Trauma is something that we just can’t seem to avoid, and we will all experience it in some form over our lifetime. I wish we could practice or rehearse for this, but unfortunately, it’s just not possible because we are all unique creatures and we all react so differently to traumatic events.
Trauma is identified by the body as being in a constant state of arousal, which is signified by the possibility of a perceived threat. It can be the result of a one-off event; for example, a natural disaster, or it can be an cumulation of many events, as seen in an ongoing abuse situation.
Trauma comes with many different faces and personas and some examples of this are; breakdown of a relationship resulting in divorce, the loss of a job, bullying or even physical abuse. But no matter what form the trauma takes it can be truly devastating and have enormous impact on our mental and physical health.
When we are faced with a traumatic event there is a chain reaction that is set off in our brain. This chain reaction then becomes the catalyst for a hormonal response that kick starts our nervous system into fight/flight. Often, we can get stuck in the flight/flight mode as a result of a trauma. It’s as if the switch has been triggered by the event or ongoing events and now the body doesn’t know how to turn it off.
When the fight/flight switch get stuck in the “On” position for an extended period of time you will begin to see a decline in your health. Your immune system becomes compromised as it is supressed, all the while inflammatory activities take place in the body. This is why we often get sick when we are experiencing stress. It can also be the precursor to the onset of anxiety, depression and many other physical illnesses.
If you think your nervous system switch is stuck in the “On” position and you are experiencing a decline in health, then as a Kinesiologist I am able to help you. I work specifically with calming the nervous system restoring balance, so that your body can flick the switch and turn your rest and digest back on. I work physically with the body whilst exploring the emotions that surround the initial trigger that is, your trauma.
ANNIE WHITE
KINESIOLOGIST
