Trauma is a multifaceted experience, often categorised by its emotional and psychological impacts. However, the physiology of trauma—how trauma affects the body—plays an equally significant role in understanding both the immediate and long-term consequences of traumatic events. Trauma doesn’t just leave an imprint on the mind; it can profoundly influence the body, leading to a host of physiological responses that may linger for years. This article will explore the complex physiological mechanisms involved in trauma, while also examining somatic modalities like Trauma Release Exercises (TRE®) developed by Dr. David Berceli, which aim to release stored tension in the body.
Understanding Trauma: What Happens in the Body?
The human body is wired to respond to threats through a well-orchestrated physiological reaction known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. This mechanism is designed to ensure survival, but when trauma occurs—whether through a singular event or repeated exposure—this system can become dysregulated.
When faced with danger, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) kicks into high gear. The sympathetic branch of the ANS is responsible for the fight or flight response, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to either confront the threat or flee from it by increasing heart rate, sharpening focus, and tensing muscles.
According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma research, "Trauma results in a fundamental reorganisation of the way mind and brain manage perceptions. It changes not only how we think and what we think about, but also our very capacity to think." His work suggests that trauma changes how the brain interprets and stores memories, impacting not only the mind but also how the body physically holds onto traumatic experiences.
If a threat is deemed inescapable, the body may enter the freeze response, a state of immobilisation where muscles stiffen, heart rate slows, and the individual feels stuck or paralysed. This is often seen in trauma survivors who experience a sense of helplessness during traumatic events.
Long-Term Physiological Effects of Trauma
While the body's acute stress response is essential for immediate survival, prolonged or unprocessed trauma can lead to chronic dysregulation of the nervous system. Trauma may cause an individual to remain in a heightened state of arousal or vigilance, commonly seen in conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In these cases, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, while the parasympathetic system, responsible for calming the body, is suppressed.
Some key physiological impacts of trauma include:
Chronic Stress Hormone Elevation: Elevated cortisol levels, which are meant to return to baseline after the threat passes, remain high. This can lead to a weakened immune system, weight gain, cardiovascular issues, and more.
Muscular Tension and Somatic Memory: Trauma can become "trapped" in the body, particularly in muscle tissues. This stored tension may manifest as chronic pain, tension headaches, and other unexplained physical ailments. As Dr. Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing®, states: “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
Dysregulation of the Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a significant role in managing stress and emotional regulation. Trauma may disrupt its function, causing symptoms like digestive issues, heart rate irregularities, and emotional instability.
Somatic Modalities for Healing Trauma
The recognition that trauma lives in the body has given rise to various somatic healing modalities aimed at releasing this stored tension. Somatic therapies focus on the connection between the body and mind, recognising that physical symptoms often mirror emotional wounds.
Trauma Release Exercises (TRE®) by Dr. David Berceli
One such method is TRE®, developed by Dr. David Berceli, a trauma recovery expert. TRE® involves a series of exercises designed to evoke tremors in the body, which are believed to be a natural mechanism for releasing tension and stored trauma.
Dr. Berceli explains, “The tremor response in humans is part of our natural genetic makeup. It’s a necessary component of releasing muscular tension and soothing the nervous system after stressful or traumatic events.”
These tremors, or neurogenic shakes, mimic the way animals in the wild physically release stress after a life-threatening encounter. The goal of TRE® is to reset the body’s nervous system, bringing it back to a state of balance after trauma has caused dysregulation.
Research into somatic modalities like TRE® suggests that these approaches can help restore nervous system equilibrium, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and promote a deeper connection between the mind and body. By allowing the body to process trauma through physical movement and tremors, individuals may experience relief from both physical and emotional distress.
Somatic Experiencing®
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing® is another widely respected somatic therapy. This approach emphasises helping trauma survivors "complete" the body’s natural response to threat, which may have been interrupted during the trauma. Somatic Experiencing® works by guiding individuals to tune into their bodily sensations (such as tightness or tingling), allowing them to gradually discharge the energy associated with the trauma.
Levine's work focuses on renegotiating trauma stored in the body. He explains, "Trauma is not just an event that took place in the past; it’s also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body." Somatic Experiencing® helps individuals reconnect with their body and process the traumatic energy trapped within it.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Approaches
Recognising the physiological impact of trauma is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. A trauma-informed approach acknowledges the complex interplay between the mind and body, ensuring that therapies address not only the emotional and psychological effects of trauma but also the physical ones.
By incorporating somatic therapies like TRE® and Somatic Experiencing® into trauma treatment plans, individuals can achieve a more holistic recovery. These methods help to:
· Restore the body’s natural balance after trauma.
· Promote relaxation and reduce hyperarousal.
· Reconnect individuals with their bodies, allowing for a more profound emotional release and healing.
The physiology of trauma reveals that our bodies and minds are deeply interconnected, with trauma affecting not only our emotional wellbeing but also our physical health. Prolonged exposure to stress or trauma can lead to lasting physiological consequences, including chronic tension, immune system dysregulation, and nervous system imbalances. However, through somatic modalities like TRE® by Dr. David Berceli and Somatic Experiencing®, trauma survivors can begin to heal not just mentally, but also physically.
As more research highlights the significance of the body in processing trauma, it becomes clear that a comprehensive approach—one that honours the role of the body in healing—is essential for true recovery.
To find out more about TRE® or to book a 1:1 session, please get in touch.
Comments