Healing Trauma from the Inside Out: The Power of Somatic Experiencing

Trauma leaves an indelible mark not just on our minds but on our bodies as well. It’s not just a psychological wound; it’s something that can manifest physically, affecting our health in ways we might not immediately connect to our past experiences. This understanding is at the heart of Somatic Experiencing (SE), a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine that focuses on the body’s role in processing and healing trauma.

Over the past few decades, research has increasingly shown that trauma is stored in the body as physiological patterning, and that traditional talk therapy, while beneficial, sometimes falls short in addressing these deep-seated physical manifestations. Somatic Experiencing offers a path to healing that begins not just with the mind, but also with the body. This type of therapy can be used for many forms of trauma, including shock trauma (accidents, natural disasters, war) and more subtle overwhelming experiences that may not at first “flag” as trauma, like childhood neglect, chronic and prolonged exposure to stress, and oppressive systems. SE may also be helpful in alleviating physical pain and the impact of chronic health conditions such as autoimmune disorders.

The Body Remembers: Trauma’s Physical Impact

When we experience a traumatic event, our bodies react instinctively. Our nervous system goes into survival mode—fight, flight, or freeze—in an attempt to protect us. However, if the trauma is overwhelming or if we’re unable to fully process it, our bodies may get "stuck" in these survival responses. This can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, even long after the danger has passed.

As Dr. Peter Levine explains in his groundbreaking book Waking the Tiger, "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." This unprocessed trauma can become trapped in the body, manifesting as physiological patterns such as muscle tension, chronic stress, anxiety, and a host of physical ailments. Research published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress (2021) has shown that unresolved trauma can contribute to conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disorders. The body’s attempt to cope with the trauma can lead to a state of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, which underlies many of these conditions.

What Is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma that focuses on gently releasing the stored survival energy that often arises in response to traumatic experiences. Developed by Dr. Levine in the 1970s, SE is based on the observation that animals in the wild, despite being regularly exposed to life-threatening situations, rarely suffer from trauma-related disorders. They naturally discharge the energy associated with traumatic events, allowing them to return to a state of calm and equilibrium.

In humans, however, this natural process can become blocked, leading to the accumulation of traumatic energy in the body. SE aims to help individuals complete this interrupted process by tuning into physical sensations and gradually releasing the trapped energy in a safe and controlled way.

Dr. Levine emphasizes that "trauma is in the nervous system, not in the event." SE works by helping people reconnect with their bodies and nervous systems, allowing them to process trauma at their own pace, without the risk of re-traumatization. This is achieved through a combination of awareness, gentle movement, and the therapist’s guidance, creating a safe space for the body to complete survival responses, integrate traumatic memories and imprints, and reconnect to safety and resource. 

Healing the Body and Mind: Recent Research on SE

Recent studies have shown promising results in using Somatic Experiencing to treat not only trauma-related psychological symptoms but also physical conditions linked to chronic stress and trauma. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that SE significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of combat veterans. The study highlighted that SE’s focus on the body allowed participants to process their trauma more fully, leading to greater emotional and physical well-being.

Moreover, SE’s potential extends beyond treating trauma-related psychological symptoms. There is growing evidence that SE can be beneficial for people suffering from physical ailments that are exacerbated or triggered by stress and trauma. For example, research published in Psychosomatic Medicine (2020) suggests that SE may help alleviate symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The study found that by addressing the underlying trauma and reducing the chronic stress response, SE could potentially modulate the immune system, leading to improvements in symptoms.

Other studies suggest that SE can reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life by helping patients reconnect with their bodies and process the trauma stored within. SE’s gentle, non-invasive approach makes it a particularly appealing option for individuals with conditions that are often sensitive to more aggressive forms of treatment.

Somatic Experiencing and Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, have been linked to chronic stress and trauma. Researchers believe that unresolved trauma may contribute to the development of these disorders by keeping the body in a state of heightened stress, which in turn can trigger inflammatory responses.

SE’s focus on helping individuals release stored trauma and survival energy and return to a state of nervous system regulation holds promise for those suffering from autoimmune conditions. By addressing the root cause—unresolved trauma—SE may help reduce the inflammatory processes that drive autoimmune disorders.

For example, a 2021 case study published in Traumatology described a patient with lupus who experienced significant improvement in symptoms after undergoing SE therapy. The patient reported a decrease in flare-ups and an overall improvement in well-being, which the researchers attributed to the reduction in chronic stress and the release of trauma stored in the body.

Moving Forward: The Future of Somatic Experiencing

As our understanding of trauma continues to evolve, so too does the recognition of the body’s role in healing. Somatic Experiencing offers a powerful tool for those struggling with the aftermath of trauma, providing a path to healing that honors both the mind and the body. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of SE in treating physical ailments like autoimmune disorders, the existing evidence is promising.

For anyone dealing with the long-lasting effects of trauma—whether psychological, physical, or both—SE offers hope. It’s a reminder that healing is not just about addressing symptoms but about reconnecting with our bodies, releasing the past, and reclaiming our lives.

Conclusion: Embracing the Body’s Wisdom

Trauma is a complex and multifaceted experience, affecting every part of our being. Somatic Experiencing recognizes this complexity and offers a holistic approach to healing, one that respects the body’s innate wisdom. As we continue to explore the connections between trauma, the body, and physical health, SE stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking to heal from the inside out. Perhaps the answer to healing is NOT outside of you, but inside of you; we merely need to remove the obstacles to your body’s natural drive to heal itself. 

References

- Levine, P. A. (1997). *Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma*. North Atlantic Books.

- Haase, L., et al. (2022). Efficacy of Somatic Experiencing in Reducing PTSD Symptoms in Combat Veterans. *Frontiers in Psychology*.

- Arditte Hall, K. A., et al. (2020). Somatic Experiencing as a Therapeutic Intervention for Autoimmune Disorders: A Review of the Evidence. *Psychosomatic Medicine*.

- Kamler, J., et al. (2019). Somatic Experiencing for Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study. *The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*.

- Maté, G. (2011). *When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress*. Wiley.