What organ stores trauma?

Trauma is primarily stored in the brain's amygdala (emotional/fear center) and the nervous system, rather than a single organ. It causes the amygdala to become hyperreactive, trapping memories without proper filing, while the body remains in a chronic "fight, flight, or freeze" state.

What organs hold trauma?

Many trauma survivors find that even after years of talk therapy, their bodies still feel tense, reactive, or shut down. That is because trauma is not only stored in memory. It is held in muscle, fascia, breath, and nervous system patterns.

Where is trauma stored in your body?

This storing happens on a subconscious and autonomic level and may be experienced separately from conscious recall of the actual traumatic events that happened. This bodily storing or remembering of trauma happens through visceral responses, autonomic and muscle memory and habits.

What are the physical signs your body is releasing trauma?

When your body releases trauma, you might experience physical shifts like shaking, tingling, or warmth, muscle relaxation (especially neck, jaw, shoulders), changes in breathing (deeper or irregular), and digestive relief. You may also feel emotionally lighter, have sudden crying/laughter, experience vivid dreams, or notice increased body awareness, signaling your nervous system is calming down from "fight-or-flight" and processing stored stress.
 

How did I heal my PTSD naturally?

How can I help myself?

1. Focus on your breathing. When you are frightened, you might stop breathing normally. ...
2. Carry an object that reminds you of the present. ...
3. Tell yourself that you are safe. ...
4. Comfort yourself. ...
5. Keep a diary. ...
6. Try grounding techniques.

How the body keeps the score on trauma | Bessel van der Kolk for Big Think+

How to release old trauma from the body?

To release trauma from the body, use mind-body practices like yoga, breathwork, somatic therapy, and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) to calm the nervous system and process stored tension through gentle movement, grounding, and mindfulness; incorporate rhythmic exercise and creative therapies (art, music, dance) for non-verbal expression; and seek professional help like EMDR or somatic experiencing for guided release. Focus on reconnecting with your body safely to move out of fight/flight/freeze states. 

What is the spiritual root of PTSD?

The malevolent worldview and disrupted relationship with God characteristic of spiritual struggle may lead to the perceptions of threat or loss that cause and maintain PTSD symptoms (Ehlers & Clark, 2000).

How do I know if my body is holding onto trauma?

Muscle Tension and Pain

Pain and muscle tension aren't only caused by physical injury. They are also the body's response to stress and other environmental factors. Stress and trauma can increase the hormone cortisol in the body which leads to pain and inflammation.

What is trauma dumping?

Updated 05/10/2024. Trauma dumping is defined as unloading traumatic experiences on others without warning or invitation. It's often done to seek validation, attention, or sympathy. While some initial relief may come from dumping your trauma onto someone else, the habit actually does more harm than good.

What are the 7 stages of releasing trauma?

But in my experience, emotional healing happens in seven stages: awareness, acceptance, processing, release, growth, integration, and transformation. We don't move through these seven stages in a straight line, but we do pass through them all eventually on the path to healing.

What does unprocessed trauma look like?

Here are some things to look for that could mean you're holding on to unprocessed trauma: Intense feelings like sadness, fear, or anger that appear suddenly or linger too long. Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much. Having nightmares or flashbacks.

What not to say to a trauma survivor?

Phrases like “Everything happens for a reason” or “At least you're not…” might seem comforting, but they can make the person feel like their feelings don't matter. Survivors often need space to grieve, express anger, or feel sadness, emotions that are all part of the healing process.

Where is trauma memory stored?

Traumatic memories get stuck in the emotional memory of the amygdala rather than reaching the hippocampus, the area of the brain that records the details – like the what, when and where of an event. So for survivors the “memory” of a trauma often emerges as a strong emotional or sensory experience.

What emotions get stuck in the liver?

The classics usually associate anger with the Liver, which is why the Liver is the General, but in fact [the emotions of] the Liver include melancholy, hatred, neuroticism, and all the Seven Emotions 七情.

What muscles hold the most trauma?

Whenever you experience something shocking, traumatic, or that you (consciously or subconsciously) perceive as a threat, your psoas muscle constricts and 'locks in' the tension in the body.

Does crying release trauma?

It won't rid you of PTSD and your fears, but let your tears flow and you'll maybe feel a little better afterwards. 'Crying for long periods of time releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, otherwise known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help ease both physical and emotional pain.

Why do traumatized people overshare?

Oversharing can be a trauma response as a way to seek connection, create feelings of intimacy, or protect yourself by pushing people away. It's a part of the fawn response, in which you over-disclose to appease others and avoid rejection, conflict, or harm.

How to release trauma trapped in the body?

To release trauma from the body, use mind-body practices like yoga, breathwork, somatic therapy, and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) to calm the nervous system and process stored tension through gentle movement, grounding, and mindfulness; incorporate rhythmic exercise and creative therapies (art, music, dance) for non-verbal expression; and seek professional help like EMDR or somatic experiencing for guided release. Focus on reconnecting with your body safely to move out of fight/flight/freeze states. 

How to stop a trauma loop?

The person needs to have a corrective experience, one that is opposite from the trauma. For example, if they were hated, they need to feel loved. If they were neglected, they need to feel connected. If they were hit, they need to feel physically safe.

What are signs of unhealed trauma?

Symptoms of Unhealed Trauma

• Hypervigilance.
• Low self-esteem.
• Avoiding crowds.
• Unexplainable anger or irritation.
• Flashbacks.
• Sleeplessness.
• Nightmares.
• Anxiety or panic attacks.

How to rewire your brain from trauma?

EMDR therapy works by helping individuals process traumatic memories and emotions in a safe and controlled environment. This therapy involves a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation that help the brain process traumatic memories and rewire the neural pathways associated with those memories.

Can you heal trauma without therapy?

Healing childhood trauma without therapy requires self-care practices. As well as the trust of certain individuals. It involves incorporating mindfulness, establishing healthy boundaries, engaging in physical activities, and exploring creative outlets.

What flower symbolizes PTSD?

PTSD UK Colours

The lotus flower is a symbol of strength in adversity – it has the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world.

What is a red flag for spiritual abuse?

Out-loud shaming, such as name-calling and belittling, is also a red flag for possible spiritual abuse. Scare tactics involve statements such as “God will withdraw his love” if you “sin” against the church or do not obey the rules of the church. Spiritual abuse can result in a range of impacts on individuals.

What does God say about people with PTSD?

Romans 1:18

God knows about the trauma experienced by every single person. He knows the details of how the trauma came about, and He hates the wickedness that caused such pain. Take heart in knowing that God comforts us. He is close to the brokenhearted and comforts us when we suffer, holding us in His arms.