How Trauma Gets Stuck in the Body—And How EMDR & Somatic Therapy Can Help

Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Tries to Forget

Have you ever noticed how stress makes your shoulders tense, or how a painful memory knots your stomach—even years later? That's because trauma isn’t just psychological; it actually leaves a physical imprint on your body. Pioneering research by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score) and Dr. Alan Fogel reveals how unprocessed trauma embeds itself in our nervous system, leading to chronic pain, illness, and dysregulation.

So, if you've noticed you struggle with unexplained tension, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, or anxiety, your body might be holding onto unresolved trauma. The good news? Healing is possible. Therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Therapy help release what your nervous system has been storing for years.

The Science Behind Trauma’s Physical Impact

When we experience trauma—whether from a single distressing event or prolonged stress—our nervous system activates fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. If these survival states aren’t resolved, the body remains stuck in high alert, leading to long-term health consequences.

1. Chronic Pain & Muscle Tension

Studies show that trauma survivors often develop fibromyalgia, migraines, or TMJ disorders due to chronic bracing (van der Kolk, 2014).
Unexplained numbness or tension may be the body’s way of dissociating from stored trauma (Fogel, 2009).

2. Cardiovascular & Respiratory Issues

Research links PTSD and chronic stress to higher blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma (Kubzansky et al., 2007).
The vagus nerve, which regulates heart rate and digestion, can become dysregulated after trauma (Porges, 2011).

3. Digestive & Autoimmune Problems

Trauma disrupts gut health, contributing to IBS, acid reflux, and food sensitivities (Harvard Medical School, 2020).
Prolonged stress increases inflammation, raising risks for autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (Dube et al., 2009).

How EMDR & Somatic Therapy Help Release Trauma

EMDR: Rewiring Traumatic Memories

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Studies show it can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms (Shapiro, 2018).

🔹 Who it helps: People with PTSD, anxiety, phobias, or recurring distressing memories.

Somatic Therapy: Reconnecting with Your Body

Somatic therapy focuses on body awareness to release trapped trauma. Techniques include:

Gentle movement (like trauma-informed yoga) check out the work of
Breathwork to regulate the nervous system
Mindful tracking of physical sensations

🔹 Who it helps: Those with chronic pain, dissociation, or a sense of being "disconnected" from their body.

Self-Help Tips to Start Releasing Trauma Now

While therapy is essential for deep healing, these practices can help calm your nervous system:

✅ Grounding Techniques

5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
Barefoot Walking: Stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation.

✅ Breathwork for Regulation

4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8 (reduces anxiety).
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Place a hand on your belly; breathe deeply into it and breathe out slowly like you're deflating a balloon.

✅ Gentle Movement

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Helps release stored tension. Dr. Arielle Schwartz has excellent free classes on YouTube.
Shaking or Dancing: Mimics the body’s natural way of discharging stress.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you’re tired of carrying trauma in your body, Soul Space offers trauma-informed EMDR and Somatic Therapy to help you release pain and restore safety in your nervous system.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if our approach is right for you. Your body deserves to heal. www.soulspace.systems.