Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. That racing heart, those tense shoulders, the pit in your stomach – these aren’t just symptoms, they’re your body’s stored stories. While many people associate healing with talking through experiences, emerging research shows that movement can unlock trauma held deep within our physical selves.
- Understanding Trauma’s Physical Impact
- The Science: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Healing
- How Movement Heals: The Polyvagal Perspective
- Evidence-Based Movement Practices
- When to Seek Professional Support
Understanding Trauma’s Physical Impact
When trauma occurs, it affects both mind and body. Dr. Peter Levine’s research shows that trauma responses get trapped in our nervous system, creating patterns of fight, flight, or freeze that persist long after the danger has passed.
This explains why:
- Your heart races in safe situations
- Muscles remain chronically tense
- Digestive issues persist
- Sleep becomes disrupted
The Science: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Healing
Traditional talk therapy works “top-down,” starting with thoughts to influence feelings. Movement therapy works “bottom-up,” beginning with the body to shift the nervous system. Research from the field of interpersonal neurobiology shows this approach can be particularly effective for trauma stored in the body’s implicit memory system.
How Movement Heals: The Polyvagal Perspective
Through the lens of Dr. Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory, movement helps by:
- Activating the ventral vagal system (our social engagement pathway)
- Releasing trapped survival energy
- Creating new neural pathways for safety
- Improving interoception (internal body awareness)
Evidence-Based Movement Practices
Gentle Rocking (Vestibular Activation)
The rhythmic motion of rocking engages your vagus nerve, promoting regulation:
- Start in a comfortable seated position
- Rock slowly, following your natural rhythm
- Notice any shifts in tension or ease
Mindful Walking (Grounding)
Walking mindfully helps anchor you in the present:
- Feel each foot connecting with the ground
- Notice the alternating movement of your legs
- Allow your arms to swing naturally
- Observe your breath without changing it
Progressive Tension-Release
This practice helps release stored patterns:
- Gently tense one muscle group at a time
- Hold for 5 seconds
- Release slowly, tracking sensations
- Notice the difference between tension and relaxation
When to Seek Professional Support
While self-directed movement can be helpful, professional guidance is recommended if:
- Movements trigger flashbacks
- You frequently dissociate
- Past trauma significantly impacts daily life
- You’re unsure about safety
- You have complex medical conditions
Ready to explore how movement can support your healing? Our team specializes in somatic experiencing and trauma-informed movement therapy. Let’s work together to help your body feel safe again.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Remember: Your body’s wisdom runs deep. Sometimes it just needs gentle guidance to remember its natural state of balance and safety.
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Note: This blog is educational and not a substitute for professional treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical and mental health concerns.
