A Step-by-step Guide to Healing Trauma with Spiritual and Somatic Practices

I used to roll my eyes at the mere mention of energy work. Reiki, chakra healing, acupuncture—it all sounded like a bunch of woo-woo nonsense to me.

But then, something unexpected happened. A single energy work session completely transformed my perspective and set me on a path of profound personal growth. As I continued my journey, I realized that energy work wasn’t just about relaxation or stress relief; it became an essential part of my healing process, especially when dealing with deep-rooted trauma.

Trauma impacts not just the mind but also the body and spirit. Healing from trauma requires a holistic approach that addresses all these aspects. In this post, I’ll share how my skepticism turned into belief, and how you can use spiritual and somatic practices to heal trauma and facilitate deep healing.

How Energy Work Transformed My Personal Growth Journey

Overcoming deep-rooted skepticism

Growing up in a society that values tangible evidence and scientific proof, I was deeply skeptical about energy work. The idea of invisible forces influencing our lives and well-being seemed far-fetched, and I struggled to wrap my mind around it. But my lack of understanding fueled my doubts, making me resistant to considering energy work as a viable option for personal growth—especially for something as serious as trauma.

The pivotal moment of change

Despite my skepticism, a close friend convinced me to attend an energy work session with her. I went along reluctantly, more out of curiosity than belief that it would have any impact on me. But this experience marked a turning point in my personal growth journey.

During the session, I was surprised by the immediate sensations in my body. A deep sense of relaxation washed over me, and I became acutely aware of subtle energetic shifts. The practitioner guided me through exercises designed to balance and align my energy centers, and I couldn’t deny the profound effects I was experiencing.

In the days following the session, I noticed significant changes in my overall well-being. I felt lighter, more centered, and better equipped to handle daily challenges. The experience opened my eyes to the transformative power of energy work, particularly in healing deep-seated trauma.

Step 1: Grounding and Safety

Before diving into deeper healing, it’s crucial to establish a sense of safety and grounding. Trauma can leave you feeling disconnected from your body and the present moment, so grounding techniques are the foundation for effective healing. I found that these practices were essential as I began my journey with energy work.

Earthing:
Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand to connect with the earth’s energy became a simple yet powerful practice for me. It helped me feel more present and anchored in my body, which was vital in the early stages of my healing.
Tree Visualization:
Another technique I embraced was visualizing myself as a tree with deep roots extending into the earth. This practice allowed me to release tension and stress, creating a stable foundation for the deeper work ahead.
Anchoring in the Present Moment
Sometimes, trauma can pull us out of the present moment, making it difficult to feel safe. To counteract this, I practiced anchoring techniques such as focusing on my breath, naming objects around me, or feeling the texture of an object in my hands. These practices helped me stay grounded and present, which is crucial for effective healing.

Step 2: Awareness and Mindfulness

As I continued exploring energy work, I realized the importance of cultivating awareness of how trauma manifests in the body and mind. Mindfulness practices became a key component of my healing, helping me observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment.

Body Scanning

I began practicing body scanning, mentally scanning my body from head to toe, noticing areas of tension or discomfort. This practice helped me connect more deeply with my body and identify where trauma was stored.

Mindful Observation

I also incorporated mindful observation into my daily life, observing my thoughts and emotions as they arose. This helped me identify patterns and triggers related to my trauma, setting the stage for deeper healing.

Reflective Journaling

Journaling about my mindfulness practice allowed me to track my progress and understand how my thoughts and emotions were evolving. By reflecting on my daily experiences, I could see patterns emerging and make more informed decisions about my healing journey.

Step 3: Somatic Release Techniques

Trauma is often stored in the body, and somatic practices helped me release this trapped energy. These techniques, which work directly with the body, became essential tools in my healing journey.

Shaking

I discovered the power of shaking—a simple yet effective way to release tension and stress stored in the body. Starting with gentle movements and gradually engaging the whole body, I found relief and relaxation.

Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)

These exercises, which involve specific movements to activate the body’s natural tremoring mechanism, became a regular part of my routine. They helped me release deep muscular patterns of stress and trauma.

Breathwork

Incorporating breathwork into my practice allowed me to connect with my body on a deeper level. Techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and breath of fire helped me release tension and anxiety, creating space for healing.

Somatic Experiencing

This technique, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, focuses on releasing trauma from the body by gently guiding individuals to re-experience traumatic events in a safe and controlled way. Somatic experiencing helped me process my trauma without feeling overwhelmed, allowing my body to release stored energy and tension.

Step 4: Spiritual Healing and Energy Work

As my journey continued, I turned to spiritual practices to address the energetic imprints of trauma and restore balance. These practices offered a way to connect with something greater than myself, providing comfort and support during the healing process.

Reiki

I began receiving Reiki sessions regularly, which involved the transfer of universal life force energy through a practitioner’s hands. These sessions helped balance my energy, promoting relaxation and releasing emotional blockages.

Chakra Healing

I also explored chakra healing, focusing on balancing the seven main chakras in my body. Using visualization, crystals, and sound healing, I worked on clearing and aligning each chakra, which greatly supported my emotional and spiritual well-being.

Sound Healing

Sound healing uses vibrational sound to help reduce stress and promote healing. I incorporated tools like singing bowls, tuning forks, and gongs into my practice to facilitate deep relaxation and release of emotional and physical blockages.

Meditation and Visualization

Meditation and visualization became daily practices that helped me connect with my inner self and the spiritual realm. Guided meditations focused on healing, forgiveness, and self-compassion were particularly helpful in releasing trauma and cultivating a sense of peace.

Step 5: Integrating the Healing Process

Healing isn’t just about releasing trauma; it’s also about integrating the insights and changes into daily life. This step was crucial for maintaining the progress I’d made and continuing my journey toward wholeness.

Journaling

I started journaling my experiences, insights, and emotions. This practice helped me process what I’d learned and integrate it into my daily life, reinforcing the positive shifts I was experiencing.

Daily Rituals

Incorporating small, consistent practices into my daily routine, such as morning meditation or grounding exercises, helped maintain the positive changes. These rituals became an integral part of my self-care, supporting my continued growth and healing.

Building a Support Network

Healing can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. I found it invaluable to build a support network of like-minded individuals who understood my path. Whether through support groups, online communities, or spiritual gatherings, connecting with others helped me stay motivated and feel supported.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Healing is an ongoing process. I committed to continuous learning by reading books, attending workshops, and working with various healers and therapists. This not only deepened my understanding but also kept me engaged and open to new experiences.

Giving Back

As I healed, I felt called to help others on their healing journeys. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply sharing my story, giving back became a powerful way to integrate my healing and stay connected to my purpose.

"Healing is a journey that begins with the courage to explore the unseen and ends with the profound transformation of body, mind, and spirit."

— Danielle Aime

Embracing Your Healing Journey

Energy work, once shrouded in skepticism, has the potential to profoundly impact your personal growth journey, especially when it comes to healing trauma. By combining spiritual and somatic practices, you can tap into the subtle energies that flow within and around you, facilitating self-discovery, emotional healing, and a deeper connection to your intuition.

As you explore these practices, remember to ground yourself, cultivate awareness, and integrate the healing process into your daily life. The ripple effect of energy work extends far beyond personal growth, positively influencing your relationships, communication, and alignment with your authentic self-expression and life purpose.

Are you ready to explore the transformative power of energy work and unlock new dimensions of personal growth and well-being?