2: Understanding Body-Mind Coherence: The Key to Healing from Within
In recent years, the concept of body-mind coherence has gained traction in wellness circles and scientific research alike. But what does it really mean? At its core, body-mind coherence refers to the harmonious alignment between our physical state and mental processes. This synergy creates a powerful feedback loop where each aspect influences the other, promoting holistic well-being. When we achieve body-mind coherence, we tap into our innate ability to heal ourselves from within, unlocking a path to better health and emotional resilience.
When I embarked on my healing journey, I was not aware of Body Mind Coherence but was practicing it, nonetheless. There are many ways to heal: traditional talk/cognitive therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, family therapy, just to name a few. Our culture has also embraced pharmaceuticals as a quick fix—a ‘band-aid approach,’ if you will. And while a band-aid might help heal a small cut, it's practically useless when a wound requires stitches or even surgery to truly heal. From my own experience, I was put on antidepressants as a young person by my parents, and I hated them. They drained my energy, took away my sex drive, caused intense night sweats, and led to moments of rage. In many ways, they felt like they were taking life out of me. For a long time, I was critical of pharmaceuticals. However, I've come to understand that they can play an essential role, helping many people bridge the gap in their healing journeys. With love and compassion, I encourage approaching pharmaceuticals not as a permanent solution, but rather as a temporary aid—a bridge, if you will. Much like a band-aid on a large wound, they can provide support until you’re ready for the stitches that bring true, lasting healing. I’ve tried many types of therapy throughout my life, starting as a young child and continuing into adulthood. Like antidepressants, they served as only a temporary solution. Don’t get me wrong—traditional forms of therapy can be effective. But often, it takes 5, 10, or even 20 years to unpack just one layer of trauma, and by that time, life may have passed you by, leaving you feeling unfulfilled or still at a loss. That was my experience. While I learned a lot and gained support during tough times, none of it truly stuck. None of it addressed the deeper issues at the root of my trauma.
I feel it’s important to share something about trauma—or, more specifically, my own experience with it. For a long time, I compared my trauma to others'. I would tell myself that because I had ‘lowercase-t’ trauma, it wasn’t significant enough to address, especially since others had faced ‘capital-T’ trauma (I’ll be writing more about the “lower case t” and “capital T” trauma in a future blog post). So, for many years, I minimized my own experiences and trauma, which only deepened my feelings of worthlessness. This self-dismissal worsened my anxiety and depression, piling on stress as I walked through life, for over 20 years. I minimized and ignored my pain out of guilt—believing I didn’t have the ‘right’ to feel it because others had it worse. I had no compassion for myself; instead, I judged myself harshly, which in turn led me to treat the world and others with judgment, frustration, anger, and absolutely no patience; all the ways in which I treated myself.
Looking back now, I have deep love and compassion for that part of me—that version of me. He was in survival mode for a long time, yet he didn’t give up or crumble. Despite the struggles, he made it through, carrying me to the point where my true healing journey began, right before I turned 40.
Research supports the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and physical health are interconnected. A study published in the *Journal of Psychosomatic Research* found that individuals with higher levels of coherence showed significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression. This is not merely anecdotal; the data reveal that when our mind is calm and focused, our body responds positively. Heart rate variability (HRV), an important measure of heart health and stress resilience, tends to be higher in individuals experiencing body-mind coherence. Higher HRV indicates better adaptability to stress and a more robust immune system.
The clearest example of how my body and mind once interfaced before my healing journey was the chronic pain that manifested in my lower back and hips. This pain began around age 15 and, at times, would intensify into severe spasms and tightness, leaving me immobilized for days, sometimes even weeks or months. The mental, emotional, and physical effort required to endure this pain was exhausting, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
For years, I couldn’t understand why I was dealing with such chronic pain. I had no significant injuries, and aside from playing youth sports like baseball, there was no clear external reason for my body to be in such distress. I sought relief through yoga, acupuncture, and medical visits, but nothing seemed to help; the pain would appear and disappear with no predictable pattern or apparent cause.
As I grew older, I noticed that my back pain often flared up during emotionally challenging times—especially in the midst of relationship stress, whether with family members, romantic partners, or during financial strain. This realization aligned with the very beginning of my awakening journey around age 32, a time I’ll share more about in future blog posts. Although I wasn’t fully aware of it then, I’d started to uncover the body-mind connection, a pivotal insight that would shape my healing.
Through conscious and intentional healing, especially with the aid of plant medicine, I began to piece things together. I realized that my physical pain was directly connected to unaddressed trauma and stress I’d carried in my body for most of my life—what somatic psychology refers to as “somatic energy.” This is the physical energy stored within the body, often as tension or stress, linked to unresolved emotions, memories, and experiences. In my case, my body had been holding onto this energy for so long that it manifested as a physiological issue. An MRI in 2021 confirmed the damage: three bulging discs in my lower spine and a pinched S1 nerve root.
This chronic pain, I now understood, was my body’s way of expressing the unprocessed stress and trauma that had been stored as somatic energy for over 20 years. As I faced my trauma and confronted the parts of myself I once felt ashamed of, I began to release that stored energy. Today, as I write this in late 2024, I’m at peace and grateful to say that I’ve been pain-free since October 2022—the longest stretch since I was 15. And as I continue to heal, I know my body and mind will only grow stronger and healthier.
A study conducted by the HeartMath Institute demonstrated that emotional states significantly impact physiological functions. The research highlighted those positive emotions, like gratitude and compassion, can promote heart coherence—a state where heart rhythms become orderly and harmonious. This coherence is associated with reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, and even better physical health outcomes. Essentially, by fostering positive mental states, as well as healing our traumas, we can actively enhance our body’s ability to heal and thrive.
Understanding body-mind coherence is particularly vital in today's fast-paced world, where chronic stress has become the norm. Prolonged stress can lead to a host of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. However, by practicing techniques that promote body-mind coherence, such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork, we can counteract these negative effects. These practices not only calm the mind but also send signals to the body that it is safe to relax and heal.
Moreover, body-mind coherence is not just about individual health; it has far-reaching implications for communities and societies as a whole. When individuals cultivate a coherent state, they contribute to a collective energy that promotes harmony and well-being in their environments. As more people become aware of their ability to influence their own health and emotional states, we can foster a culture of self-empowerment and resilience.
Incorporating body-mind coherence into daily life is easier than it may seem. Simple practices like gratitude journaling, mindful breathing, and yoga can foster this connection and encourage healing. Engaging in regular physical activity also plays a crucial role; exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and create a positive feedback loop with our physical health.
As we continue to explore the science behind body-mind coherence, it’s clear that this understanding is more than just a theoretical concept. It’s a practical tool for everyone seeking to enhance their well-being and tap into their innate healing potential. Embracing body-mind coherence empowers us to take charge of our health, reminding us that we have the capacity to heal ourselves from within. By nurturing this connection, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient world.
The Next Blog…
As I continue to share more bout my healing journey, I’ll delve deeper into practical strategies for achieving body-mind coherence and how you can start your journey toward holistic health today.