‍How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma is not just an experience of the mind; it is deeply embedded in the body as well. Our nervous system plays a crucial role in storing and responding to traumatic events. When faced with overwhelming situations, the body instinctively engages survival mechanisms to cope and survive the threat. This interplay between mind and body is what leads to the various manifestations of trauma throughout our systems.

When we experience trauma, our bodies may react by entering fight, flight, freeze, or fawn (shutdown) mode, each being a powerful response aimed at ensuring survival. However, if trauma is not properly processed and resolved, our nervous systems can become stuck in these protective states. This can result in a range of emotional, physical, sensory, and physiological symptoms, as the body remains in high alert, unable to return to a state of balance and calm.

How Trauma Changes the Brain

Studies have demonstrated that traumatic experiences can alter the brain, especially in key regions such as:

1. The Amygdala

• The brain’s fear center, responsible for detecting threats.
• Becomes hyperactive, leading to heightened anxiety and hypervigilance.

2. The Hippocampus

• Regulates memory and emotional processing.
• Trauma can impair its function, causing difficulty in distinguishing past trauma from present reality.

3. The Prefrontal Cortex

• Controls rational thinking and emotional regulation.
• Trauma weakens this area, making it harder to process emotions and respond calmly to stress.

These neurological changes can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health, as the body’s stress response system remains overactive.

The Gut-Brain Connection

The vagus nerve connects the brain and gut, facilitating communication between these two systems. Research suggests that trauma can disrupt this pathway, leading to:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and digestive issues.
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
• Inflammatory disorders linked to chronic stress.

Serotonin and Trauma

• Around 90-95% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mood regulation, is produced in the gut.
• A disrupted gut microbiome due to trauma may contribute to mood disorders and heightened stress responses.

Muscles and Fascia: Where Trauma is Stored

Trauma can manifest physically through muscle tension and fascial restrictions, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

Common Areas Where Trauma is Stored:

• Neck and shoulders – Linked to emotional burdens and stress.
• Jaw (TMJ dysfunction) – A sign of suppressed anger or anxiety.
• Back and diaphragm – Related to past trauma and suppressed emotions.

The fascia, a connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs, can also store trauma. This tension could lead to myofascial pain syndrome, a condition often associated with emotional and physical trauma.

Epigenetics: Can Trauma Be Passed Down?

Research in epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression, suggests that trauma may alter the way our genes function.

How Trauma Affects DNA

• Chronic stress and trauma can lead to changes in how genes are switched on and off.
• These genetic changes can be passed down to future generations, increasing susceptibility to anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress-related conditions.

While trauma may leave a biological imprint, healing is possible through therapy, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation.

Healing Trauma in the Body

Despite the deep impact of trauma, science-backed therapies can help individuals heal by retraining the nervous system.

Effective Trauma Therapies

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – Reprocesses traumatic memories to reduce emotional distress.
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – Integrates body awareness to process trauma.
• Somatic Experiencing – Releases stored trauma through bodily sensations.
• Breathwork and Movement-Based Practices – Helps regulate stress and promote nervous system balance.

Final Thoughts

Trauma’s effects on the body can be overwhelming, but healing is possible. Through therapies that integrate both the mind and body, individuals can access their natural capacity to self-regulate and recover. By addressing trauma at a neurological and physiological level, it is possible to regain a sense of balance, safety, and well-being.