Quick Answer
Trauma is not just in the mind; it is stored in the body. When we experience something overwhelming, our nervous system often gets stuck in a "freeze" response, trapping high-charge energy in the muscles and fascia. Breathwork Practices for trauma release use continuous, rhythmic breathing to charge the body with energy, melting the "ice" of the freeze state. This often leads to spontaneous shaking, crying, or movement (neurogenic tremors), which is the body's natural way of discharging the stored stress and returning to safety.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Animal Wisdom: Animals shake after danger to reset their nervous system; humans suppress it. We need to relearn how to shake.
- Safety First: You cannot heal trauma if you don't feel safe. Establish a safe environment before breathing.
- Titration: Do not go too fast. Release a little bit of energy at a time to avoid re-traumatization.
- Emotional Waves: Anger or grief may surface. Let them pass through without attaching a story to them.
- Grounding: Essential after the session to come back into the present moment.
Have you ever felt a tightness in your chest that won't go away, or a chronic tension in your hips? This is not just stress; it is history. "The Body Keeps the Score," as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk famously wrote. Trauma that is not processed is stored in the fascia, waiting for a chance to be released.
Talk therapy is great for understanding the story of your trauma, but Somatic Breathwork is essential for releasing the energy of it. By flooding the body with oxygen, you energize the stagnant areas, allowing the body to complete the "fight or flight" cycle that got interrupted years ago.
The Issues are in the Tissues
When a traumatic event happens, the body prepares to run or fight. If you cannot do either (e.g., childhood abuse, a car crash where you are pinned), that massive mobilization of energy gets trapped. It freezes.
Years later, this frozen energy manifests as chronic pain, shallow breathing, or an inability to relax. Breathwork melts the ice. It brings sensation back to numb areas.
The Psoas: The Muscle of the Soul
The Psoas muscle connects the legs to the spine. It is the primary "fight or flight" muscle (it curls you into a ball). It holds the deepest fear.
Deep belly breathing massages the Psoas. As it relaxes, it often releases deep, primal emotions. It is common to feel a sense of terror followed by immense relief as this muscle finally lets go.
Thawing the Freeze Response
The "Freeze" state is a functional coma. You feel numb, dissociated, and "checked out." To heal, you must move from Freeze -> Fight/Flight -> Safety.
Breathwork activates the Sympathetic system (energy) safely. You might feel heat or agitation. This is good! It means you are coming out of the freeze. You are coming back to life.
The Technique: Conscious Connected Breathing
This is a milder version of Holotropic breathwork.
1. Lie down. Knees can be bent or flat.
2. Breathe in through the open mouth, filling the belly, then the chest.
3. Let the exhale fall out naturally (gravity).
4. Remove the pause. Connect the inhale to the exhale like a circle.
5. Continue for 20-30 minutes. Focus on keeping the breath flowing, even if resistance arises.
What are Neurogenic Tremors?
During the session, your legs or hands might start to shake uncontrollably. This is not a seizure. This is TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) mechanism.
The nervous system is "shaking off" the excess charge. Let it happen. If it gets too intense, straighten your legs or open your eyes to stop it. You are in control.
Aftercare: The Fragile Window
After a session, you are open.
Hydrate: The fascia needs water to re-hydrate after release.
Warmth: Use a blanket. Releasing shock often causes cold chills.
Protein: Eat something grounding to signal the body it is time to rebuild.
Practice: The Gentle Shake
Start moving the energy manually.
Try This
- Stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Start bouncing on your heels. Let your knees be soft.
- Let your hands flop. Let your jaw hang loose.
- Shake your whole body for 2 minutes.
- Make a sound: "Ahhhhh."
- Stop abruptly. Stand still. Feel the tingling (aliveness) in your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel angry after breathing?
Anger is often the layer covering grief or fear. Feeling it means the cover has been lifted. Punch a pillow or scream in your car to release it safely.
Can I do this if I have panic attacks?
Proceed with caution. Start with slow, nose breathing to build safety. Rapid mouth breathing can trigger panic if the container isn't safe.
Do I need to relive the memory?
No. Somatic healing works on the energy, not the story. You might feel the emotion without remembering the specific event. That is fine; let the energy go.
Heal Your Roots
Support your release. Our "Trauma Relief" kit includes a grounding Red Jasper stone and a guided TRE audio track.
Shop Somatic ToolsYour Journey Continues
Your body is not a cage; it is a temple that has been guarding your secrets until you were strong enough to hear them. Breathwork is the key. By breathing light into your darkest corners, you reclaim your wholeness, one breath at a time.