The Body Remembers: Physical Symptoms of Trauma and How to Heal Them
Have you ever noticed that your body seems to carry stress long after a difficult experience has passed? Maybe you get headaches when you’re anxious, feel a knot in your stomach before a big meeting, or struggle with chronic pain that doctors can’t quite explain. These aren’t just random aches and pains—they can be the body’s way of holding onto trauma.
Trauma isn’t just something that happens in our minds. It’s an experience that gets stored in our bodies, sometimes for years. The good news? There are ways to heal, and brainspotting is one powerful tool to help release these physical symptoms and restore balance.
How Trauma Shows Up in the Body
When we go through something overwhelming—whether it’s a single event or a series of smaller, stressful moments—our bodies react to protect us. This can look like a racing heart, tense muscles, shallow breathing, or even feeling frozen and numb. For some, these reactions fade once the danger passes. But for others, the body stays on high alert, holding onto the memory of what happened.
Over time, this can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including:
Chronic headaches or migraines
Digestive issues (like stomachaches, nausea, or IBS)
Muscle tension and pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, or back
Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Heart palpitations or chest tightness
Unexplained aches and pains
These symptoms can be frustrating, especially when medical tests come back “normal.” But they’re real, and they’re your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
Why Does the Body Hold Onto Trauma?
Our brains and bodies are deeply connected. When we experience trauma, the brain stores the memory not just as a story, but as a set of physical sensations. This is especially true for experiences that were overwhelming, confusing, or happened before we had words to describe them.
Sometimes, the body “remembers” even when the mind tries to move on. You might notice your shoulders tense up when you’re stressed, or your stomach churn when you think about a past event. These reactions are your nervous system’s way of trying to keep you safe—even if the threat is long gone.
Traditional Approaches vs. Body-Based Healing
Traditional talk therapy can be incredibly helpful for understanding trauma and making sense of your experiences. But sometimes, talking alone isn’t enough to release what’s stuck in the body. That’s where body-based therapies like brainspotting come in.
Brainspotting is a gentle, noninvasive approach that helps you access and process the physical and emotional roots of trauma. It’s based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel, and that certain eye positions (or “brainspots”) can connect you to the places in your brain and body where trauma is stored.
How Brainspotting Works for Physical Symptoms
Here’s what a typical brainspotting session might look like:
Tuning In: With the support of a trained therapist, you focus on a physical symptom or sensation—maybe a tightness in your chest or a persistent headache.
Finding Your Brainspot: Your therapist helps you find an eye position that seems to “hold” the feeling. This spot acts as a doorway to the deeper layers of your brain and nervous system.
Gentle Processing: As you focus on the brainspot, you simply notice what comes up—thoughts, emotions, memories, or shifts in your body. There’s no pressure to talk or analyze; just being present is enough.
Release and Relief: Over time, many people notice their physical symptoms lessen or even disappear. The body feels lighter, and old patterns of tension start to unwind.
What’s unique about brainspotting is that you don’t have to relive or retell your trauma in detail. The process is guided by your body’s own wisdom, allowing healing to happen at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
The Benefits Go Beyond Symptom Relief
Healing the physical symptoms of trauma isn’t just about feeling better in your body (though that’s a huge plus!). As you release what’s been held inside, you might also notice:
Improved emotional regulation—less anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
Greater self-awareness and connection to your body
Better sleep and more energy
Increased resilience to stress
A deeper sense of calm and safety
Many people find that as their bodies heal, their minds and spirits do too. It’s a holistic process that touches every part of your life.
Tips for Supporting Your Body’s Healing
While brainspotting can be a powerful tool, there are also small steps you can take on your own to support your body:
Practice gentle movement: Yoga, stretching, or even a short walk can help release tension.
Tune into your breath: Slow, deep breathing signals safety to your nervous system.
Notice and name sensations: Simply acknowledging what you feel can begin to shift stuck energy.
Prioritize rest: Healing takes energy. Give yourself permission to slow down when you need to.
Seek support: You don’t have to do this alone. Therapists trained in brainspotting or other body-based approaches can help guide your journey.
You Deserve to Feel at Home in Your Body
If you’ve been struggling with physical symptoms that just won’t go away, know that you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone. Your body is wise, and it’s doing its best to protect you. With patience, compassion, and the right support, it’s absolutely possible to heal.
Brainspotting offers a gentle, effective path to releasing the physical hold of trauma, so you can move forward with more ease, comfort, and freedom. If you’re curious about how this approach might help you, reach out or explore more resources. Your body—and your whole self—deserve to feel safe, strong, and at home.