoring the inner conflict that triggered the symptom?... Or do you pause, breathe into your body, and gently ask it what it's trying to say?

When I was visiting family and experienced swollen lymph nodes and migraines, I could’ve taken Tylenol immediately, ignored the pain, and powered through. But I’ve learned to listen. I took time to reflect. I tuned into my neck and throat and asked: Why do you feel unheard? I allowed my body to be a messenger, not just a problem to fix.

Important note: I did take medicine when the pain became too much so I could sleep and function. You don’t need to suffer in silence to be “spiritual” or “aware.” Taking care of your pain and tuning into your body are not mutually exclusive. Trust your capacity. You can support yourself and stay curious about what your body is trying to express.

So how can you put bodily awareness into practice?

1. Start with awareness. A simple body scan is a great place to begin. This gentle practice invites you to slowly feel into different parts of your body, noticing where there’s tension, tightness, or ease. When you feel well, take note of what wellness feels like. When you feel “off,” notice where the discomfort lives. The more often you do this, the more skilled you’ll become at detecting subtle signs of dis-ease.

2. Breathe into the discomfort. When you do notice pain or tightness, gently breathe into that area and ask:"What are you trying to tell me?"Then listen. Let memories, emotions, or intuitive nudges rise to the surface. You might be surprised by what shows up.

   
   

Ready to reconnect with your body’s wisdom?

If you’re feeling curious but unsure how to begin, I'd love to support you. A Light Energy Healing Session is a gentle, supportive space to explore your body’s messages, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with your inner voice.

👉 Click here to schedule your session and begin the journey back to your body.You don’t have to do it alone.