Releasing Trauma
When we think of trauma, we often picture physical injuries, but trauma manifests in various forms beyond visible wounds. It’s not just about the bruises and fractures; trauma also affects our emotional and psychological well-being, often leaving deep, invisible scars.
Trauma is stored in our brain’s memory and emotional centers, putting our bodies on constant alert. This heightened state of readiness can be protective but also exhausting, leading to stress and anxiety. As an instructor, recognizing these signs can significantly enhance your ability to support and guide your clients.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma, has explored how traumatic experiences alter brain function. His research reveals that trauma causes both functional and chemical changes in the brain's emotional centers. This results in a state of persistent stress, which can lead to panic, agitation, and fear. Van der Kolk’s studies show that mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help rewire the brain and alleviate these symptoms.
One compelling example is a study discussed in Van der Kolk's book, where yoga had a profound impact on a Vietnam War veteran. By incorporating mindfulness, the veteran experienced a reduction in heightened stress responses and improved emotional flow.
The principles of Pilates also play a crucial role in trauma recovery. Founded on the integration of mind, body, and spirit, Pilates emphasizes breath and connection—key elements in releasing stored trauma and stress. Pilates helps enhance the mind-body connection, which can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being by increasing concentration and improving blood flow.
Understanding the brain’s role is essential in this process. The brain's sympathetic nervous system triggers the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to react to danger. This response can cause sensations like tension and heightened alertness. Conversely, the parasympathetic system governs rest and digestion, helping the body return to a baseline state. Chronic stress can keep the body in a continuous fight-or-flight mode, affecting social, mental, and physical health.
To support clients in managing trauma, it’s important to implement strategies that address these responses. For instance:
Consent and Comfort: Always seek consent before any hands-on adjustments. Clients with trauma may have heightened sensitivities, so it's crucial to be respectful and observant. For group settings, you might offer a method for clients to indicate their comfort level with physical touch, such as placing an item on their mat if they prefer adjustments.
Restorative Practices: Techniques like meditation and breathwork can help deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to relax. Grounded poses, such as Child’s Pose, Forward Fold, and Corpse Pose, can help clients soothingly reconnect with their bodies.
Breathwork: This is a vital tool for managing the fight-or-flight response. Incorporating breath-focused exercises helps calm the nervous system and reduces stress.
Movement: Gentle, mindful movements paired with breathwork can aid in trauma recovery. Effective movements include:
Cat/Cow
Bridging
Spine Side Stretch/Mermaid
Thread the Needle
Seated Spinal Twist
By integrating these practices into your sessions, you can create a supportive environment that helps clients navigate their trauma and move toward healing. Learn more about helping clients with trauma in our workshop for $35 here
Sources:
Ho JMC, Chan ASW, Luk CY, Tang PMK. Book Review: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Front Psychol. 2021 Aug 18;12:704974. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704974. PMCID: PMC8418154.
Lim EJ, Park JE. The effects of Pilates and yoga participants on engagement in functional movement and individual health level. J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Aug 28;15(4):553-559. doi: 10.12965/jer.1938280.140. PMID: 31523676; PMCID: PMC6732550.