Have you ever felt tension in your body that just won’t go away? Maybe it’s a tight jaw, stiff shoulders, or unexplained fatigue. These could be signs that your body is holding onto stress or unresolved emotions. Trauma isn’t just something we think about—it’s something we feel in our bodies. And the good news is, movement can help release it.
In my latest video talk show episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, a tai chi and movement specialist, about how body-based healing techniques can support emotional release and nervous system regulation.
How Trauma Gets Stored in the Body
When we experience stress or trauma, our nervous system goes into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode. If that energy isn’t fully processed, it gets stored in the muscles, fascia, and nervous system. Over time, this can lead to:
✔ Chronic muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and hips)
✔ Fatigue or burnout
✔ Digestive issues
✔ Anxiety or emotional numbness
✔ A sense of feeling “stuck” or disconnected
Why Movement is a Powerful Healing Tool
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on processing trauma through words, movement-based healing works directly with the body to release stored emotions. Modalities like tai chi, yoga, somatic exercises, and breathwork help:
✅ Regulate the nervous system and reduce cortisol (stress hormone)
✅ Improve body awareness and emotional resilience
✅ Unlock tension and stored trauma from the fascia and muscles
✅ Promote a sense of calm and safety within the body
What Science Says About Trauma-Informed Movement
Studies have shown that trauma-informed yoga, tai chi, and somatic therapy can significantly lower stress hormones and improve emotional regulation. Research highlights include:
🧠 Harvard Medical School found that tai chi reduces stress, anxiety, and improves emotional resilience over time.
🧘♀️ A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that trauma-sensitive yoga significantly reduces cortisol levels and increases a sense of control over the body.
💡 Somatic experiencing research suggests that mindful movement can retrain the brain’s response to stress, helping the body feel safer and more at ease.
How to Start Releasing Trauma Through Movement
You don’t need to be an expert in yoga or tai chi to benefit from movement-based healing. Here are three simple ways to start:
💨 1. Breathe and Check In – Take a moment to notice where you feel tension in your body. Breathe deeply into those areas and allow them to soften.
🌀 2. Try Gentle Movement – Simple practices like slow stretching, mindful walking, or shaking your hands and legs can help discharge stuck energy.
🌿 3. Watch the Full Episode! – In my latest talk show, Michelle and I dive deep into this topic and guide you through practical ways to start healing.
🎥 Watch the replay here: https://www.livingnaturallywithmichaela.com/index.php/2025/02/07/releasing-trauma-through-movement/
Final Thoughts: Your Body Wants to Heal
Healing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with simply moving your body in a way that feels good. If you’ve been feeling tense, anxious, or emotionally stuck, movement might be the key to releasing what no longer serves you.
Have you experienced emotional release through movement? I’d love to hear about it!