The body keeps the score

The book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Physiatrist Bessel van der Kolk is an exploration of trauma, showing that it doesn’t just affect the mind—it lives in the body. And this is something I see regularly in my massage and yoga practice with clients and students. The book was published in 2014 and became influential because it combined decades of trauma research with practical insights into mind-body healing.

Some of the key points he shares:

Trauma is stored in the body
Trauma isn’t just a psychological experience—it manifests physically. People may experience tension, pain, restricted movement, or heightened startle responses long after a traumatic event.

Traditional talk therapy isn’t enough
While therapy is important, trauma can bypass cognitive understanding. Healing often requires engaging the body and nervous system directly. Something we work on/practice during a yoga class or massage appointment.

The nervous system can be retrained
Techniques that reconnect mind and body help regulate the nervous system and release stored trauma.

His recommended body-based approaches

Dr. van der Kolk emphasizes several interventions that support trauma recovery by targeting the body:

Yoga

• Helps individuals reconnect with their bodies.

• Promotes awareness of physical sensations and breath, which can calm the nervous system.

• Improves emotional regulation and reduces hyperarousal associated with trauma.

Massage & Bodywork

• Therapies like massage, Rolfing, or craniosacral work help release tension held in muscles.

• Touch-based therapy can help trauma survivors feel safer in their bodies.

Mindfulness and Breathwork

• Techniques like meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, and guided body scans help regulate the nervous system.

• Breathwork allows individuals to discharge trapped physiological energy associated with trauma.

Movement & Somatic Therapy

• Dance, movement therapy, and gentle exercise can help release stored trauma.

• Activating muscles and moving through tension helps the body integrate traumatic experiences.

EMDR and Neurofeedback

• Though more technical, these approaches help the brain process traumatic memories and improve self-regulation.

In summary

The central message of The Body Keeps the Score is that healing trauma requires both mind and body interventions. Engaging in yoga, massage, movement, breathwork, and mindfulness allows trauma survivors to regain a sense of control, presence, and safety in their bodies.

If you’d like to work with me 1-1 for yoga, breathwork, meditation or massage do reach out. hi@touchbodymind.com.au.

Written by Tarren Hehir
Remedial Massage Therapist + Yoga Teacher