how to heal for good
understanding the connection between autoimmunity and trauma
Hey there, beautiful souls!
Today, I want to dive into a topic that's incredibly close to my heart and has deeply impacted my journey toward holistic wellness: the profound connection between autoimmunity and trauma. It's a subject that isn't widely discussed but holds immense importance for those navigating the complexities of chronic illness.
For the majority of my life, I battled silently with autoimmune issues, feeling like I was at war with my own body. Little did I know, there was a hidden link between my physical symptoms and unresolved emotional wounds from experiences I had in my childhood. It wasn't until I delved into the realm of mind-body healing that I began to truly understand the intricate interplay between trauma and autoimmune conditions.
So, what is the connection? It all comes down to our body's incredible ability to respond to stress. When we experience trauma—whether it be from childhood adversity, emotional abuse, or significant life events—our nervous system goes into overdrive. There is big T trauma and little t trauma. You can take the ACE questionnaire to help you see where on the scale your trauma lands. It doesn’t matter what the exact experience was, all that matters is how your body responded to it. If the trauma does not get processed, the chronic state of stress can wreak havoc on our immune system, leading to inflammation and dysregulation. Over time, this dysregulation can manifest as autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hormonal imbalance, PCOS, or mysterious symptoms.
Acknowledging the link between trauma and autoimmunity isn't about placing blame or dwelling on the past. It's about empowering ourselves to heal from the inside out. And that's where the real magic happens.
So, what can we do to support our bodies on this journey toward healing? Here are a few strategies that have been instrumental in my own healing process:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivating mindfulness allows us to tune into our body's signals and release stored tension. Even just a few minutes of meditation each day can work wonders for reducing stress and promoting inner peace.
EMDR Therapy and Emotional Processing: Seeking support from a somatic therapist can be incredibly beneficial in processing past traumas. Somatic therapists address the connection between the mind and body which I find holds better results over just talk therapy. By shining a light on our emotional wounds, we can begin to release their hold on our physical health.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes: Fueling our bodies with nourishing foods for gut health and adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in managing autoimmune symptoms. Opting for an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help calm inflammation and support immune function. Avoiding food sensitivities and supplementing with L-glutamine can help heal leaky gut which plays a role in the development of autoimmune disease.
Holistic Modalities: Exploring holistic modalities such as acupuncture, yoga, breath work, meditation, or energy healing have really helped me move the needle in my healing. These practices work to rebalance our body's energy systems and promote overall well-being.
Self-Compassion and Self-Care: Above all, it's essential to show ourselves compassion and kindness as we navigate the ups and downs of healing. Prioritizing self-care activities that bring us joy and relaxation can help us stay grounded and resilient in the face of adversity.
I did an Instagram Live today with Dr. Sara Gottfried HERE where we discussed the connection between trauma and health issues. She shared lots of great tools go give it a listen. She just wrote the book The Autoimmune Cure which I just finished reading and I think it is a MUST read for every single person subscribed to this newsletter. I recommend checking it out!
Lastly! I just posted a long form youtube video sharing recipes I eat on my period (including this strawberry matcha), my non-toxic makeup routine, answered a Q&A, and gave a glimpse into my week! WATCH HERE
Remember- healing is a journey, not a destination. By acknowledging the connection between trauma and our health, and taking proactive steps to support our well-being, we can reclaim our power and thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
love you guys! xx Paige
Loved this! So many good tips!