Releasing Trauma Stored in the Body Through Movement and Energy Work
- Pearline Muckelvene
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Trauma is often thought of as a psychological experience, but it also leaves a lasting imprint on the body. Many people carry unresolved trauma in their muscles, tissues, and nervous system, which can manifest as chronic pain, tension, or emotional distress.
Modern science increasingly recognizes that trauma is not only stored in the mind but also deeply embedded in the body. This understanding has led to the development of somatic therapies that focus on releasing trauma through physical means. However, these ideas are not new. Ancient cultures around the world developed powerful techniques to help individuals release trauma and restore balance through movement, bodywork, and energy practices. Exploring these ancient methods offers valuable insights into how the body can heal itself when trauma is allowed to move and dissipate.
How Trauma Becomes Stored in the Body
When a person experiences trauma, the body reacts with a fight, flight, or freeze response. This reaction triggers a flood of stress hormones and muscle tension designed to protect the individual from harm. If the threat passes without resolution, the body may remain in a state of heightened arousal or tension. Over time, this unresolved tension becomes chronic, creating physical blocks and emotional numbness. According to van der Kolk (2014), trauma can disrupt the brain-body connection, making it difficult for individuals to fully process and release traumatic memories. The body holds onto these experiences as a form of survival, but this can lead to ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and dissociation.
Somatic Release Through Movement
Movement has long been recognized as a way to help the body discharge stored trauma. Ancient cultures used dance, martial arts, and ritual movement to facilitate emotional and physical release.
In many Indigenous traditions, dance ceremonies serve as a communal way to express grief, joy, and healing. These movements help to reset the nervous system and allow trapped energy to flow freely again.
One ancient practice that exemplifies this is the Shamanic trance dance, which involves rhythmic movement and drumming to induce altered states of consciousness. This state allows individuals to access deep emotional layers and release trauma held in the body.
Qigong, a Chinese practice dating back thousands of years, combines slow, deliberate movements with breath control to cultivate energy flow and release tension. Research shows that such movement-based practices can reduce trauma-related symptoms by promoting relaxation and body awareness (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).
Bodywork as a Path to Healing
Bodywork encompasses various manual therapies that manipulate muscles, fascia, and connective tissues to release tension and trauma. Ancient healing systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have long used massage and acupressure to balance the body’s energy and promote healing.
In Ayurveda, Abhyanga is a warm oil massage that calms the nervous system and helps dissolve physical and emotional blockages. This practice is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation, aiding in the removal of toxins and stagnant energy. TCM uses acupuncture and tuina massage to unblock meridians, the pathways through which life energy (Qi) flows. When these pathways are clear, the body can release stored trauma and restore harmony.
Modern somatic therapists often incorporate these ancient techniques to help clients reconnect with their bodies and release trauma safely. For example, Rolfing Structural Integration focuses on realigning the body’s structure to free chronic tension patterns that may relate to past trauma.
Energy Work and Trauma Release
Energy work is another ancient approach that addresses trauma stored in the subtle body rather than just the physical tissues. Many cultures believe that trauma disrupts the flow of vital energy, leading to emotional and physical imbalances. Techniques such as Reiki, chakra balancing, and pranic healing aim to restore energy flow and facilitate trauma release.
The concept of chakras originates from ancient Indian spiritual traditions. Each chakra corresponds to different emotional and physical aspects of the body. When trauma blocks a chakra, it can cause symptoms ranging from emotional instability to physical illness. Energy healers use hands-on or distant healing methods to clear these blockages and promote self-healing.
In Yoruba culture, the concept of energy centers is known as "Ase," distinct from the chakra system in other traditions. Ase is the life force that permeates the universe, connecting all living beings. It is a dynamic force flowing through everything, driving creation and spiritual practices. Ase enables individuals to manifest intentions and communicate with the Orishas, deities representing nature and human experience.
Understanding Ase involves practices and rituals to harness this energy, such as offerings, prayers, and dances, enhancing spiritual and physical well-being. These rituals help individuals cultivate their personal Ase, tap into their potential, and positively influence their surroundings.
Shamanic healing often involves energy-cleansing rituals to remove negative energy and restore balance. These rituals may include smudging with herbs, chanting, or guided visualization to release trauma held in the energetic field.
Scientific studies on energy therapies remain limited but promising. Some research suggests that energy work can reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being by promoting relaxation and a sense of safety (Jain et al., 2015). These practices complement somatic and bodywork therapies by addressing trauma on multiple levels.
Practical Ways to Use Somatic Release Techniques
Individuals interested in exploring somatic release can start with simple practices:
Gentle movement, such as walking, stretching, or dancing to music, can help shift stuck energy.
Breathwork exercises promote relaxation and nervous system regulation.
Self-massage or the use of tools like foam rollers can ease muscle tension.
Guided meditation or visualization focusing on energy flow supports emotional release.
Seeking trained practitioners in somatic therapy, bodywork, or energy healing offers professional support.
It is important to approach these practices with patience and care. Trauma release can bring up strong emotions, so creating a safe environment and working with experienced guides is essential.
The Lasting Impact of Ancient Somatic Practices
Ancient techniques for somatic release demonstrate the deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. These methods have stood the test of time because they work with the body’s natural wisdom to restore balance and health. By moving, touching, and tuning into energy, people can free themselves from the grip of trauma and reclaim their vitality.
Modern science continues to validate what ancient healers knew: trauma is stored in the body, and healing requires engaging the body as much as the mind. Exploring these ancient practices offers a path toward holistic healing that honors the whole person.
Trauma stored in the body can feel overwhelming, but ancient somatic techniques provide practical ways to release this burden. Movement, bodywork, and energy healing each offer unique tools to help the nervous system reset and the body regain its natural flow. Whether through ritual dance, therapeutic massage, or energy balancing, these practices invite us to listen to our bodies and heal from within. Embracing this wisdom can transform trauma from a source of pain into a catalyst for growth and resilience.
References
Jain, S., Mills, P. J., & Cohen, L. (2015). Energy therapies for pain management. Pain Management, 5(4), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt.15.14
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Bantam.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
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