MUSCLES: THE SILENT VAULTS OF PAST TRAUMA - HOW OUR BODY STORES EMOTIONAL MEMORIES
Introduction
Everything in your body is connected through the Nervous system (central or peripheral). Organs, skin, bones & muscles are all connected by a complex network of about 100 billion neurons. It is amazing at processing and organising information at an incredibly fast speed. Every second, somewhere between 18 and 640 trillion electric pulses are going through your brain. This matrix carefully encodes and stores your memories and experiences, collectively making up the unique mosaic of you. And the main engine there is your brain (or mind). However, the brain is not the only storage of information and memories. Emerging research and understanding in the realm of trauma reveal that our muscles can also be vaults, preserving the imprints of past emotional wounds. Trauma is not just “in your head”. It leaves a real, physical imprint on your body, jarring your memory storage processes and changing your brain. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
In this article, we'll explore the physiological and chemical mechanisms behind the storage of trauma in our muscles, and delve into methods that can facilitate the healing process to release these stored memories.
Physiological Aspects of Muscle Memory
When we experience trauma, our body responds with a surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This physiological response is a survival mechanism, preparing us for "fight or flight." However, in traumatic situations, this response can be overwhelming and cause the body to tense up, storing the stress in our muscles.
Muscle memory, in this context, involves the physical changes that occur in muscle tissue due to repeated trauma or stress. Chronic tension and contraction of muscles can become the body's default state, holding the memory of the trauma within. Recent evidence suggests that an interaction of noradrenaline (NE) and cortisol (CORT) during encoding leads to greater consolidation of emotional memories.
These physical changes can also occur at a cellular level, affecting muscle fibers, nerve connections, and even the release of neurotransmitters.
The Role of Neurotransmitters and Hormones
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in how the body processes and retains traumatic memories within the muscles. During a traumatic event, neurotransmitter levels can become imbalanced, affecting the brain's ability to process the experience fully. These imbalances can contribute to the muscle tension and memory retention associated with trauma.
Although memory is ordinarily an active and constructive process, in PTSD for example, failure of declarative memory may lead to organisation of the trauma on a somatosensory level (as visual images or physical sensations) that is relatively impervious to change.
Hormones like cortisol, released during stress, can alter the body's response to pain and influence muscle tension. Prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can lead to chronic muscle tension and a heightened sensitivity to pain, further embedding the trauma within the muscle memory.
Methods to Assist Muscles in Healing and Releasing Trauma
HOW THERAPEUTIC AND DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE CAN HELP RELEASE TRAUMA STORED IN MUSCLES:
Muscle Relaxation and Tension Release: Therapeutic and deep tissue massages are designed to target the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. Skilled therapists use various techniques to break down adhesions, relax tight muscles, and release chronic tension. By doing so, these massages help in alleviating the physical effects of trauma, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle stiffness.
Increased Blood Circulation and Oxygen Flow: The firm strokes and pressure used in deep tissue massage stimulate blood circulation in the body. Improved blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, aiding in the healing process. This increased circulation can contribute to the release of toxins stored in the muscles due to trauma.
Promoting Mind-Body Connection: Massage therapy encourages individuals to become more aware of their bodies and the sensations they experience. Through deep tissue massage, individuals can establish a stronger mind-body connection, allowing them to recognize and release stored trauma in a safe and controlled environment.
Releasing Emotional Tension: The physical release of muscle tension during a massage can also trigger emotional release. As muscles relax and trauma is released, individuals may experience a cathartic release of pent-up emotions associated with the trauma. This emotional release is a crucial step toward healing and recovery.
Facilitating the Healing Process: Therapeutic and deep tissue massage can complement traditional trauma therapies by aiding in the physical release of trauma stored in muscles. When combined with other healing modalities, massage therapy can facilitate a more comprehensive and effective approach to trauma recovery.
OTHER Methods to Assist Muscles in Healing and Releasing Trauma:
Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Practicing mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their bodies and the physical sensations they experience. Mindfulness allows for the acknowledgment of muscle tension and provides an avenue to release it consciously.
Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy, including techniques like Somatic Experiencing and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), focuses on releasing tension and trauma stored in the body. These methods involve gentle exercises and movements that encourage the body to release stored energy and stress.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can be a powerful way to release stored tension and stress from the muscles. Activities like yoga, tai chi, or aerobic exercises not only promote physical health but also encourage emotional well-being.
Professional Therapy: Seeking guidance from a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma can be incredibly beneficial. Therapists can employ various techniques and therapies tailored to release stored trauma from muscles and promote overall healing.
Conclusion
Our muscles are silent witnesses to the traumas we endure, storing not only physical tension but emotional memories as well. Understanding the physiological and psychological dimensions of how our bodies retain trauma allows us to explore avenues for healing. By embracing therapeutic approaches that address both the mind and body, we can begin to release the traumatic imprints stored within our muscles and embark on a journey toward healing and wholeness.
