A common request at the clinic is for relief from back pain and tension. Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints worldwide, but it is not as commonly known that the cause often runs deeper than physical strain or poor posture? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the fundamental framework for Shiatsu Massage, suggests that back pain is often linked to an imbalance in the body's energy/ ‘Ki/ ‘Chi’, with a strong connection to fear and other unprocessed emotions.
The Link Between Fear and Back Pain in TCM
In TCM, emotions have a direct influence the physical health and vice versa. The Kidney system is considered the storehouse of vital energy (Jing) and is directly affected to the autonomic nervous system and specifically by the emotion of fear. When fear is prolonged—whether due to stress, trauma, or uncertainty—it can weaken Kidney energy, which can manifest as lower back pain, tension and weakness.
Western research also supports the idea that emotions play a role in back pain:
A 2017 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that emotional distress, fear, and anxiety can increase sensitivity to pain and contribute to chronic back pain. Researchers discovered that people with higher fear responses (such as fear of movement or injury) were more likely to develop persistent lower back pain, even when no structural damage was found.
Another study from the Journal of Pain (2018) highlighted how stress-related tension in the muscles—especially around the lower back—can prolong or worsen pain. When fear and anxiety are present, the nervous system remains in a state of heightened tension, preventing the body from fully relaxing and healing.
These findings align with TCM’s whole-body approach, which sees back pain as not just a physical issue, but an emotional and energetic imbalance.
Shiatsu and Acupressure Massage for Fear-Related Back Pain
Shiatsu and Acupressure can help by:
Releasing deep-held tension in the lower back and Kidney meridian
Addressing imbalance on all levels of being physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
Stimulating the circulation of Kidney Ki/ Chi to nourish the spine
Calming the nervous system to ease fear and anxiety
Simple Self-Care for Fear and Back Pain
Self-Acupressure: Gently massage Kidney 3 / ‘Taixi’- pictured below- On the medial aspect of the foot, posterior to the medial malleolus, in the depression between the tip of the Inner ankle and the ‘Achilles’ tendon.
Deep Breathing: The Kidneys are linked to deep, nourishing breaths. Slow, mindful breathing can calm the nervous system and ease fear-based tension.
Warming Foods: In TCM, warm and nourishing foods (soups, stews, and black sesame) support Kidney energy, helping with back pain.
Shiatsu & Bodywork: Regular treatments encourage deep relaxation, helping to release the tension and pain created by fear and other emotional issues, and restore balance.
Kidney 3- Taixi- Great Stream- An important Acupressure point for supporting the Kidney system and treating associated back pain.
With 80% of adults experiencing back pain and research confirming the emotional roots of pain, it’s clear that addressing fear and stress is just as important as physical treatment. TCM and Shiatsu offer a holistic approach that works with the body’s natural energy to restore balance and release deep-seated tension.
Book your session today and take the first step toward balance and well-being.
Visit the Treatments section - www.zenhealthglasgow.co.uk/treatments for more information about Shiatsu and Acupressure Massage. Bookings can be made at www.zenhealthglasgow.co.uk/book