The physical body is a union of the material and spiritual worlds, intertwining all internal and external disruptions from a person’s life. It is the space that stores all our feelings, emotions, and experiences, making it extremely intelligent in itself. The body knows what is happening inside you at every moment and has its own language, “speaking” primarily through pain, discomfort, and other sensory signals.
In fact, the human physique is far more connected to psychological and emotional states than most people assume. Certain behavioral patterns and defenses—like judging yourself and your appearance—can create tension and disrupt health. Over the years, gradually becoming confined within the framework of a "constructed personality" prevents energy from flowing freely. Genuine, uninhibited communication begins to fade—not only with others but also with yourself.
The ego, or our inborn survival mechanism, is what makes us unnatural and builds an artificial wall between us and the world. Its tendency is to identify with various things like race, origin, personal beliefs, and even the perception of the body—concepts which, when seen from the vast perspective of the universe, are merely constructs of the mind. The stronger the identification with external objects, the more likely inner imbalance is to arise. Interestingly, the word “persona” in Latin literally means “mask.” We all wear our masks that shape our social image, shielding us from pain and vulnerability. Our true essence is often buried deep beneath these layers—until something forces us to shed them.
Listen to What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
As mentioned, the body holds a vast amount of information that, together with consciousness, is projected through a form of expression called a symptom. We are gifted with the five senses—touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight. If we learn to use them correctly, we can “decode” what the body is telling us, feel the energy rising from within, and recognize emerging pain as a part of us. Achieving a state of harmony is about agreeing with and accepting what is, without judgment or identification. Rejection leads to extremes, taking us away from health and awareness. Anyone striving for true self-awareness must begin observing symptoms across the organs and systems of the body and how they feel at any given moment.
The science of Ayurveda helps us interpret illnesses and address their root causes. Infections, for example, may indicate hidden fears, avoidance of conflict, or unwillingness to face a problem. This is because inflammation often resembles emotions at war within us, looking for an outlet. The flu, on the other hand, may reflect the body's need to “get sick” because daily life and people’s demands have become overwhelming. Before the flu strikes, we are often under constant pressure, feeling the need to escape.
The immune system's role is to protect the body, which has its psychological counterpart—keeping things, people, and even love at a distance. When someone feels love, they open up—but also become more vulnerable. Allergies, in addition to being physical reactions, can also stem from suppressed fears about allowing true feelings toward others—or toward ourselves—to emerge. Breathing techniques and yoga can help not only relieve these symptoms but also provide deeper insight into the root of the problem.
