The Body Remembers: How Trauma is Stored in the Body & Lives in the Present Moment
A traumatic event may have happened in the past, but for someone who is struggling to heal, that trauma is often living itself out in the present moment. It's not just a bad memory; it's a felt sense in the body—a racing heart when entering a crowd, chronic tension in the shoulders, a stomach that clenches at the sound of a raised voice.
Having dealt with my own complex childhood trauma, I have understood, firsthand, how the events of the past can live out through us, in the present. I am also grateful to have learned how to understand, have compassion for, and work through some of those past events so that my present day reality and relationships are more free, less obstructed, and proportionally perceived and felt.
This experience is powerfully captured by the work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, who famously stated and is the title of his book, "The body keeps the score." Trauma is not just an event that is remembered; it is an imprint left on the mind, brain, and body, which continues to affect us long after the original threat has passed.
This article will explore the science behind how trauma gets "stuck" in the nervous system. By understanding how traumatic stress manifests as physical symptoms, you can begin to validate your own experience and see a clear path toward a holistic, mind-body approach to healing.
The Neuroscience of a Traumatized Brain
To understand why the body keeps the score, we must first look at the brain's natural survival mechanism: the "fight-flight-freeze-fawn" response. When faced with a perceived danger, our nervous system instantly prepares us to fight back, run away, or play dead to survive. In a traumatic situation—one that is overwhelming and life-threatening—this system goes into overdrive.
For many survivors, the problem is that the system doesn't properly shut off once the danger is over. The brain and body remain on high alert, as if the trauma is still happening.
This has profound effects on key areas of the brain:
The Hyperactive Amygdala (The Brain's Fear Center): After trauma, the amygdala can become hypersensitive, constantly scanning the environment for threats. It triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, even in response to minor stressors, leading to persistent feelings of panic, agitation, and hypervigilance.
The Impaired Hippocampus (The Memory Center): The hippocampus is responsible for placing events in context and filing them away as "past." During a traumatic event, its function can be impaired by high levels of stress hormones. As a result, the traumatic memory doesn't get properly encoded. It remains vivid and fragmented, capable of being re-experienced as a flashback, as if it were happening right now.
The Deactivated Prefrontal Cortex (The Rational Brain): This part of the brain is responsible for executive functions like rational thought, planning, and emotional regulation. In a state of traumatic stress, its activity is often suppressed. This makes it difficult to think clearly, calm yourself down, and override the panic signals coming from the amygdala.
Listening to Your Body: Common Physical Manifestations of Trauma
Many people who have experienced trauma seek medical help for a wide range of physical symptoms, often without realizing the root cause is emotional and psychological. Understanding that these physical issues can be a direct result of unhealed trauma can be a profoundly validating and empowering moment. It confirms that the pain is real and provides a new direction for healing. Instead of thinking "it's all in my head," one can begin to understand "it's all connected." This holistic view is central to effective treatment, especially for those also dealing with chronic pain.
Common physical symptoms of stored trauma include:
Chronic Muscle Tension: The body stays physically braced for danger, leading to persistent tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, back, and jaw.
Digestive Issues: The gut is often called the "second brain" and is highly sensitive to stress. Trauma can manifest as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic stomach pain, nausea, and other digestive problems.
Sleep Disturbances: The hyper-aroused nervous system makes it difficult to relax and feel safe enough to sleep. This can lead to insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep) as the body struggles to regulate itself.
Heightened Startle Response: Survivors often find themselves jumpy and easily startled by sudden noises, movements, or unexpected touch.
Chronic Fatigue and Pain: Living in a constant state of high alert is physically and mentally exhausting. This can lead to profound fatigue and the development of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, as the nervous system becomes sensitized.
Beginning the Healing Journey: Reconnecting Mind and Body
It is crucial to remember that these physical reactions are not a sign of weakness. They are the body's intelligent, albeit outdated, attempt to protect you from a threat that is no longer present. Healing, therefore, involves helping the body learn that it is safe now. This requires approaches that address the body directly, not just the thoughts in the mind.
Mindfulness: The practice of gently paying attention to bodily sensations without judgment is a powerful way to start reconnecting the mind and body. It helps to calm the overactive amygdala and teaches you to be with your physical experience rather than fighting it.
Breathwork: Your breath is a direct line to your nervous system. Simple, slow, deep breathing exercises can manually activate the body's relaxation response (the parasympathetic nervous system), signaling safety to your brain and body.
Somatic Therapies: Therapeutic modalities like Somatic Experiencing are designed specifically to help individuals process and release the traumatic energy that is physically stored in the body, often through shaking, crying, or other forms of physical release.
Trauma-Informed Yoga and Movement: Gentle, mindful movement can help release stored muscle tension and rebuild a sense of safety and trust in your body. As a practice that integrates mind, body, and breath, yoga can be a particularly effective part of healing.
Conclusion: Your Body Has a Story to Tell
Healing from trauma is not just about talking; it's about listening. It's about listening to the story your body is telling through its aches, tensions, and agitations. True healing requires a dual approach that honors both the mind's memories and the body's wisdom. With the right support and a trauma-informed approach, it is possible to help your body release the burdens of the past and feel safe in the present moment once again.
Understanding the physical impact of trauma is the first step. The next is the courageous journey of helping your body learn that the danger is over. If you're ready to address both the emotional and physical aspects of your trauma, a therapist with a strong background in trauma-informed, mind-body practices can provide the expert guidance you need.
Reach out to learn how to begin this essential path to healing.
