Emotional Well-Being, Somatic Release & Herbal Support
Emotional abuse, whether experienced in childhood, during teenage years, or even in adulthood, can leave lasting marks on both the mind and the body. These experiences can create deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that we may not even realize are linked to past wounds.
- Some common signs of unresolved emotional trauma include:
- Constantly seeking reassurance or validation
- Difficulty accepting compliments
- Apologizing excessively, even when unnecessary
- Feeling easily overwhelmed or breaking down under stress
These behaviors are not flaws—they are coping mechanisms your body and mind developed to keep you safe at the time. The challenge arises when those protective responses continue long after the threat is gone, affecting your emotional well-being in the present.
Recognizing Patterns
Healing begins with awareness. Taking the time to gently notice your reactions and patterns can be incredibly powerful. Ask yourself:
- What situations or words trigger a strong emotional response?
- What behaviors do I accept that don’t truly serve me?
- What can I tolerate, and what crosses my boundaries?
By slowing down and reflecting on these questions, you start to uncover the connections between past wounds and current responses.
Listening to the Body
Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it is stored in the body. If you sit quietly and bring to mind a situation that stirs discomfort (for example, receiving a compliment you struggle to believe), pay attention to where that emotion shows up physically.
Do you feel a tightening in your chest? A knot in your stomach? A lump in your throat? These sensations are signals—your body is showing you where the emotion is being held.
Somatic Release
This is where somatic practices come in. Somatic release involves acknowledging these sensations and allowing them to move through the body instead of staying trapped. This can be done through:
- Deep breathing and grounding exercise
- Gentle movement or stretching
- Shaking or tapping practices
- Placing a comforting hand on the area of tension
Over time, these practices help the body let go of stored emotions and create space for new, healthier patterns.
The Role of Herbal Support
Alongside somatic release, herbs can be powerful allies in emotional healing. Many plants are known for their ability to calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and support emotional balance.
Some gentle yet effective herbs include:
- Passionflower – quiets the busy mind and eases restlessness
- Chamomile – soothes both emotional and digestive tension
- Lemon Balm – uplifts the spirit and reduces nervousness
- Skullcap – relieves nervous exhaustion and supports resilience
- Rose – opens the heart and encourages emotional healing
By pairing somatic awareness with herbal remedies, we can begin to release the weight of stored emotions, nurture our nervous system, and build a foundation for greater emotional well-being.
A Gentle Reminder
Healing from emotional trauma is a journey, not a quick fix. Each step you take—whether pausing to notice a pattern, practicing somatic release, or using herbs for support—is
a step toward greater freedom, resilience, and peace within yourself. 🌸