Trauma isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we physically carry. While we often think of trauma as a mental or emotional experience, the truth is that it imprints itself on the body, shaping the way we feel, react, and move through the world. Even if we don’t consciously remember an event, our bodies do.
How Trauma Shows Up in the Body
1. Trauma Activates the Nervous System
When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into survival mode. The body’s natural response to danger—fight, flight, or freeze—becomes stuck in overdrive. This can leave us feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or exhausted, even when there’s no immediate threat.
2. Trauma Creates Physical Symptoms
Unresolved trauma doesn’t just affect emotions—it manifests physically. Symptoms can include:
4. Healing Trauma Requires Mind-Body Work
Since trauma is stored in the body, healing must involve more than just talking about it. Approaches like:
Reclaiming Safety and Connection
Healing from trauma isn’t about forcing the past away—it’s about creating safety in the present. By working with the body, we can release stored pain, restore balance, and move toward a sense of peace and empowerment.
How Trauma Shows Up in the Body
1. Trauma Activates the Nervous System
When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into survival mode. The body’s natural response to danger—fight, flight, or freeze—becomes stuck in overdrive. This can leave us feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or exhausted, even when there’s no immediate threat.
2. Trauma Creates Physical Symptoms
Unresolved trauma doesn’t just affect emotions—it manifests physically. Symptoms can include:
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Muscle tension and body aches
- Digestive issues and stomach pain
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
Even if we aren’t consciously thinking about the trauma, our bodies hold onto the stress, signaling that something is unresolved.
3. Memories Aren’t Always Stored as Words
Unlike everyday memories, trauma isn’t always stored in a way that can be recalled verbally. Instead, it can be stored in sensations—a racing heart, a tight chest, or a sudden wave of nausea. Triggers such as a specific smell, sound, or place can activate these stored responses, making it feel like the trauma is happening all over again.4. Healing Trauma Requires Mind-Body Work
Since trauma is stored in the body, healing must involve more than just talking about it. Approaches like:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) help process trauma at a deeper, neurological level.
- Somatic therapy helps release stored tension and teaches the body to feel safe again.
- Breathwork, movement, and grounding exercises reconnect us with our bodies in a compassionate, healing way.
Healing from trauma isn’t about forcing the past away—it’s about creating safety in the present. By working with the body, we can release stored pain, restore balance, and move toward a sense of peace and empowerment.
