Trauma is often thought of as a mental or emotional experience, but its impact reaches far beyond the mind, manifesting physically in the body as well. This phenomenon, known as body memory, refers to the way trauma is stored in muscles, tissues, and the nervous system, leading to chronic tension, pain, or even long-term health problems. Unresolved trauma can linger in the body for years, manifesting in ways that may feel disconnected from the original traumatic event, yet significantly affecting physical well-being.
When a person experiences trauma, the body enters a state of heightened stress, triggering the fight, flight, or freeze response. While this response is a natural defense mechanism, it can become problematic when the body is unable to return to a state of calm after the trauma. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, leads to muscular tension, stiffness, digestive issues, and chronic pain conditions. For instance, those who’ve experienced emotional or physical abuse may develop tightness in the chest, jaw clenching, or gastrointestinal problems as their bodies react to unresolved trauma.
This physical manifestation of trauma can create a feedback loop, where the body continuously signals distress to the brain, making it difficult to mentally process and release the trauma. Traditional talk therapies, while useful in addressing cognitive and emotional aspects, may not fully resolve the trauma stored in the body. This is where somatic therapies come into play.
Somatic Therapies for Trauma Release
Somatic therapies focus on reconnecting the mind with the body, allowing individuals to become more aware of the physical sensations tied to their trauma. By addressing the body’s role in trauma, these therapies help release tension and promote healing. Some of the most effective approaches include:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
EMDR is a therapeutic technique that uses guided eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories. This can help individuals access and resolve emotions stored in the body, reducing the physical symptoms tied to their trauma. By moving between memory and the present moment, EMDR allows the brain and body to create new associations, making traumatic memories less distressing over time.
Bodywork:
Therapeutic massage and myofascial release are examples of bodywork that directly address trauma stored in the muscles and connective tissues. These techniques help release physical tension by working with the body’s natural responses, encouraging the release of deeply held patterns of stress.
Yoga and Movement:
Trauma-informed yoga focuses on mindful breathing, gentle movement, and body awareness. Through yoga, individuals learn to reconnect with their bodies in a safe and empowering way, releasing tension and regaining a sense of control over physical sensations. The emphasis on grounding and present-moment awareness helps soothe the nervous system, making it easier to process trauma.
Healing Through the Body
Releasing trauma from the body takes time and requires patience and compassion. As individuals reconnect with their physical selves and develop a deeper awareness of their body’s responses to trauma, they can begin to heal. By integrating somatic therapies alongside other therapeutic approaches, people can find holistic healing, where both mind and body are finally able to release the burden of past trauma.
EXPERIENCED TRAUMA THERAPIST
Hanson Complete Counseling is a boutique person-centered therapy practice in Tampa and surrounding areas. Our mission is to help others live better through evidence-based mindfulness based interventions. We specialize in healing trauma, anxiety, relationships, attachment, getting unstuck, ADHD, couples counseling, adults, teens, children, and families.
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