Brain's Primary Task - Body Movement!

One of the brain’s most essential functions is to get the body moving. A primal instinct to go hunt and gather food, find shelter, and mate with others are, and have been for thousands of years, key functions to human survival. One of the physiological impacts of trauma, anxiety, and depression can be characterized as a sort of “immobilization” of the body.

Let’s talk about trauma for a moment to better understand this concept. Bessel van der Kolk, MD, one of the most renown contemporary experts on trauma, explains the physiological immobilization impact of trauma as a result of fear of/from failure of the body’s past attempts to protect itself in a literal or perceived threat. If in the past certain movements were not successful in protecting oneself, or even perhaps caused greater harm or danger, the body and brain learn that it is safer to not utilize these parts, hence the immobilization effect. A significant part to healing from trauma is getting the body back in motion.

Best practices to get the body back in motion vary based on the individual’s specific trauma impact. For example, Completing defensive motions that were not successful in the past by taking a self-defense class can be the very message your brain needs to contradict the previous message it got of not being able to protect itself.

A recent study showed that yoga is arguably more effective in the treatment of PTSD then medication. Breathing through various body movements can bring sensation back into immobilized areas and provide new information to “stuck” parts of the body and brain.

Many people find a sense of connection to themselves and the world around them when out in nature. There is no “too small” way to start moving your body. Take a walk in nature, swim in some fresh water, hike up a mountain.

Find what feels good for you and start healing through motion.