Inspired by a recent female de-armoring session, I feel compelled to share my thoughts and shed light on a deeply ingrained issue—body shame. This gentle yet profound body-healing technique has continually revealed to me, and to my clients, how much shame is stored within the body, especially in women.
The female body has been associated with shame for centuries. Throughout history, patriarchal systems, religious doctrines, and societal norms have reinforced the idea that a woman’s body must be hidden, controlled, or altered to meet external expectations. This conditioning is not a relic of the past; it persists today in various forms, as I have witnessed firsthand through my work.
Many of us have experienced body shame at some point in our lives. How many of us were bullied, ridiculed, or shamed for the way we looked, particularly during adolescence when our bodies were rapidly changing? Seemingly superficial events—an unkind remark, a judgmental glance, or a comparison to unrealistic beauty standards—can leave emotional scars that linger in our bodies. If these wounds are not acknowledged and healed with acceptance, they remain trapped within us, shaping our sense of self-worth and affecting our intimate relationships. The cycle of non-acceptance and self-rejection continues, leading to a disconnection from our own bodies.
This issue often starts in early childhood, when we are taught that it is shameful to touch or even acknowledge our bodies, especially our intimate parts. Many of us grew up using euphemisms for our sexual organs, sometimes neutral ones, but often derogatory or diminishing terms. For women in particular, the language surrounding their bodies has historically been laden with shame and suppression, reinforcing the idea that their natural form is something to be hidden or censored. Shame, one of the densest and most oppressive emotions, becomes deeply ingrained in the psyche.
Through my work with women, I have seen how a gentle and compassionate approach—one that allows the body to recall past experiences in a safe and nurturing space—can be profoundly transformative. De-armoring the body of these stored emotions can be life-changing and life-affirming. It opens the door to self-acceptance, self-love, and an appreciation for the unique beauty of every curve, size, and shape.
This simple yet powerful realization can create a ripple effect, fostering self-determination, empowerment, and overall mental and physical well-being. The body is not something to be ashamed of; it is a sacred vessel, deserving of respect, love, and appreciation.
While de-armoring is beneficial for all genders, I choose to dedicate this work to the female body because I recognize the long-standing conditioning imposed upon it—both by the entertainment industry and by societal expectations. Women have been told how they should look, and what is acceptable, and, in many cases, have been denied the right to show their bodies at all. My heart aches for those women who are still forced to cover themselves completely, some even viewing the world through a veil that separates them from their own existence.
It is my deepest wish that this work continues to grow, reaching all those who are ready to change the narrative of their bodies. By releasing old stories and embracing new, life-affirming ones, we reclaim our power and rewrite our relationship with ourselves.
In service and gratitude
