Understanding How the Body Remembers Trauma

— Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score.

Trauma can often feel like something that belongs to our past. Yet, as van der Kolk explains, trauma leaves a lasting imprint on both our body and mind, shaping how we experience the world long after the traumatic event has passed. This is because trauma is not just stored in our memories—it lives in our bodies.

When a traumatic event occurs, the body goes into survival mode, activating the fight, flight, or freeze response. This is the body's natural way of coping with immediate danger. However, for many people, this state becomes chronic. Their bodies remain on high alert even when the threat is long gone. This can lead to various physical symptoms, including chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and a range of other health problems.

Van der Kolk's work shows that traumatic memories are often fragmented, stored in the brain as sensations, images, sounds, or smells rather than coherent narratives. This is why a seemingly insignificant trigger, like a scent or a song, can evoke a powerful emotional reaction. The body remembers even when the conscious mind does not.

For healing to take place, it's crucial to recognize that trauma is a whole-body experience. Approaches like yoga, mindfulness, Tai chi, drumming, dance are some of the ways the body are helpful in promoting a sense of safety and calm, allowing the body to return to a state of equilibrium.

Takeaway:

If you find yourself feeling on edge, disconnected, or overwhelmed without a clear reason, it may be your body signaling unresolved trauma. Remember, this is not a sign of weakness—it’s a call for healing.

Interested in learning more about how your body might be holding onto trauma? Let’s explore this journey together. I’m here to help.