The Physical Nature of Trauma: Why Emotions Live in the Body

When we think about trauma, we often think about memories, emotions, or mental health — but trauma is just as much a physical experience as it is an emotional one. Our bodies are not just along for the ride; they are active participants in how we survive, process, and heal from overwhelming events.

Trauma Responses Are Physical Responses

Before we can understand healing, we have to understand this simple truth: the trauma response starts in the body. When we experience something threatening or overwhelming, our nervous system instantly kicks into gear to protect us. We don’t think our way into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — we feel our way there.

Our muscles tense. Our breathing changes. Our heart races. Our body remembers long after our mind tries to move on.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve and the Psoas Muscle

Two of the key players in the body’s trauma response are the vagus nerve and the psoas muscle.

The vagus nerve is like a communication superhighway between your brain and your body, especially your heart, lungs, and gut. It helps control your relaxation response — but when we’re triggered, the vagus nerve is also part of the alarm system.

Meanwhile, the psoas muscle — a deep, powerful muscle in the hips — reacts almost instantly to danger by contracting. It’s often called the “fight or flight” muscle because it prepares you to run or defend yourself.

When trauma happens, both the vagus nerve and psoas stay on high alert — keeping your body in a constant state of readiness, even when the danger has long passed.

The Body’s Armor: Tension in the Upper Traps

Have you ever noticed tight, achy shoulders after a stressful day? That’s not a coincidence. The upper trapezius muscles— the muscles that run along your upper back and shoulders — are heavily involved in our instinctive “armor” response.

When we feel threatened, our bodies literally hunch in to protect the vital organs of our chest and belly. Over time, this protective posture becomes chronic tension. Our armor stays up, even when it’s no longer needed.

Chronic Activation and the Cost to Our Health

The trauma response is brilliant — it keeps us alive.

But it was never meant to be on all the time.

When the nervous system stays activated long-term, it can lead to physical exhaustion, chronic pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection from our own bodies. We weren’t designed to live in survival mode forever.

Thankfully, the body’s ability to heal is just as innate as its ability to protect. Resilience is built-in.

Our bodies are wired not just for survival, but for recovery — when given the right conditions of safety, support, and time.