Have you ever experienced a physical reaction—like a racing heart, tight chest, or queasy stomach—without understanding why? This is the power of somatic memory at work. Our bodies hold onto experiences, even when our minds can’t consciously recall them. Unresolved traumas or stressors often manifest as physical sensations, guiding us to the places within us that need healing.
As an RTT Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner, I help clients release these stored memories, combining regression therapy with energy healing to create profound transformation.
What Is Somatic Memory?
Somatic memory refers to the body's ability to store memories of experiences, particularly those tied to emotions and trauma. Unlike cognitive memory, which resides in the brain, somatic memory is felt through the body. For example:
A person who experienced childhood neglect may unknowingly tense their shoulders whenever they feel unsupported.
A traumatic event might cause a chronic sense of tightness in the chest or digestive issues.
This is because trauma isn’t just an event in the past—it’s a physiological imprint, often stored in the nervous system.
The Science Behind Somatic Memory
When we experience trauma, the brain’s fight-or-flight response activates, flooding the body with stress hormones. If the trauma isn’t resolved, the body stores it, often creating physical symptoms or emotional patterns.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, highlights how trauma can disrupt the connection between the brain and body, making somatic healing essential. This is where modalities like RTT and Reiki come in.
How RTT Hypnotherapy Addresses Somatic Memory
In RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), regression plays a vital role. By guiding clients into a deeply relaxed state, I help them uncover memories stored in their subconscious mind—often the root of their emotional or physical struggles.
Through this process:
Uncovering: Clients connect to the emotions and sensations tied to past experiences.
Releasing: As they reprocess these memories in a safe, supportive space, the body naturally begins to release the tension and energy associated with them.
Rewriting: We work together to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones, breaking the cycle of stored trauma.
The Role of Reiki in Somatic Healing
To enhance the benefits of RTT, I incorporate Reiki, a gentle energy healing practice. Reiki helps move stagnant energy in the body, creating space for new, positive shifts.
During regression, when clients revisit emotionally charged memories, I use Reiki to:
Facilitate Release: Reiki helps clear blocked energy tied to somatic memories.
Promote Safety: The calming energy of Reiki reassures the body, signaling that it’s safe to let go.
Support Integration: After releasing old energy, Reiki helps clients ground and integrate their newfound clarity.
For many clients, this combination of RTT and Reiki provides a deeper healing experience, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.
One client described feeling lighter, as if a heavy weight had been lifted, after a session. By addressing both the subconscious mind and the body’s energy systems, they experienced a profound release of long-held tension.
This dual approach is especially powerful for:
Anxiety and depression rooted in unresolved trauma.
Physical symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues tied to emotional stress.
Gaining clarity and confidence by releasing limiting beliefs.
Practical Tips to Support Somatic Healing
Even outside of sessions, you can begin nurturing your mind-body connection:
Body Awareness: Take moments to scan your body for tension or discomfort.
Grounding Exercises: Use breathwork or grounding techniques to anchor yourself in the present.
Energy Work: Explore practices like Reiki or mindful movement (e.g., yoga or tai chi).
Hypnosis Audios: Access free hypnosis audios I’ve created to support relaxation and emotional release.
Healing isn’t just about processing thoughts—it’s about reconnecting with your body, releasing what no longer serves you, and creating a harmonious mind-body balance. Through RTT hypnotherapy and Reiki, we can uncover the root of your struggles, release stored trauma, and realign your energy for a lighter, freer you.
If you’re ready to explore this transformational journey, I’d love to help you uncover and heal the layers of your story. Book a session or explore my free resources on YouTube to start your healing today.
Warmly,
Melissa Alexander
![The power of mind and body connection](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/970085_970e132d83bd4d71aaf2f9eee7c65d3b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/970085_970e132d83bd4d71aaf2f9eee7c65d3b~mv2.jpg)
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