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Getting to Know Your Greatest Tool for Healing: Your Body

Writer's picture: Sarah BustamanteSarah Bustamante

When it comes to moving through trauma, the most powerful tool at your disposal is right within you: your body. Understanding how your body holds and processes trauma is key to revealing the source of your own best medicine.


The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System


Trauma is not stored in the outer events themselves—be it a surgery, an abusive relationship, a car accident, or the loss of a loved one—but rather in the intricate biology of your cells. Specifically, it resides within your autonomic nervous system. This system records every experience you've had, whether positive, negative, or neutral, creating a map for survival.


The Survival Mechanism


As you navigate through life, your body becomes a repository of survival strategies. Yet, at some point, those mechanisms that once served you so well can get stuck in the "on" position. They may not know when or how to turn off, leaving you in a constant state of alertness or shutdown and leading to a whole host of stress-related illnesses.


In response to stressors—whether real or perceived—your body may adopt one of two extremes: either completely numbing out and shutting down, similar to how an animal might behave when there’s no hope of escape, or remaining hyper-vigilant, ready to either "fight" or "flee." Often, individuals find themselves oscillating between these extremes, losing a sense of their middle ground or CENTER.


The Disorientation of Survival


This can be profoundly disorienting. These survival mechanisms are not inherently bad; they exist to keep you alive. However, when they start to disrupt your daily life, interfere with your relationships, and lead to chronic discomfort or dis-ease, the very tools meant for survival can start causing harm.


After experiencing traumatic or stressful situations—whether suddenly or over time—your body subconsciously begins to categorize everything and everyone as a potential threat. This can hinder your ability to let go, engage safely, and feel truly like yourself.


The Path to Regulation


The first step in shifting this pent-up survival energy is to move slowly. Just as you wouldn’t approach an untamed animal too quickly, dive into deep waters without knowing how to swim, or rip a band-aid off a still-gushing wound, you shouldn't rush into trauma healing. Doing so could lead to further dysregulation and dysfunction, risking re-traumatization and worsening symptoms.


Instead, it’s essential to adopt a gradual approach known as titration, a concept derived from Somatic Experiencing—a body-oriented therapy developed by Dr. Peter Levine. Titration allows you to engage with uncomfortable sensations held within your body in small, manageable doses, helping to diffuse them and ultimately revealing the true source of healing that lies beneath.


Establishing Anchors with Pendulation


To facilitate this slow movement into your body, you first need to establish "anchors" in your outer environment. These anchors serve to stabilize, balance, and ground you as you begin to approach your inner sensations.


Another important concept is pendulation, which also comes from Somatic Experiencing. This technique involves moving back and forth between the outer and inner anchors, allowing you to gradually deepen your experience of healing. This rhythm helps you feel more secure as you engage with your body’s sensations.


The Role of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy


Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy employs techniques similar to titration, pendulation, and the establishment of anchors. This modality integrates body awareness, breath, and movement to create a safe space for exploring and releasing trauma. It encourages practitioners to move slowly and mindfully, allowing individuals to approach their edges—those areas that might trigger discomfort or resistance—without overwhelming their system.


Michael Lee, the founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, emphasizes the importance of moving slowly and approaching your edges. By doing so, you can cultivate a greater awareness of your body’s responses and foster a deeper sense of safety in your healing process.


Conclusion


Your body is an incredible tool for healing, capable of guiding you through trauma and helping you reclaim your sense of self. By understanding and respecting the needs of your body, and by moving slowly and intentionally through processes like titration and pendulation, you can harness its power to heal and thrive. Embrace this path, and remember that healing is not a race; it’s a deeply personal and transformative experience that unfolds at its own pace.



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*Disclaimer: The yoga therapy components of Sarah's practice are based on her Certification by PRYT and IAYT and not derived from her status as an RYT® with Yoga Alliance Registry. All activities, material and contents on SoulflyTherapy.com are spiritual in nature and are for informational and educational purposes only. This Web Site, its Materials and Content (including any information provided by users) is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional financial, medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. These services are complementary in nature and do not replace primary medical, psychological or psychiatric care. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your professional healthcare providers before beginning any new treatment. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional or medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist. Those under 21 years of age should not use this site except with adult supervision. SoulFlyTherapy.com assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequence resulting directly or indirectly from any action or inaction you take based on the information found on or material linked to on this site or on sessions.


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