Trauma isn’t just something that happens in the mind—it lives in the body, shaping the way we feel, react, and even function daily. Whether it’s a single distressing event or prolonged stress, unprocessed trauma gets stored in the nervous system, influencing everything from muscle tension to digestion and emotional regulation. Let’s explore how trauma responses show up in the body and what you can do to support nervous system recovery.
The Body’s Response to Trauma
When you experience a traumatic event, your body activates its fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, survival mechanisms designed to protect you. However, if trauma remains unresolved, these states can linger, creating chronic stress patterns that disrupt your physical and emotional well-being. Here’s how it manifests:
- Hypervigilance & Anxiety – Your nervous system remains on high alert, making it hard to relax.
- Muscle Tension & Pain – Trauma can cause chronic tightness in areas like the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
- Digestive Issues – The gut-brain connection means trauma often leads to bloating, IBS, or nausea.
- Sleep Disturbances – Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common when the nervous system is dysregulated.
- Emotional Numbness – In a freeze response, the body may suppress emotions to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How Trauma Gets Stored
The nervous system doesn’t always recognise when a threat has passed, leading to trapped survival energy in the body. This can create cycles of stress, emotional triggers, and even physical symptoms. Trauma is often stored in:
- The Fascia (Connective Tissue) – This can lead to body stiffness or chronic pain.
- The Vagus Nerve – A key player in nervous system recovery, it regulates stress responses and digestion.
- The Breath & Posture – Shallow breathing and protective body postures can be signs of unresolved trauma.
Supporting the Nervous System
The good news? The body has an incredible capacity to adapt with intentional support. Here are some science-backed ways to help your nervous system reset:
- Somatic Practices – Movement-based therapies like yoga, shaking, or stretching help release stored tension.
- Breathwork – Deep, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling safety to the body.
- Cold Therapy & Vagus Nerve Stimulation – Exposure to cold water or humming/singing helps tone the vagus nerve.
- Mindfulness & Grounding Techniques – Practices like meditation, tapping (EFT), or walking barefoot regulate nervous system responses.
- Therapeutic Support – Trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, or body-based therapies can assist in deeper recovery.
Releasing Trauma for Long-Term Wellness
Trauma doesn’t have to define you. By working with your body instead of against it, you can shift from survival mode to a place of balance and calm. Recovery is not about “getting over it” but rather giving your nervous system the support and safety it needs to let go. One step at a time, you can move towards a more regulated, resilient, and empowered version of yourself.
Your calm is worth it.
