The Body Keeps the Score

Emotional pain and disturbing memories can stay in our body long after a traumatic situation has ended. Author and pioneering researcher on the effects of trauma, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. has written a book called “The Body Keeps the Score” in which he refers to the unbearable heaviness of remembering and a new focus for recovery using the body as the bridge. Being able to notice visceral sensations is the very foundation of emotional healing.

Survival imprint 

From an evolutionary standpoint, it is a wonderful idea for the body to have developed a way to store traumatic memories somatically. It is necessary for our survival to suddenly, without conscious thought, recognize dangerous triggers and situations so we can quickly avoid them to go on living. But all of the distress and discomfort from the constant signals create a life that can be extremely challenging, especially impacting intimate relationships.

Stuffing Memories Actually Strengthens Them 

Sometimes it may feel as if the trauma is happening all over again when a flashback occurs. All of our energy and mental resources turn toward stuffing the memories down into the basement of our awareness as we attempt to avoid reminders and “move on” with life. Unfortunately, the energy this requires and the resulting tension that accumulates may lead to a strengthening of the anxiety we endeavor to escape.

Making Space 

Trying to create distance from emotions, thoughts and distressing body symptoms is called dissociation. We figure out a way to disconnect from the body to avoid emotional pain.  It is like an escape valve that allows a detour around the pain. We dissociate to survive the next moment, but it also separates us from the wisdom of healing that lives in the body as well.

Trauma Disguises Itself 

The pain of trauma is always held in the body and it has a location and a sensation that can be identified. One person might experience chronic neck and back aches from rigidly holding his muscles as a way to contain his tension. Another person may feel a choking sensation in his throat whenever a hint of conflict arises. A third person may feel a cool numbness in her body because she has not completely removed herself from perceiving anything that may approach heightened sensation. It becomes painful just to acknowledge the body and to live in it every day. The body may become the enemy.

No Pain, No Pleasure 

While disconnection effectively prevents a person from feeling painful messages, a huge cost comes as a result. When we dissociate, we do not receive signs of danger, illness, hunger, satisfaction, stress or ease in the body. We are not able to take good care of ourselves because we do not feel much. We are not able to fully connect with others on a deeper level because we are not fully connected with ourselves. As we cut off our ability to feel pain, we also cut off our ability to feel joy.

Bottom Up, Body-Centered Healing 

Because trauma is stored in the body, treatment to ease trauma must involve the body. Trauma-sensitive yoga practices provide a supportive, self-paced method of gently making choices in relation to the body that is compassionate and subtle—all of the things that were missing during the trauma. Finding a new way to come back home to the safety and security of the body is the basis of the healing process. Mindful meditation practices that involve the body such as body scanning, noting and tracking sensations, grounding to the places where our body comes in contact with other solid surfaces, walking meditation and eating mindfully are all examples of reclaiming a kind connection to our own body.

Getting back in touch with your body feels like coming home to yourself!