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Health & Wellness

2010-08-01 13:01:00

Trauma and the mind-body connection for adults

Question: I see you using the phrase, ‘mind-body connection’ in your ads and articles. What does that mean, and what does it have to do with trauma?

Answer: Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act, even if you aren’t aware of it doing so. This is often called the “mind/body connection.” When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn’t right. As an example, you might develop blood pressure or a stomach ulcer after a terribly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one. In regards to trauma, it’s often used to speak of the experience of body memories, aches and pains, or confusing emotions. The Trauma survivors often hear, “Just forget about it. It was in the past. You need to move on.” Unfortunately, this is not accurate for many and until they resolve the past traumatic experiences, they are unable to ‘move on’. When trauma survivors find themselves unable to ‘get past’ the past, then they might consider seeking the help of a licensed therapist. It is not unusual for those with past traumatic experiences to struggle with one or more emotional difficulties, mental disorders, and/or physical health concerns and diagnoses. Many of those who have survived trauma (at any point in their life), tend to struggle with depression, PTSD and other anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, angry outbursts, alcohol (and other drug) abuse, etc. In addition, trauma survivors often experience physiological changes. Sometimes these individuals develop the onset of an illness, while at other times their condition worsens for no apparent reason. These conditions can sometimes be psychosomatic. This is a condition which sometimes causes a person to feel they are being told, “It is all in your head”, “You are making it all up”, or “You are crazy.” But trust us, this is not accurate. These are real condition(s), even though they may have a psychological basis to them and even if the client does fear they may be crazy. (We hear this frequently from our clients who have had traumatic pasts). ‘Psychosomatic’ means only that it’s a physical disorder caused by or greatly impacted by emotional factors; in other words, there’s a mind-body connection. (As a word of caution though, never assume that any illness or painful condition has a psychological component or cause; you should always be checked by a medical doctor before making this assumption). If the pain is not due to illness or disease, then consider therapeutic massage as a way of easing your pain. As a healing tool, massage has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures. The act of touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress. We touch to convey our support or compassion for another. Intuitively we know that touch is beneficial. The benefits of touch through therapeutic massage are a powerful support to psychotherapy for emotional healing. Massage can release the stress which we hold in our bodies, not just on a physical level, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By working with a professional massage therapist, we can learn how to truly relax and let go. Massage therapy can decrease anxiety, reduce depression, enhance sleep quality, improve concentration, increase dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin levels, reduce the stress hormones - cortisol and epinephrine, improve self-image, ease muscle aches and pains, improve range of motion, enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, increase joint flexibility, pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs - improving circulation, reduce spasms and cramping, relax injured, tired, and overused muscles, and relieve migraine pain. In addition, massage therapy is an excellent way to get in touch with your body. The experience of receiving safe, comforting touch is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Each session provides an opportunity to nurture and reclaim our bodies as our own. Clearly massage therapy is more than just pampering. There are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur in response to therapeutic touch. Remember, many physical symptoms can be indicative of physical illness. However, physical illness can cause one to function poorly on an emotional level as well. When physician after physician says there is ‘nothing wrong’ or that he or she can’t help, don’t give up as help may still be available, through the caring and compassion of a skilled therapist. So when you repeatedly are told that ‘nothing is wrong’ by your doctor, you owe it to yourself to check with a licensed therapist and/or Certified Massage Therapist to see if there might be more going on ‘behind the scenes’. These changes are most effective when therapy - whether psychotherapy or massage therapy is received, at consistent intervals. Consider these types of treatment as an integral part of your healing as you travel along on your emotional journey. Joyce A. Thompson is licensed to practice independently in the State of Kansas as a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). She maintains Emotional Journey, LLC, which is a group private practice located in Wichita, Kansas. Although Joyce started out in a solo practice, the business has grown. Joyce has since brought on three other Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT & TLMFT; both male and female), along with two Certified Massage Therapists (CMT). Those joining Joyce include Lisa M. Butler (LMFT), Monica A. Boknecht (LMFT), Ty Kasper (TLMFT); all licensed to practice within the State of Kansas. They have each received their Master’s of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University of Wichita and are members of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and the Kansas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (KAMFT). Jennifer Scritchfield (CMT) and Amy Dekle (CMT) are both graduates of Body & Soul, having obtained an advanced level of training and are both members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Since they all feel so strongly about the mind-body connection, they have grown to offer a full range of services which address the issues of the mind and the body. They specialize in working with individuals (including children and teenagers), couples, families, and groups on a wide variety of issues. They are also available to speak to your group or organization on a variety of topics. In addition, Jennifer and Amy are available to offer chair massage at your business or group event. Emotional Journey, LLC is a member of The Wichita Chamber of Commerce, The Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Haysville Chamber of Commerce, Wichita Independent Business Association, and is a member of The Better Business Bureau. You may reach any of the therapists by telephone at (316) 295-4758, or through email: therapists@emotionaljourney.org. In addition, you may visit Emotional Journey’s web site at www.emotionaljourney.org, visit us on www.360Wichita.com under the category of Health and Beauty or Massage, or view our Facebook page: Emotional Journey - Massage.