Emotions, feelings, sensations – three words that seem alike but point to entirely different dimensions of being.
In holistic bodywork, Shiatsu, or coaching, understanding these nuances helps us recognize where emotion truly begins – and how regulation becomes possible.While science often defines emotions as neurological reactions, Eastern and embodied approaches see them as movements of energy – flowing through body, mind, and awareness.
Sensations are the body’s raw data: pressure, warmth, tension, vibration, or lightness.
They arise directly from the nervous system, before any thought or label is attached.By attuning to sensations, we can perceive the early signals of emotional activation and regulate before reactivity takes over.
A feeling arises when we give meaning to a sensation:
“I feel sad.” “I feel happy.”Feelings are what we become aware of when we notice emotions.
They are the bridge between body and consciousness – the inner translation of physical experience into psychological awareness.
The word emotion comes from the Latin emovere – to move out.
Emotions are dynamic responses that include physiological change, thought, and action tendencies.They occur automatically and unconsciously – but through awareness of bodily sensations, we can shift from reaction to response.
| Perspective | Sensation | Feeling | Emotion | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatic | Body perception | Conscious awareness | Expression & action | Regulation & presence |
| Psychological | Sensory input | Awareness of emotion | Response to stimuli | Behavior & expression |
| Neuroscientific | Bodily signal | Conscious representation | Limbic reaction | Brain & nervous system |
| Philosophical / Taoist | Energy perception | Resonance | Movement of mind | Awareness & non-attachment |
To understand emotions, we must listen to the body.
In emotional management, it’s not about suppression or control – but about recognition and transformation.When we learn to notice sensations before they become full-blown emotions, we reclaim our inner sovereignty – and healing unfolds naturally.
Emotions are movement.
Feelings are awareness.
Sensations are the beginning of both.Distinguishing these layers allows us to cultivate clarity, self-regulation, and inner peace – one mindful breath at a time.