A phrase you may hear me use often is “your body is your subconscious mind”, hinting at the important connection between our physical selves and our deepest, often hidden, mental and emotional states. But what does this really mean, and how does our body hold onto memories, information, and even trauma? I want to take a moment to explore the science and spirituality behind this concept and how it might be showing up in your daily life.

The Mind-Body Connection

Traditionally, we think of the mind and body as separate entities: the mind governs thoughts and emotions, while the body carries out physical tasks. However, modern science and ancient wisdom alike tell a different story. Neuroscientists and psychologists have discovered that our nervous system, immune system, and even our muscles and organs communicate directly with our brain. This network allows our physical body to store and reflect our mental and emotional experiences.

Dr. Candace Pert, a neuroscientist and pharmacologist, was one of the pioneers in showing how emotions are stored in the body. She discovered that neuropeptides—chemical messengers in the brain—are present throughout the body, acting as carriers of emotional information. This means that our feelings and experiences can physically embed themselves into our tissues, influencing our overall health and behavior.

How the Body Stores Trauma

When we experience trauma—whether it’s a significant event like an accident or more subtle, chronic stress—our bodies respond instinctively. The sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, flooding the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The theory is that in moments where escape or resolution isn’t possible, these intense emotional and physiological responses can become trapped in the body.

Over time, this stored trauma can manifest as chronic pain, muscle tension, digestive issues, or unexplained fatigue. For example, tight hips are often associated with suppressed emotions or stress, while chronic back pain can sometimes stem from emotional burdens and unprocessed grief. The body remembers even when the mind forgets.

Signs Your Body is Holding Onto Trauma or Emotional Energy

• Chronic Pain: Persistent aches without a clear medical cause can indicate stored emotional pain.
• Digestive Issues: Anxiety and trauma often affect the gut, leading to discomfort or disorders like IBS.
• Posture Changes: Slumped shoulders or clenched jaws can reflect underlying emotional states.
• Fatigue: Unresolved emotional turmoil can drain physical energy.
• Recurring Injuries: Repeated injuries in the same area may point to energetic blockages.

Healing Through the Body

Recognizing that the body holds emotional and psychological imprints opens the door to healing. Modalities like somatic therapy, yoga, breathwork, and bodywork (such as massage or acupuncture) focus on releasing stored emotions and trauma from the body.

• Somatic Therapy: This therapeutic approach helps individuals become aware of bodily sensations and process trauma through physical experiences.
• Yoga and Breathwork: These practices help release tension and stored energy, fostering emotional balance.
• Massage and Acupuncture: Physical touch and energy work can loosen tense muscles and unstick emotional blocks.

Listening to Your Body’s Wisdom

Our bodies constantly communicate with us. Subtle signs—like tension in the shoulders, a gut feeling, or unexplained fatigue—are signals worth paying attention to. By tuning into these cues and engaging in practices that honor the mind-body connection, we can begin to release stored emotional energy and heal from within.

Understanding that your body is your subconscious mind invites a more compassionate relationship with yourself. It’s a reminder that healing is not just a mental exercise but a full-body experience—one that requires patience, presence, and compassion.

Your body holds your story. Listen to it, honor it, and give it the care it deserves.