My shoulders symbolize my capacity to bear loads. My joys, my sorrows, my duties, and my insecurities rest upon them. Like everyone, I am not exempt from bearing life’s burdens.
Shoulder Pain Decoding — Emotional Conflicts
When I take on the burden of being responsible for the happiness and well-being of others, my shoulders begin to ache.
I feel overwhelmed with “too many things to do” and believe I can never complete them all. I may also feel paralyzed by conflicting viewpoints or the lack of willingness from others to assist and support me in my endeavors.
Similarly, my shoulders ache when I face significant financial insecurities (right shoulder) or emotional ones (left shoulder), or when I feel burdened by the weight of my emotional and material obligations.
The Fear of Tomorrow Prevents Enjoyment of Today
My struggles, and my obligations to create, perform, and excel, all have the potential to “destroy” me.
Drawing my shoulders back and emphasizing my chest might convince me that I can handle circumstances despite everything, but in truth, my back is weak and deformed from fear.
- My core functions will be further compromised if the shoulder’s condition affects my bones (fractures, breaks).
- If it involves muscles, it will be more pertinent to my feelings and thoughts.
Circulating the Vitality of My Heart
Since my shoulders signify activity and motion, from conception to matter, I also learn to let the energy of my heart flow towards my shoulders and then into my arms to prevent stiffness and pain.
This energy originates in my heart, where my innate aspirations to express myself through creation and performance reside. To satisfy these urges, emotional energy must be channeled into my arms and hands.
My shoulders become tense and rigid if I refrain from expressing or acting if I “box myself in” rather than embracing life, and if I do not mask myself to hide my anxieties and fears.
If the shoulder bone weakens to the point of cracking or breaking, there is a serious issue in my life that impacts the very core of who I am.
Shoulder Pain: A Guide to Understanding Its Significance
I can discern whether it’s the right or left shoulder that’s affected by any tension or discomfort experienced in the shoulder area.
- If my right shoulder hurts, it indicates that my active masculine side is under strain due to my work or the way I interact with authority figures.
- Conversely, if my left shoulder hurts, the tension I feel is connected to the feminine aspect of my life, that is, the creative and receptive side, to my ability to express my feelings. It’s the “tough and controlling” side that prevails.
I acknowledge my weaknesses, understand that I am responsible for MY happiness, and allow others to take care of their joy. I embrace delegation.
The Cold Shoulder
When pushed to the limit, it signifies becoming cold, hurt, and annoyed. Do I lose interest in what I’m doing and become indifferent to it (just to get it done?), or can I do it? There’s a strong tension suggesting this to me.
I truly want to change what I’m currently doing.
I commit to practicing living in the present, which will help me shed the burden I carry. Moreover, I trust that the cosmos will provide for my daily needs.
The shoulder, in human anatomy, refers to the area where the arm joins the trunk. It is formed by the ends of three bones—the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus—along with muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Supported, Recognized, Safeguarded, and Valued
The human shoulder, symbolizing our ability to offer and receive hugs, as well as to feel loved, has the greatest range of motion of all body joints. We consider the hug, whether real or symbolic, as it can signify being supported, recognized, safeguarded, valued, etc.
The shoulder may also represent my capacity to bear a load or my responsibilities.
What Emotional Conflict Am I Experiencing?
If I experience discomfort on any of my shoulders, I inevitably undergo an internal conflict where I feel that I am carrying a heavy burden (supporting my parents, taking care of my family, being the best among my siblings, etc.).
Since the shoulder connects to the arms, which symbolize “work,” it will inevitably relate to my actions.
Perhaps I do things for others to restrict myself from doing what I enjoy, or maybe I want to do too much for someone because I see it as “my responsibility.” And I will continue to experience agony as long as I act out of obligation or for others.
Right Shoulder Discomfort
Conflict:
- Self-evaluation compared to a partner (occurs 80% of the time).
- Partner identity conflict: Uncertain about my role.
- Partners in love or at work.
Resentment:
- “I am a bad spouse.”
- “I am not an empowered employee.”
- “I am not performing well in school” (head of the humerus).
- “I have not adequately protected my partner or coworker” (if it affects the capsule).
Left Shoulder Pain
Conflict:
- Diminished self-value as a parent or guardian.
- Degradation of the “mother/child,” “godchild,” or “favored person” relationship.
- Identity conflict within a specific context is related to what we sabotage.
Resentment:
- “Child, I am a terrible parent.”
- “I have not adequately protected my parents or children” (if it impacts the capsule).
- “I have been unable to protect someone very close to me” (if it affects the humeral head).
I might feel shoulder pain if…
- I believe I have not adequately protected my partner or my children.
- I consider myself not to be a competitive athlete in any sport.
- I am dealing with work drama inherited from my family.
- I have struck someone forcefully (real or symbolically).
- My family history includes tales of battles I have lost.
- I have felt powerless to comfort, hug, or support someone.
- I do not feel supported by my family.
Shoulder Fracture or Dislocation
Resentment:
- “I don’t want to be tied to this family; I want to be myself.”
- “I feel confined in this position.”
- “I wish to shift my focus elsewhere.”
The pain in my shoulder’s tendons is a current issue, and if I feel the ligaments of my shoulder are sore, it could be a looming confrontation.
Shoulder pain is a sign that you’re forcing yourself to do things that aren’t necessary for you. This could involve lending a hand to others or taking on obligations that aren’t yours to bear. Review your commitments and stop living for others.
Be more empathetic, accept love, and live happily.
Extracted from the book The Great Dictionary of Maladies and Diseases by Jacques Martel
The cover image has been provided courtesy of Depositphotos.com, a resource with more than 250 million photos, music, and video archives.
