Let it go: the art of releasing

Taking the shame and stigma out of our bodies’ natural functions

Isn’t it strange that we feel the need to apologise for our body’s natural functions? It’s baffling how much stigma is associated with them. Especially in western societies, we must hide our mouths behind our hands when we yawn. We’re told to excuse ourselves when we sneeze. Or, if we’ve been crying, we feel the urge to hide our red eyes, masking the evidence to avoid others feeling awkward.

Growing up, I was taught to view these actions differently. My mum, a Reiki master, taught us that each function could also be viewed as a way of releasing, both physically and emotionally. Join me as I delve into some of the societal, scientific, and holistic interpretations of these actions, to break down some of the stigmas, and learn to just let them go...

Yawning

Yawning has long been considered a sign of tiredness and boredom, and it is often perceived as rude to openly yawn in company. Many societies dictate that we should politely place our hands in front of our mouths, fighting the irresistible stretch of our jaw.

But, do you know why we actually yawn? Well, there might be a few reasons. Some researchers suggest that yawning is a way to cool the brain when it’s getting too warm, as reported in a study in Physiology & Behaviour. The act of yawning forces us to breathe deeply, which increases blood flow in our bodies and allows cooler air in. Meanwhile, others believe that yawning can be caused by breathing issues, for example if someone is not breathing ‘diaphragmatically’ this may cause them to yawn, as noted in 2022 research in Sleep and Breathing.

Then there is the age-old question: why do we feel compelled to yawn when we see someone else yawning? This is a widely contested issue, with some researchers suggesting that yawning is an empathetic and social skill, noted in the International Journal of Applied & Basic Medical Research, connected to social mirroring, though others disagree.

From a cultural perspective, Ancient Greeks believed that an open mouth could allow good things to escape, such as the soul, and in Islam that yawning could let in evil spirits. Covering the mouth was a way to minimise risks in both these cases.

Adopting a more holistic lens, a fresh way of looking at yawning is as a way of expelling stagnant energies, with the belief that yawning during Reiki treatments or meditation could assist with releasing blockages.

Burping and farting

Next up, natural gas. In some societies, burping or farting is seen as disgusting or uncouth, perhaps partly due to the resulting unpleasant odours. We are typically taught to excuse ourselves, and even strangers, after burping or farting. However, there are places where a contrasting view occurs and burping is seen as acceptable, and even a sign of appreciation – such as in China, where it is not uncommon to let out a (gentle) burp after a good meal.

Speaking scientifically, burping is a perfectly natural way to push excess air from your upper digestive tract. It is a method of releasing excess air so that it does not reach the stomach. Then, farting is a way to release gas out of the intestines. The small amount of swallowed air that is not released combines with the digestive bacteria, and is expelled.

Yet, burping and farting can also be a sign of emotional release and growth when approached spiritually. Some believe that emotions can be stored in the body, and when we experience them intensely, they can become trapped in our energy field. Burping or farting during spiritual practices can be considered a sign that you are releasing these emotions, and, in turn, may feel lighter and more energised, both physically and spiritually. In Chinese medicine, burping can be connected to the concept of ‘qi’, the life force energy in the body. Burping is believed to help regulate the flow of qi, and promote good health.

Crying

I like to think that we have become better at dealing with crying in the past few decades. Societies are gradually thawing their frozen perceptions of gender roles, and we are becoming more emotionally intelligent. However, crying is still often something we do in secret. It is the result of an excess of emotion, requiring care or attention, and can simply be a very necessary, cathartic relief. Yet, again, many of us do not fully understand why we cry, or try to minimise when we feel the need to do it.

In 1872, Charles Darwin declared emotional tears “purposeless”, and more than a century later, emotional crying is one of the human body’s greatest mysteries. Some species shed tears reflexively as a result of pain or irritation, but humans are one of the only creatures who can be triggered by their feelings. In babies, tears have the crucial role of garnering attention and care from adults. But why do we cry as grown-ups?

Some researchers suggest that crying is a process of self-soothing, as emotional tears can release oxytocin and endorphins, as noted in a study in Frontiers in Psychology. These chemicals make people feel good, and can ease both physical and emotional pain. Others note distinct types of tears, as referenced by Leo Newhouse on the Harvard Health Publishing website, with reflex and continuous tears removing debris and dust, and lubricating our eyes. While emotional tears help to “flush stress hormones and toxins out of our system”.

Similarly, ‘crying for no reason’ can be associated with the way your body uses the eyes as a passageway to release energy and heal. Rabbi Michael Latz offered a spiritual interpretation in his thesis for Hebrew Union College, exploring how tears “cloud your vision until it clarifies it”, making us realise what we truly feel, even before we know it. He wrote: “Weeping cleanses the body and soul, and creates the opening for whatever comes next.”

In 2021, aspiring clergyman Benjamin Perry took up “crying as a daily spiritual practice” after realising he had become “divorced from his feelings” after not crying in years. Writing for Religion News Service, he described how, each day, he found it easier to cry, and eventually believed it recalibrated his “entire emotional baseline” and “changed how [he] related to other people and the world”.

Whether you’re more receptive to a scientific explanation, enamoured by a fresh cultural perspective, or inspired by a spiritual sentiment, hopefully this exploration of bodily functions can allow you to view your own more kindly, and with less shame. And next time you let a burp, toot, or yawn out at an inconvenient time, remember you’re only human and it’s perfectly natural! Just let it go.