Issues in Our Tissues: Releasing Body Armor Through Kundalini Yoga @BlueHeronHolistic

We are pure energy. Beneath the skin, bones, and stories we carry, our electromagnetic field (EMF)—measured similarly to the rhythms of the heart and brain—extends beyond the physical body. It reflects not only our health but also our emotions, beliefs, and habits.

When unprocessed emotions, chronic stress, or limiting beliefs remain unresolved, they settle in the body as tension, posture patterns, breath restrictions, or even pain. This is what many teachers call “issues in our tissues.”

The good news? With awareness and practice, we can release these stored patterns, free the flow of energy, and return to balance.

From Contraction to Expansion

The yogic map of energy shows us three primary channels (nadis) that run along the spine:

Pingala (Sun channel) – representing action, vitality, and outward expression.

Ida (Moon channel) – representing receptivity, intuition, and inward reflection.

Sushumna (Central channel) – where balance, awareness, and transformation flow when both sun and moon energies are harmonized.

When unresolved patterns remain, our energy contracts—leading to density, boundary tension, and feelings of separation. Through practice, we move from contraction toward expansion, freedom, and unity.

Directing Consciousness

Energy follows thought. Every time we direct our attention, we empower either limitation or liberation. Our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and beliefs create ripples in the subtle body. By shifting awareness inward, we begin to:

Recognize that we are more than our passing states.

Move beyond habitual patterns.

Allow energy to flow freely again.

Just as water can carry away debris when unblocked, our awareness has the power to dissolve stagnation and strengthen our field.

Releasing “Body Armor”

Body armor is the unconscious holding pattern—tight shoulders, shallow breath, protective posture—that develops in response to stress or trauma. Over time, this armor restricts energy flow, metabolism, and emotional expression.

Kundalini Yoga teaches us that we can release this armor through breath, sound, posture, and meditation. As we do, we:

Free our breath and nervous system.

Allow stored emotions to move through rather than stay stuck.

Create a sense of lightness and resilience.

Visualization Practice: Imagine a stone placed in a flowing stream. Over time, sticks and debris collect around it, blocking flow. Now imagine gently removing the stone, and watching the stream run clear and free again. This is what happens when we consciously release our body armor.

The Chakras: Gateways of Awareness

Each chakra represents a doorway for releasing old patterns and embodying higher states of consciousness:

1. Root (Muladhara) – Stability, survival, trust.

2. Sacral (Svadhisthana) – Flow of emotions, relationships, creativity.

3. Solar Plexus (Manipura) – Power, digestion, will.

4. Heart (Anahata) – Love, compassion, balance.

5. Throat (Vishuddha) – Truth, communication, grace.

6. Third Eye (Ajna) – Intuition, clarity, inner vision.

7. Crown (Sahasrara) – Silence, union, happiness.

When energy flows freely through these centers, body and spirit are aligned, and the aura shines brightly as a protective, radiant field.

Flowing Freely

Releasing “issues in our tissues” is not about fixing ourselves—it’s about remembering our natural state of wholeness. By directing consciousness, engaging the breath, and tuning into the subtle body, we shift from contraction to expansion, from holding to flowing.

We have the ability to purposefully focus our attention to strengthen our field, clear our atmosphere, and live with more lightness and freedom.

Armor Release: A 5-Minute Breath + Movement Sequence

This short sequence will help you release body armor—the unconscious tension or tightness stored in your tissues. By using breath and mindful movement, we can unlock energy flow and return to a state of balance and freedom.

Preparation

• Find a comfortable space to practice. You can sit on a chair, cushion, or mat with your spine tall and shoulders relaxed.

• Take a moment to close your eyes and bring awareness to your breath—slow, deep, and natural.

Step 1: Conscious Breathing (1 minute)

Purpose: Begin by connecting to the breath and preparing the body for movement.

Practice:

• Inhale deeply through the nose, allowing the belly to expand.

• Exhale fully through the nose, releasing any tension in the body.

• Continue for 30 seconds, focusing on lengthening both your inhale and exhale.

Step 2: Cat-Cow (1 minute)

Purpose: Open the spine, release tension in the back and shoulders, and begin to activate the energy flow.

Practice:

On an inhale, arch your back (cow pose), lifting the chest and tailbone, allowing the belly to soften.

On an exhale, round the back (cat pose), drawing the chin to the chest, and engaging the abdomen to release any tension.

Repeat for 1 minute, syncing the breath with the movement, creating space and fluidity.

Step 3: Shoulder Rolls (1 minute)

Purpose: Release tightness in the shoulders and upper back, where much of our “body armor” is often stored.

Practice:

Inhale and lift the shoulders up towards the ears.

Exhale and roll the shoulders back and down.

Repeat this rolling motion for 30 seconds in one direction, then switch to the opposite direction.

Continue to breathe deeply, feeling the tension melt away with each exhale.

Step 4: Chest Opener (1 minute)

Purpose: Expand the heart space, release tightness in the chest, and open the throat for clear expression.

Practice:

Interlace your fingers behind your back and straighten your arms, gently lifting the chest upwards.

Inhale as you open the chest, lifting the heart and stretching through the shoulders.

Exhale, relax and release the arms, coming back to neutral.

Continue for 1 minute, feeling each breath open the chest further and release any emotional or physical holding.

Step 5: Standing Forward Fold (1 minute)

Purpose: Release tension in the lower back, hamstrings, and neck, allowing energy to flow freely from head to toe.

Practice:

Stand with feet hip-width apart and slowly bend forward at the hips, letting your head and neck hang heavy.

Reach for the floor or your ankles, allowing gravity to release tension in the spine.

Breathe deeply, feeling the back of the body stretch and soften with each breath.

Stay in this fold for 1 minute, relaxing and letting go of any lingering tension.

Closing (Optional: Child's Pose)

Purpose: Rest and integrate the release, feeling grounded and centered.

Practice:

From standing, gently come down to all fours and sit back onto your heels into Child’s Pose (Balasana).

Allow your forehead to rest on the mat or a cushion.

Breathe deeply for 1-2 minutes, feeling the energy settle, your body soften, and your mind quiet.

Take a few more deep breaths, letting the energy flow freely through your body. With each exhale, feel lighter, more grounded, and more expansive. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes, bringing your awareness back to the present moment.

Remember, releasing body armor is a practice. With consistent breath and movement, you can free the flow of energy in your body and return to a state of balance and vitality.