Physical WEllness
TRAUMA
definition
Trauma isn’t just something that happened to you — it’s what happened inside you as a result.
Whether it’s:
Childhood adversity
Chronic stress
A single traumatic event
Medical or relational trauma
Long-term emotional neglect
…trauma lives in the nervous system. It impacts how our bodies react to everyday stress, how we sleep, digest, move, and even how we think and connect with others.
Trauma can be stored in the body. And without support, it can lead to chronic inflammation, fatigue, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, tension, anxiety, and more.
WHY IT MATTERS
When you’re stuck in survival mode, your body may:
Stay tense even when safe
Have trouble relaxing, sleeping, or eating
Hold onto inflammation or gut issues
Struggle with pain or energy crashes
Develop sensitivities or chronic illness
Your physical body isn’t broken — it’s working hard to protect you, even if those patterns no longer serve you.
By understanding trauma’s physical effects, we can begin to unwind its grip gently — with tools that regulate the nervous system, build safety, and reconnect you with your body on your own terms.
Holistic Considerations
We ask:
“Where does my body still feel unsafe, unseen, or overwhelmed?”
“How can I gently rebuild trust in my own body again?”
Holistic wellness recognizes trauma not just as a mental health issue, but a full-body experience. Healing requires:
Safety
Nervous system regulation
Trauma-informed practices
Gentle self-awareness
Connection
Supportive Tools & Practices
Nervous system support:
Breathwork (like box breathing, vagus nerve stimulation)
Grounding rituals (barefoot in nature, body scanning, warm tea)
Somatic therapy or movement
EMDR, IFS, or trauma-informed talk therapy
Slow, intentional touch (like weighted blankets, self-massage)
Body-safety rituals:
Create cozy corners or calming scents
Morning or evening check-ins: “How do I feel right now?”
Gentle yoga or stretching to discharge tension
Journaling or art as emotional expression
Rest and pacing — honoring your energy
🔬 Mini Deep-Dives
🧠 Emotional Trauma & Chronic Pain
Many people with trauma experience pain without a clear physical cause. That doesn’t mean it’s “all in your head” — it means your nervous system is on high alert.
Coming soon: “How Stored Stress Becomes Physical Pain”
Related: [Inflammation & Physical Wellness]
🧬 Trauma & Sensitivities
Trauma can lower your tolerance to environmental triggers like mold, foods, smells, or sounds. That’s not weakness — it’s your body asking for safety.
Related: [Environment & Physical Wellness], [Gut + Mind]
Explore More
Coming soon: “Nervous System 101” Toolkit
Blog: “Trauma Responses That Live in the Body”
Morning Grounding Routine – Instagram Reel idea
Free Download: 3 Calming Practices You Can Do in Bed
Podcast recs: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté