Our bodies and brains are remarkable, interconnected systems that carry the imprints of our experiences—both joyful and painful. When it comes to trauma, these imprints often linger in ways that go beyond conscious memory.

Even if we aren’t fully aware of a traumatic event, our bodies may hold onto it. A seemingly small event—something as subtle as a sound, smell, or image—can act as a “trigger,” activating the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response. This is not a sign of weakness or failure; it’s a deeply ingrained survival mechanism. Our bodies remember what our brains may try to bury or forget.

When trauma is stored in the body, it doesn’t just remain a mental or emotional experience. It can manifest in physical symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere: unrelenting fatigue, digestive discomfort, chronic headaches, or even heart palpitations. These symptoms are the body’s way of signaling that it’s carrying an unprocessed burden.

But there is hope. Our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal when given the right tools and environment. Mind-body practices and somatic therapies are powerful pathways to releasing trauma that has taken up residence in our tissues. These approaches gently help the body “speak” what words cannot.

Somatic therapies can include:

• Therapeutic shaking (TRE): A practice that uses gentle tremors to release deep tension in the body.
• Dance and movement: Free-flowing movement can unlock stuck emotions and bring a sense of liberation.
• Trauma-informed yoga: A sensitive and mindful approach to connecting with the body in a safe, empowering way.
• Massage and bodywork: Skilled hands can guide the body toward a sense of safety and ease.

These practices invite the body into a dialogue of healing, allowing stored trauma to be released and replaced with peace, safety, and connection. Healing is not linear, nor is it one-size-fits-all, but with compassionate care and the right tools, your body can heal.

Your body holds stories—and it also holds the power to rewrite them.