We often think of trauma as something that exists only in the mind—memories locked away, resurfacing at inconvenient moments.
But the truth is, trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts; it embeds itself deep within the body, shaping the way we breathe, move, digest, and respond to the world around us. The body remembers, even when the mind tries to forget.
How Trauma Imprints on the Body
When we experience something overwhelming—whether it’s a sudden shock, prolonged stress, or deep emotional pain—the body goes into survival mode.
The nervous system reacts instinctively, activating the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Ideally, once the threat passes, the body should return to balance. But unresolved trauma lingers, keeping the body in a state of hypervigilance or shutdown, affecting various organs in ways we often don’t recognise.
Let’s explore how different organs store emotional experiences and how we can begin to release these imprints.
Liver: The Weight of Suppressed Anger
The liver is the body’s detoxifier, filtering toxins from our blood and emotions from our past. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is associated with anger, frustration, and resentment. When we swallow our emotions instead of expressing them, the liver bears the burden.
Signs of Liver Imbalance from Emotional Suppression:
- Chronic irritability, mood swings
- Headaches or migraines (especially around the temples)
- Digestive discomfort, bloating, or sluggish metabolism
- Tight shoulders and jaw tension
Healing Practices for the Liver:
- Movement: Gentle twists and stretches (like in yoga) help stimulate liver Qi flow.
- Breathwork: Deep exhalations with a soft “shhhh” sound can release pent-up energy.
- Energetic Clearing: Journaling and releasing unspoken words can be powerful. Try writing an unsent letter to someone who hurt you.
Lungs: The Heaviness of Grief
Grief is a slow-moving emotion, and the lungs hold onto it deeply. Ever noticed how grief changes the way you breathe? People who are grieving often take shallow, incomplete breaths, as if part of them is stuck in the past.
Signs of Lung Imbalance from Grief:
- Shallow breathing or feeling short of breath
- Tightness in the chest or shoulders
- A lingering cough or respiratory issues
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
Healing Practices for the Lungs:
- Conscious Breathing: Try box breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4).
- Somatic Release: Tap gently on the chest while repeating, “It’s safe to let go.”
- Ritual for Release: Write down a sorrow and burn the paper as a symbolic gesture.
Stomach & Spleen: The Toll of Worry & Overthinking
The stomach and spleen process not just food, but emotions and experiences. Overthinking, excessive worrying, and self-doubt weaken these organs, leading to digestive issues and a lack of personal grounding.
Signs of Imbalance in the Stomach & Spleen:
- Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, IBS)
- Craving sweets or carbs for comfort
- Fatigue, brain fog, or difficulty focusing
- Feeling “ungrounded” or uncertain
Healing Practices for the Stomach & Spleen:
- Grounding Exercises: Walk barefoot on grass or place a warm hand on your belly.
- Food as Medicine: Incorporate warm, nourishing foods like soups and root vegetables.
- Daily Affirmation: “I trust my inner wisdom and allow life to flow.”
Kidneys: The Grip of Fear & Anxiety
The kidneys, which regulate water balance in the body, also hold deep-seated fears and insecurities. Chronic stress can drain kidney energy, leaving us feeling depleted and reactive.
Signs of Kidney Imbalance from Fear:
- Frequent urination or kidney discomfort
- Lower back pain or stiffness
- Chronic anxiety or difficulty feeling safe
- Feeling frozen or unable to move forward in life
Healing Practices for the Kidneys:
- Hydration & Salt Therapy: Drink warm water with a pinch of sea salt for grounding.
- Sound Healing: Humming or chanting “oooooh” can send vibrations to the kidneys.
- Somatic Movement: Try shaking your body to release stored fear (as animals do after a threat).
The Nervous System: Rewiring Safety in the Body
Our autonomic nervous system (ANS) is like the operating system of our body, constantly scanning for safety or danger. When trauma is unresolved, the nervous system gets stuck in hyperarousal (fight/flight) or shutdown (freeze/fawn), impacting everything from digestion to immunity.
Signs of a Dysregulated Nervous System:
- Constant restlessness, panic, or inability to relax
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Chronic pain, inflammation, or unexplained fatigue
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
Healing Practices for the Nervous System:
- Vagus Nerve Activation: Gargle water, hum, or splash cold water on your face.
- Orienting Exercise: Slowly look around your space and name 5 things you see.
- Self-Holding: Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly.
Bringing It All Together: A Daily Reset for Emotional & Physical Balance
Healing trauma isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about helping the body feel safe in the present.
Here’s a simple, time-efficient daily routine to support emotional balance:
- Morning: Take 5 deep belly breaths while stretching.
- Midday: Walk outside and consciously breathe in fresh air.
- Evening: Journal 3 emotions you felt during the day and how they showed up in your body.
- Before Bed: Place a hand on your heart and say, “I am safe. I am here. I am whole.”
The body is always speaking to us, offering clues about what needs attention. Trauma doesn’t just reside in memories—it settles into organs, tissues, and patterns. But healing is possible. By reconnecting with the body, listening to its signals, and practicing small daily rituals, we reclaim a sense of balance, safety, and ease.
Your body holds wisdom beyond words. The more you tune in, the more you’ll find that healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about returning home to yourself.
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