Body language Quote by Elliot Greene
““On the bodily level, tension resulting from introjections may settle in the throat, stomach, or gut. In terms of body language, this is related to distress over difficulty swallowing, stomaching, or digesting something noxious. In this sense, introjections can be toxic. Sometimes work on these areas causes release of intensely uncomfortable feelings, such as nausea, gagging, or disgust. Disgust is an instinct that stimulates the elimination of or repulsion from what is harmful to us.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk, 2014 (cited by Elliot Greene)
Physical tension from internalized judgments can manifest as gut or throat distress, often releasing disgust as a protective response.
In simple terms: Internal conflict shows up physically.
Key Takeaway
Notice bodily signals of emotional stress.
Themes
psychosomatic
stress
body language
disgust
Mood
insightful
analytical
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- stress management
- mind-body practices
- clinical observation
Key Concepts
Somatic psychology
introjection
toxic emotions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your body signal emotional conflict?
- What practices help release toxic introjections?
A Different Perspective
Disgust may be over‑interpreted, masking other underlying issues.
