How to release emotional trauma
When we think of trauma, we often associate it with mental or emotional struggles—anxiety, depression, or PTSD. But emotional trauma doesn’t just live in the mind; it settles in the body too. Unresolved emotional experiences can manifest as physical symptoms that persist long after the initial event. Understanding this mind-body connection is crucial for achieving true healing.
The Mind-Body Connection
The body and mind are intricately linked. Scientific studies in fields like psychoneuroimmunology and somatic psychology reveal that emotions affect the nervous system, hormonal balance, immune function, and even organ health. When you go through trauma—whether from childhood experiences, loss, abuse, or chronic stress—your body holds onto that pain, even when your conscious mind pushes it away.
This happens because traumatic memories often bypass the rational brain and get stored in the subconscious, especially within the body’s tissues, muscles, and nervous system. It’s why you might feel a lump in your throat when you’re sad, or tension in your shoulders when you’re anxious.
Common Physical Symptoms of Emotional Trauma
People who have experienced trauma often report persistent physical symptoms without clear medical explanations. These include:
-
Chronic muscle tension or pain (especially in the neck, shoulders, or back)
-
Digestive issues like IBS, bloating, or constipation
-
Fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
-
Autoimmune conditions
-
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
-
Unexplained weight gain or loss
-
Chest tightness or heart palpitations
These symptoms can be your body’s way of communicating unresolved emotional distress. In some cases, they reflect the “freeze” response—the body’s survival mechanism in the face of overwhelming stress.
How Emotional Trauma Gets Stored in the Body
The nervous system reacts to trauma with a fight, flight, or freeze response. While running or fighting can release the surge of stress hormones, many traumatic experiences don’t allow for this discharge. Instead, the body gets “stuck” in survival mode. Over time, this unprocessed energy lodges itself in different systems—muscles, fascia, and even the organs.
For example, the psoas muscle (deep in the hip area) is often called the “muscle of the soul” because it holds deep tension and fear. Tightness in this muscle can cause lower back pain and postural issues, often linked to emotional suppression.
How to Release Trauma From the Body
Healing emotional trauma isn’t just about talk therapy—though that can be helpful. It also requires physical and somatic practices that help the body process and release stored emotions.
Here are several proven methods to release trauma physically:
1. Somatic Experiencing
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this therapy helps individuals tune into bodily sensations and release the trauma energy stored in the nervous system. It encourages a gentle renegotiation of traumatic events without reliving them.
2. Bodywork and Massage Therapy
Techniques like myofascial release, CFR therapy, and therapeutic massage can unlock stored tension and emotions in the muscles and fascia.
3. Breathwork
Conscious breathing exercises can regulate the nervous system and release emotional blocks. Deep diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight mode.
4. Chiropractic Adjustments
Misalignments in the spine can disrupt nervous system function, contributing to emotional and physical symptoms. Chiropractic care, especially when combined with holistic practices, can help rebalance the body and promote emotional release.
At Elevation Health Center, we combine chiropractic care with emotional release techniques and customized wellness plans to support patients dealing with trauma-related symptoms.
5. Movement Practices
Somatic exercises, tai chi, and even dance therapy encourage mindful movement, which helps release trauma from the muscles and nervous system. Practices that combine breath and motion are especially powerful.
6. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
This therapy helps reprocess traumatic memories by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain, allowing the body to release the emotional charge associated with the memory.
7. Journaling and Expressive Arts
Sometimes trauma is expressed better through art than words. Writing, drawing, or painting can help externalize and release emotions that are trapped in the body.
Emotional trauma doesn’t just disappear with time—it hides in your body, waiting for the chance to be seen and released. If you’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, don’t overlook the emotional component. Healing is possible, and it often begins with recognizing that your body is not your enemy—it’s your messenger.
At Elevation Health Center, we take a holistic approach to health by addressing the root causes of physical and emotional pain. If you’re ready to release trauma and restore your well-being, schedule a consultation today.
