When Your Body Knows What Your Mind Doesn’t

Our bodies have an incredible capacity to remember experiences, even those that our conscious minds may have set aside.

This is especially true of traumatic events, where the physical and emotional effects can remain long after the memory fades.

Recognising this connection is often the first step towards feeling safer and more at ease.

How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma is not only a mental experience, it’s deeply physical.

When a traumatic event occurs, the nervous system enters a state of high alert. This triggers stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

These hormones prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response. But when the body cannot respond effectively, the resulting energy and tension may remain trapped.

This disruption in the body’s stress response can lead to a state of chronic hyperarousal. Alternatively, it may cause a sense of numbness.

This imbalance may present itself as symptoms like chronic pain, muscle tightness, fatigue, or digestive issues.

Physical Signs That Trauma May Be Stored in the Body

The body often communicates emotional stress through physical symptoms. Some common examples include:

• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders, can reflect unresolved stress.
• Muscle tension: Tightness in the jaw, shoulders, or hips may suggest the body is bracing against past experiences.
• Digestive issues: Problems like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be linked to the gut-brain connection and heightened stress responses.
• Fatigue: Feeling persistently tired despite adequate sleep might indicate the body is using energy to suppress emotional responses.
• Hypervigilance: Being easily startled or constantly on edge may suggest the nervous system is still in a defensive state.

How Old Memories Can Cause Present Discomfort

Sometimes, a seemingly harmless situation may lead to intense physical or emotional reactions.

This happens because the brain links present-day experiences to unresolved memories. The body then reacts as if the original event is happening again.

A specific smell, sound, or touch might lead to anxiety or panic. Physical symptoms may include a racing heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tightening.

Understanding this connection means learning to recognise these signs with patience and compassion.

Supporting the Body to Feel Safe

Helping the body feel secure is a gradual process, but small, consistent actions can make a difference.

Activities That May Help

• Gentle movement: Practising yoga, tai chi, or walking outdoors can help release tension and encourage physical awareness.
• Breathing exercises: Slow, deep breaths can support the calming part of the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Massage therapy: Massage can help ease muscle tension and promote physical relaxation.
• Chiropractic care: Research suggests that chiropractic care may support communication between the spine and nervous system. Some individuals report reduced tension or discomfort following chiropractic adjustments. 
• Comforting touch: Touch from loved ones or even contact with a pet can release oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and a sense of safety.
• Supportive environments: Being in safe, calm surroundings can help reinforce feelings of security in the body.

By listening to your body’s signals and responding with kindness, it is possible to begin shifting away from stress responses.

This approach takes time. Being gentle with yourself is part of the healing process.