Mind, Not Body, Holds Trauma

in #bloglast month

Dear Teacher David,

I hope this message finds you well.

I have been reading about some intriguing theories suggesting that trauma and feelings can be "stored in the body." According to these theories, practices like stimulating the vagus nerve are proposed as potential therapies for trauma. The idea is that by stimulating the vagus nerve, we can influence the nervous system and help release stored emotions and traumas.

While there are some scientific studies behind these practices, much of the evidence remains anecdotal and lacks substantial empirical support. Given this context, I am curious about your opinion on whether these theories and practices could be considered "Wrong Observances." To me, they appear somewhat ritualistic and seem to be based more on belief than on verifiable facts.

My curiosity is particularly piqued because, although I have never personally experienced anything like the sensations or traumas being stored in the body as described by these therapies, I recall you mentioning that you have had physical sensations related to past experiences, even to past lives. I wonder if there could be any connection between these theories and your experiences.

I’m convinced that the teachings of the Buddha and their diligent practice are the only ways to genuinely rid oneself of all traumas and attachments to past events or future expectations, leading to absolute fulfillment. Therefore, I am skeptical that a massage or any kind of physical stimulation performed by others could truly aid in understanding true reality and learning how to let go. However, as these alternative therapies for trauma healing gain more popularity, I am very interested in your perspective on this matter.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.


Teacher David Replies.

Hello Victoria…sure, I will help you.

Dear Teacher David,
I hope this message finds you well.

Yes, doing wonderful. Thank you for your care and kindness.

I have been reading about some intriguing theories suggesting that trauma and feelings can be "stored in the body." According to these theories, practices like stimulating the vagus nerve are proposed as potential therapies for trauma. The idea is that by stimulating the vagus nerve, we can influence the nervous system and help release stored emotions and traumas.

This is not possible because this is stored in the mind.

It is through training of the mind that one can eliminate the clinging to past experiences (i.e. trauma).

While there are some scientific studies behind these practices, much of the evidence remains anecdotal and lacks substantial empirical support. Given this context, I am curious about your opinion on whether these theories and practices could be considered "Wrong Observances." To me, they appear somewhat ritualistic and seem to be based more on belief than on verifiable facts.

I would need to see the exact thing that is being done to know for sure. Either way, there is the fetter/taint/pollution of mind described as ignorance (unknowing of true reality).

Wrong observances is thinking that rites, rituals, ceremonies, or worship will lead to improvement in one’s life and to the development of one’s mind.

My curiosity is particularly piqued because, although I have never personally experienced anything like the sensations or traumas being stored in the body as described by these therapies, I recall you mentioning that you have had physical sensations related to past experiences, even to past lives. I wonder if there could be any connection between these theories and your experiences.

This is stored in the mind and experienced by the mind and body.

There is no ability to store a thought, emotion, feeling, memory, etc. in the body.

The mind is the boss and the body is the employee. The body is experiencing that which is being experienced in the mind.

This is why when one’s mind is stressed, they might experience tightening in the neck and shoulders. It is not that there is anything stored in the body, it is that the mind is stressed (i.e. the boss), so therefore, the body is tightening up (i.e. employee).

I’m convinced that the teachings of the Buddha and their diligent practice are the only ways to genuinely rid oneself of all traumas and attachments to past events or future expectations, leading to absolute fulfillment.

As far as I know, yes this is true.

I have not discovered anything that would come close to the complete transformation that is possible through learning, reflecting on, and practicing The Teachings of The Buddha.

Therefore, I am skeptical that a massage or any kind of physical stimulation performed by others could truly aid in understanding true reality and learning how to let go. However, as these alternative therapies for trauma healing gain more popularity, I am very interested in your perspective on this matter.

If all someone is doing is addressing the body, they will not resolve the challenge. Instead, by training the mind, that is what will solve the challenge. Then, there can be some work that needs to be done in the body to release the tightness but, that is not required. It can aid in one’s improvement to the body, thus the body and mind will together, function better. But, if one is only addressing the body, it would not solve the entire issue.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

You are welcome ma’am. Pleased to help you….take care.

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