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Jan 10, 2025
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When we think of trauma, we often associate it with emotional pain, anxiety, or depression. But what many people don’t realise is that trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it can manifest in the body as well. Emotional trauma can lead to physical symptoms and even chronic health issues if left unresolved.
In this blog, we’ll explore the mind-body connection, how trauma can show up physically, and what you can do to heal both emotionally and physically.
The Mind-Body Connection
Science has increasingly shown that our emotional and physical health are deeply intertwined. Trauma, whether from a single event or prolonged stress, activates the body’s stress response. This triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
In the short term, these changes can help us survive dangerous situations. But when trauma remains unresolved, the body stays in a heightened state of stress, leading to wear and tear on multiple systems in the body.
How Trauma Manifests Physically
Unresolved emotional trauma can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, including:
1. Chronic Pain: Trauma often results in tension and inflammation in the body, leading to conditions like back pain, migraines, and joint discomfort.
2. Digestive Issues: The gut-brain connection means that stress and trauma can disrupt digestion, causing problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or stomach aches.
3. Fatigue: Living in a state of hypervigilance can exhaust the body, leading to chronic fatigue and low energy levels.
4. Autoimmune Disorders: Long-term stress from trauma has been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues.
5. Heart Problems: Studies show that people with unresolved trauma are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues.
The Science Behind Trauma and Physical Health
Research has confirmed that trauma can become “stuck” in the body. Psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in his groundbreaking book The Body Keeps the Score, explains that trauma changes the way the brain and body interact. The nervous system remains on high alert, even when there’s no immediate danger, disrupting normal bodily functions.
Additionally, trauma is often stored in specific areas of the body. For example, unresolved grief may manifest as chest tightness, while suppressed anger might appear as jaw tension or headaches.
Healing Trauma for Better Physical Health
The good news is that healing emotional trauma can also improve physical health. Here are some ways to begin the healing process:
1. Somatic Therapies: These therapies, such as somatic experiencing or breathwork, focus on releasing trauma stored in the body.
2. Energy Healing: Techniques like Reiki can help clear blockages in the body’s energy field and promote relaxation, which is essential for healing.
3. Mindfulness Practices: Practices like yoga and meditation help reconnect the mind and body, encouraging a sense of safety and calm.
4. Counselling and Therapy: Working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you process unresolved emotions and develop coping strategies.
5. Nervous System Regulation: Techniques like tapping (EFT), grounding exercises, and vagus nerve stimulation can help calm the stress response.
My Holistic Approach to Healing Trauma
As a holistic counsellor, Reiki practitioner, and trauma therapist, I take an integrative approach to healing. This means addressing the emotional, physical, and energetic aspects of trauma.
In my practice, I’ve seen countless clients experience profound physical improvements after working through unresolved trauma. Many report better sleep, reduced pain, improved digestion, and a renewed sense of vitality.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
If you’ve been experiencing physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation, it’s worth considering the impact of unresolved trauma. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past on your shoulders—or in your body.
I’m here to guide you on a holistic healing journey that addresses not just the symptoms but the root cause. Together, we can help your mind, body, and spirit find balance, leading to greater health and peace of mind.
Are you ready to heal? Contact me today to learn more about how holistic trauma therapy can transform your life.
