Is Trauma stored in the body?
Research over the past decade suggests the answer to this question is a resounding "yes." However, this discovery is not as daunting as it might initially appear. In fact, it opens up new pathways for healing, especially for those who struggle with chronic nervous system activation, difficulty calming the mind, or unexplained health issues like autoimmune reactions.
Recently, there has been a surge of materials, articles, and new therapeutic modalities centered on the idea of releasing trapped memories or trauma from the body—essentially freeing "stuck energy." This is revolutionary in the psychotherapy world as it suggests we might no longer need to endlessly battle our thoughts or minds but instead turn to the body for answers and relief.
A widely acclaimed book, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, underscores this concept. His research reveals that trauma profoundly impacts critical brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes leave survivors in a state of heightened alertness, impairing memory, self-regulation, and emotional processing.
Trauma also triggers a chronic "fight-or-flight" response, manifesting in physical symptoms like chronic pain, muscle tension, and digestive issues—often persisting long after the traumatic event.
At first glance, these findings may seem discouraging. However, this new understanding reframes trauma as a nervous system and bodily issue, enabling us to address it more effectively than ever before.
Somatic Experiencing: A Breakthrough Modality
A notable breakthrough in this field is Peter Levine’s work on somatic experiencing, a modality rooted in the idea that trauma is often "frozen" within the body. Somatic experiencing helps individuals release the physical sensations and responses tied to trauma by gently guiding them in and out of the activated state.
Through a technique called "pendulation," participants oscillate between the trauma response and a state of safety, allowing their nervous system to process the overwhelming emotions in a regulated, gradual way. This approach has proven highly effective in helping people regain a sense of wholeness, safety, and emotional resilience without needing to relive traumatic memories.
The Power of Feeling Safe
Can feeling physically safe transform our physiology? From a personal experience, I’ve seen how cultivating a sense of calm within my body alleviated my symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As I learned to relax my nervous system and nurture peace within, my IBS seemed to dissipate.
Occasionally, the symptoms return during more stressful periods, but I no longer feel powerless. Instead, I interpret these flare-ups as my body’s way of signaling the need for attention and rest. It’s a reminder to slow down and honor the pace that feels safe for my nervous system.
Listening to the Body's Messages
Somatic research highlights a profound truth: our bodies are constantly communicating with us. When we slow down and listen, we unlock powerful tools like somatic therapy, breathwork, and movement practices to release stored memories and emotions.
By embracing this body-based approach, we create space for lasting transformation, healing, and a deeper connection to ourselves.
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Author: Salwa Adnani
PSYCHOTHERAPIST | COUNSELLOR
