Past Trauma - Why it shouldn't be ignored & how acupuncture helps.

Trauma is more than just a psychological experience—it is deeply embedded in the body, influencing physical health, emotions, and overall well-being. When we go through a traumatic event, our bodies respond in ways designed to protect us, but when that trauma isn't fully processed, it can remain stored in our muscles, tissues, and nervous system.

How Trauma is Stored in the Body

Nervous System Dysregulation

Trauma activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS), triggering a fight, flight, or freeze response. If the trauma isn’t resolved, the body may get stuck in a state of chronic stress (hyperarousal) or shutdown (hypoarousal). This can lead to anxiety, fatigue, emotional numbness, or feeling constantly on edge.

Muscle & Fascia Tension

The body often holds trauma in specific areas like the shoulders, neck, jaw, and hips. The fascia (connective tissue) can also store trauma, resulting in unexplained tension, pain, and stiffness. This is why many people experience chronic pain with no clear medical cause—it may be linked to unresolved emotional trauma.

Implicit Memory & Body Sensations

Unlike explicit memories, which we consciously recall, trauma is often stored as implicit memory—felt as bodily sensations, emotions, or automatic reactions. Certain triggers can bring up these stored sensations without a clear memory, making trauma feel like it’s happening in the present moment rather than the past.

Hormonal & Chemical Imbalance

Trauma affects the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system), increasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, immune system issues, and digestive problems.

Breath & Organ Function

Many trauma survivors develop shallow chest breathing instead of deep diaphragmatic breathing, reinforcing stress and anxiety. Trauma can also affect digestion (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome), heart rate, and sleep patterns.

Acupuncture can help!

Acupuncture helps reset the nervous system by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, reduce stress, and promote overall balance. Here’s how it works:

1.Shifts the Nervous System from Fight-or-Flight to Rest-and-Digest

Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for relaxation, digestion, and healing. This helps counteract the effects of chronic stress and trauma that keep the body in a hyperaroused fight-or-flight state.

2.Lowers Stress Hormones

By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, acupuncture reduces cortisol and adrenaline levels, helping to ease anxiety, insomnia, and muscle tension.

3.Releases Endorphins & Calms the Brain

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter), which help improve mood, reduce pain, and promote relaxation.

4.Regulates the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is a key player in nervous system regulation. Acupuncture can enhance vagal tone, improving heart rate variability (HRV), digestion, and emotional resilience.

5.Improves Energy Flow & Body Awareness

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explains acupuncture as balancing Qi (energy flow), removing blockages that contribute to nervous system dysregulation. From a Western perspective, acupuncture enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports nervous system repair.

Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture for Nervous System Reset

• People with chronic stress, anxiety, PTSD, or depression

• Those experiencing insomnia or poor sleep quality

• Individuals with digestive issues linked to stress

• Those recovering from trauma or burnout

Acupuncture offers a gentle yet powerful way to reset the nervous system and support overall well-being. Have you ever tried it, or are you curious about specific benefits for your situation?

Trauma isn’t just in your mind—it’s in your body. The good news is that the body can heal when given the right tools and support. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or physically tense,contact The Cheltenham Acupuncturist to make an appointment.