Somatic Symptoms of Trauma: How the Body Holds Stress and How to Release It
Trauma doesn’t just live in your memories. It also lives in your body.
Many women who have experienced trauma notice physical symptoms long before they ever use the word trauma to explain what they’re feeling. You might feel tense for no clear reason, exhausted even after resting, or overwhelmed by sensations in your chest, stomach, or throat. These experiences are real and common, and they’re often signs that the body is holding onto unprocessed stress.
Understanding how trauma affects the body is an important step toward healing. When you recognize the somatic symptoms of trauma, you can begin to release what’s stuck and give your nervous system the support it’s needed for far too long.
How Trauma Shows Up in the Body
Trauma activates your body’s protection systems. When the nervous system experiences something overwhelming, it stores the memory not just in the mind but also in muscles, breath, and internal sensations. Over time, this can lead to lingering symptoms.
Common somatic symptoms of trauma
Persistent muscle tension
Tightness in the chest
Digestive issues or stomach discomfort
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
Nausea or dizziness
Difficulty breathing deeply
Fatigue that doesn’t resolve with sleep
Feeling disconnected from your body
Chronic aches and pains without a clear medical cause
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
These symptoms are your body’s way of saying something needs attention. They are not signs of weakness. They are signs of overwhelm.
Why the Body Holds Trauma
The body is wired to help you survive. When something scary, confusing, or painful happens, the nervous system tries to protect you. If the mind can’t process what happened in the moment, the body may store the experience. This might manifest as changes in breath, digestive issues, heightened alertness, or even muscle contractions.
This is why trauma and even recalling traumatic events can feel so physical. The body remembers long after the mind tries to move on.
What It Means to ‘Release Trauma from the Body’
Healing trauma is not only a mind process. It is a body process too. When you begin to release trauma stored in your body, you may notice:
Deeper, calmer breathing
More restful sleep
Less reactivity or irritability
Greater emotional balance
Clearer thinking
More energy
The ability to handle stress without shutting down
This happens because your nervous system learns that you’re safe again and it doesn’t need to continue to exist in high-alert to protect you.
How Somatic & Holistic Therapies Support Healing
Wildflower Therapy Group specializes in mind-body-spirit healing and trauma therapy, meaning we use approaches that help your body and mind release trauma together.
Somatic therapy
Helps you connect to sensations in your body, gently shift stored patterns, and develop internal safety.
Breathwork
Supports the nervous system and reduces physical stress responses.
Yoga therapy
Builds internal awareness and softens areas where trauma is held.
EMDR therapy
Helps process memories and reduces the intensity of physical reactions.
Reiki energy healing
Supports relaxation and allows the body to unwind stress that has been held for years.
When these approaches work together, your body is finally able to do what it has always wanted to do: exhale, soften, and heal.
When to Seek Support for Symptoms of Trauma
If you notice that your body feels tense, reactive, exhausted, or overwhelmed, and it doesn’t improve with rest or lifestyle changes, it may be time to connect with a therapist who understands somatic symptoms.
You deserve to feel grounded, safe, and at home in your body.
If you’re interested in learning more about holistic therapy, or are ready for a free consultation, contact us today. We’re excited to walk with you on your healing journey.