Laugh, Cry, Lift

Back in my early twenties, shortly after beginning to do yoga regularly, I remember breaking into tears during savasana (that's the final relaxation pose.) I don't mean just once... it was happening everyday for a while. I asked my teacher what was the deal, and she just waived her hand and said, "Don't worry about it, just let it happen and it will stop eventually." She was right. From time to time, I still experience strong emotions after a vigorous workout or somatic-centered therapy, but it now happens less frequently.

I recently came across an article that does a good job of explaining the science behind "exercise-induced emotional release" and the healing benefits of this phenomenon. The author explains how "energy cysts," the byproduct of unresolved physical or emotional trauma, are dissipated during these experiences, thereby inducing an emotional release. The article also briefly touches upon how acupuncture and craniosacral unwinding can elicit a similar response, as some of you who have experienced these modalities can attest. Read the article here.