Our personality and self-perception are closely tied to the interaction between the mind and body. However, trauma can disrupt this connection and take control over it. Research shows that trauma has a long-term impact not only on the mind but also on the body. This means that many mental health problems originate in physiological processes. But if emotional pain is "stored" in our body, how can we release it?
Healing Inner Wounds
Modern medicine increasingly acknowledges the value of ancient practices such as yoga, which offer spiritual experiences and help the body and mind recover. Interest in this direction is also growing due to psychedelics, which can help people process difficult moments in their lives. What happens if we combine these two approaches?
Trauma: A Common Issue
Our attitude towards mental health is changing. More people are seeking help, and treatment methods are becoming more accessible and effective. As a result, more individuals are recognizing how trauma impacts their lives. Trauma is an unhealed psychological wound that can be caused by a single event or accumulated stress.
Many assume trauma is only related to significant incidents such as violence, disasters, or war. However, trauma can often be less obvious. For example, even small but persistent emotional upheavals leave a deep mark. Any situation that makes a person feel helpless or unwanted can cause trauma.
For instance, emotional neglect or lack of support during childhood is something many people experience. According to research, 84% of people worldwide have faced a traumatic experience at least once in their lives. However, not everyone realizes that their daily struggles may be linked to trauma, even if they don’t remember specific events.
How Does the Body Store Trauma?
In the book "The Body Keeps the Score" (2015), psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explains how trauma manifests in the body. He states that trauma affects not just the brain but the entire organism. Studies show that childhood trauma can lead to health problems in adulthood—from heart issues to chronic pain. Even stress, which seems like a normal part of life, is often connected to trauma.
Persistent muscle tension, headaches, or back pain may be physical manifestations of trauma.
Psychologist James Gordon says, "When someone experiences a fight, flight, or freeze response, their body is tense, and their muscles are contracted. This defensive reaction remains in the body for a long time."
Breathing Exercises and Movement: Healing Trauma Through Activity
Psychotherapist Lorna Evans helps people release trauma through mindful movement—breathing exercises, stretching, and gentle touch. These practices help the body relax, relieve tension, and feel safe. Her approach is based on the theory that the body responds to emotions and stores memories of trauma.
For example, certain exercises, such as stretching or gentle movements, can help a person feel freedom and calmness instead of being stuck in tension.
The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy
Psychedelic substances like MDMA provide individuals with access to their subconscious, helping them process painful memories without fear or judgment. Research shows that these substances assist people in working through their trauma and finding inner peace.
In 2021, a study on MDMA therapy demonstrated that this method is effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The substance helps patients manage difficult memories and better understand their emotions.
A Combined Approach
Combining somatic therapy with psychedelics could become a powerful tool for addressing trauma. Practices like yoga already show how physical exercises can help people release tension and regain control over their bodies.
Although research in this field is still in its early stages, more specialists believe that integrating psychedelic therapy with body-centered practices could become one of the most promising directions in trauma treatment.
Conclusion
Trauma affects not only the mind but also the body. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that includes psychotherapy, somatic practices, and modern methods like psychedelic therapy may be the most effective solution. Modern science continues to explore these possibilities, and in the future, we can expect groundbreaking treatment methods.
