Energy in the body

Somatic health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. It refers to the intricate relationship between the mind and body, emphasising how physical experiences, emotional states, and psychological traumas are interconnected. When trauma occurs, whether through a single distressing event or prolonged exposure to stress, it doesn't just impact the mind, it imprints itself onto the body, manifesting in various ways such as chronic pain, tension, and even illness.

The Body Keeps the Score, a renowned book by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, highlights how trauma is stored in the body. When an individual experiences trauma, the nervous system goes into survival mode, fight, flight, or freeze—and sometimes remains stuck in this heightened state. This prolonged state of activation can lead to a range of physical symptoms, from muscle tightness to digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue. Essentially, unresolved trauma becomes embedded within the body, often without conscious awareness.

Fortunately, there are several therapeutic approaches designed to help release stored trauma and restore the balance of our internal health. Some of the most effective methods include:

Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this therapy focuses on tuning into bodily sensations to process and release trauma. Rather than reliving traumatic events, SE guides individuals to gradually discharge pent-up survival energy, helping them return to a state of regulation.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – While primarily a psychological therapy, EMDR has a profound impact on the body by helping to rewire traumatic memories and desensitize their emotional and physiological hold. By engaging in guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, individuals can reduce the physical distress associated with traumatic memories.

Breathwork and Pranayama – Breath is a powerful tool for releasing tension and stored trauma. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), and holotropic breathwork facilitate deep relaxation and allow trapped emotional energy to be processed and released.

Yoga and Movement Therapy – Practices like trauma-sensitive yoga, Qigong, and dance therapy encourage gentle movement that reconnects individuals with their bodies. These modalities help in releasing stored emotions and trauma by integrating breath, mindfulness, and physical postures.

Massage and Myofascial Release – The fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, can hold onto trauma and tension. Through deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and craniosacral therapy, individuals can release deeply held patterns of stress and trauma stored within their muscular and nervous systems.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Acupuncture helps restore energetic balance by targeting specific meridians where trauma may be stored. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can facilitate emotional release, promote relaxation, and improve the flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body.

Sound Healing and Vibrational Therapy – Sound therapy, using instruments like singing bowls, tuning forks, or binaural beats, works by stimulating the nervous system and promoting a deep state of relaxation. These frequencies can help shift stuck trauma and bring the body into harmony.

By integrating these somatic healing modalities into one’s self-care routine, individuals can work towards releasing stored trauma, reducing stress, and improving their overall physical and emotional well-being. The journey of healing is deeply personal, but understanding how trauma manifests in the body and how to address it through holistic therapies can be profoundly transformative.

As research into the mind-body connection continues to grow, the importance of somatic health is becoming increasingly recognised. The body has an innate capacity to heal, and by listening to its signals and engaging in practices that support release and regulation, we can create a healthier, more balanced life.