Proverbs such as “This is getting to me” (German proverb “That gets to my kidneys“), “This is pissing me off” (German proverb like “belching sourly“)and “Crawling on my gums” reflect a deep connection between the body and emotions. These expressions are not only metaphorical, but also have a certain biological basis. Let’s take a closer look at what that is.
“This is getting to me” / “That gets to my kidneys“
This saying means that something is very stressful or harmful. The kidneys are vital organs that can actually suffer from stress or emotional strain. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, which can affect kidney function. Psychosomatic complaints, where psychological stress manifests itself physically, can also cause kidney problems.
“That pisses me off” (German proverb like “belching sourly“)
This phrase is used when something is unpleasant or annoying. It has a direct link to our digestive system. Stress or anger can increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn or acid reflux. The stomach is sensitive to emotional states, and unpleasant feelings can manifest themselves in the form of digestive problems.
“Crawling on your gums”
This proverb describes extreme exhaustion. If you are “crawling on your gums”, you are so exhausted that you can hardly go on. Physical exhaustion can actually weaken the immune system, which can lead to gingivitis and other health problems. The saying also suggests that the body switches to “emergency mode” in extreme stress situations and only the bare essentials continue to function.
How exactly does our body communicate with us?
Our body constantly sends signals to alert us to our general wellbeing such as pain, discomfort, fatigue, digestive problems or other symptoms. These signals are warnings that something is out of balance in our lives, whether it is physically, emotionally or mentally.
- Stress: Can manifest itself, for example, in the form of headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems or sleep disorders.
- Emotional stress: Can lead to loss of appetite, increased heart rate, trembling or even breathing difficulties.
- Overload: Can cause exhaustion, concentration problems and an increased susceptibility to infections.
The phrases described are therefore not just linguistic images but are based on the fact that our body and our psyche are closely linked. So, when the body “speaks” to us, we should listen to it to avoid more serious health problems.