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Traumatic event may develop physical symptoms how our bodies hold our mental health

  • Writer: Zoe H
    Zoe H
  • Aug 31, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 12


Our bodies are more than just physical vessels; they store our emotions, thoughts, and experiences. When we go through difficult or traumatic events, our bodies often respond with physical symptoms as a way of processing and coping with those emotions. Understanding how the body stores trauma and emotions is an essential step toward healing, especially for those dealing with the physical effects of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.


How Our Bodies Store Trauma

When we experience trauma, the body reacts through the fight-or-flight response, a natural mechanism that prepares us to face danger. However, if trauma is prolonged or unresolved, the body may struggle to return to a restful state. This can lead to tension being held in the body, often manifesting in physical symptoms like muscle tightness, headaches, or pain.

For example, someone who has experienced a traumatic event may notice frequent headaches, stomachaches, or chronic muscle tension. These physical responses are not just random; they are the body’s way of trying to release the stress caused by trauma.


How Emotions Are Stored in the Body

In addition to trauma, our bodies can store other emotions, including anger, sadness, and fear. For instance:

  • Anger may show up as a tight jaw or clenched fists.

  • Sadness might be reflected in a slumped posture or slow gait.

  • Fear can manifest as hypervigilance or tension throughout the body.

These physical manifestations of emotion can restrict movement and contribute to pain if they are not processed or released.


How Trust Issues Are Reflected in the Body

Trust issues, often stemming from past betrayals or unresolved relationships, can also be stored in the body. For example:

  • Avoidance or withdrawal from others may manifest as a physical aversion to touch or closeness.

  • Hypervigilance, or constant alertness, can result in muscle tension or discomfort in the shoulders or neck.

These body responses may serve as defence mechanisms to protect individuals from perceived emotional harm but can interfere with their ability to heal and connect with others.


The Long-Term Effects of Trauma on the Body

Over time, trauma can lead to rigidity in the body, restricting movement and causing pain. For instance:

  • A person who has been involved in a car accident may develop persistent pain in their neck or shoulders.

  • Sexual trauma may lead to discomfort or pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

These physical symptoms often point to emotional and psychological wounds that have not been fully addressed.

How to Heal From Trauma Stored in the Body

Healing the physical symptoms of mental health conditions requires both emotional and physical approaches. Some effective methods include:

1. Therapy

Therapy, especially talk therapy, can help individuals process traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping strategies. By talking through past events and emotions, individuals gain a deeper understanding of how their trauma has impacted their lives.

2. Bodywork

Bodywork is a key healing method that addresses the tension stored in the body. Techniques like gentle touch, massage, and movement therapy help release physical tension, promoting relaxation and reducing pain. Bodywork helps facilitate emotional release, allowing individuals to process and heal from trauma stored in their bodies.


Satori-KYS Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Healing Trauma

Satori-KYS therapy is a body-centred psychotherapy approach that focuses on healing trauma by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of the experience. The therapy integrates bodywork and talk therapy to offer a holistic recovery method for those dealing with the effects of trauma.


How Satori-KYS Therapy Helps:

  • Releases Physical Tension: By using various bodywork techniques like gentle touch and movement, Satori-KYS therapy helps release tension stored in the body, alleviating symptoms such as pain and muscle tightness.

  • Helps Process Traumatic Experiences: Talk therapy, in conjunction with bodywork, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and processing trauma. This dual method promotes healing by addressing both the mind and body.

  • Develops Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Satori-KYS therapy helps individuals build healthier coping strategies for managing emotions, promoting overall well-being.

  • Improves Overall Well-being: By integrating both mental and physical healing, Satori-KYS therapy helps individuals feel more grounded, relaxed, and connected with themselves.


Conclusion: Healing the Body and Mind from Trauma

Our bodies are potent vessels that store our physical experiences and emotional and psychological wounds. By understanding how trauma and emotions are stored in the body, we can take the necessary steps to heal and live healthier lives. Approaches like Satori-KYS therapy, which combines bodywork and talk therapy, offer an effective way to release tension, process emotions, and foster a sense of overall well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the physical effects of trauma, Satori-KYS therapy may provide a valuable path to healing. With the right support, reclaiming a sense of balance and empowerment is possible, unlocking the body’s innate ability to heal.


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