Do we store trauma in our bodies?

I asked my Facebook community if they thought we stored trauma in our bodies, and if so, how does it get in there and why does it land in particular spots to wreak havoc.

The answers were wonderful and varied. Here are a few:

“Yes, and I think it affects your weakest part. For me, that’s my gut.” Jeanne

“Yes, most definitely. This from the Social Research Association: "Trauma results from an actual or perceived threat to life or physical and/or psychological integrity that overwhelms an individual’s coping mechanisms. Trauma has ‘lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being’ (SAMHSA 2014, 7)1 and violates physical and emotional safety. Trauma imprints upon an individual’s brain, mind and body, negatively affecting how individuals view themselves and the world around them (Van Der Kolk 2015)"; traumas are highly related to the Vagus Nerve system, and touch essentially every part of the body. EFT and other modalities can release the stored traumas, and bring the body systems back into balance.” Jack

“Thank you for this valuable information, Jack. I completely relate to the mental, social, spiritual, and emotional effects of trauma, but what I am most curious about is what makes certain body parts targets for trauma storage. I've heard people say they store trauma in thier hips, jaw, or lower back. I wonder if trauma finds weak links in our structural selves.” My response to Jack.

“Good question, and my guess is (only a guess) is that it probably is bio-individual, like so many aspects of our mind/body connections, and maybe related to what was going on in our bodies at the time of the trauma, maybe our upbringing and conditioning, and maybe even familial and ancestral traumas.” Jack’s response to me.

“Through our nervous system. Trauma can dysregulate the body and make one feel hypertension, hyper vigilant and anxiety when triggered.” Victoria

“I believe trauma to be tangible .... having lived with a great deal of it since a child...as I'm sure many if not all of us have...I also believe some of it is inherited...my parents trauma though World War in Europe lives within me having heard so much of their stories.. interesting subject. As always dear Mary...you have a way of bringing serious thought to many subjects! You are such a brilliant loving soul.” Pegi

“It’s scary to think that we could be carrying the trauma of our parents. it’s overwhelming when I sit with that concept.The work will never be done if that’s the case. I’ve also heard we can heal ancestral trauma. It feels like too big a job, akin to saving the world or something.” My response to Pegi.

“I wholeheartedly agree with you on this...I've heard, as well, ancestral trauma can be healed...it does feel like too big a job...I'm a work in progress daily and that's the best I can do.” Pegi’s response to me.