Key Topics and Timestamps
00:01 - Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Shiroko Sokich
02:26 - Dr. Shiroko's Journey from Surgery to Eastern Medicine
04:48 - Understanding Acupuncture and Energy Pathways
07:07 - Organs, Emotions, and Spiritual Functions
09:34 - How the Body Holds Trauma
11:53 - Acupuncture Treatments for Clearing Trauma
16:34 - The Bridge: Visualizing Healing from Trauma and Surgery
18:55 - Post-Surgery Healing and Loving Your Body
23:39 - When Hope Feels Impossible: Starting with Love
25:54 - The Hero's Journey in Healing
28:16 - Dr. Shiroko's Personal Story: Overcoming Double Vision
32:55 - Learning from Our Bodies
35:12 - Closing and Resources
Can Trauma Cause Physical Pain?
As a board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine expert, I've spent decades helping women navigate the complexities of their health. From hormonal imbalances to chronic conditions, I've seen firsthand how the body doesn't operate in silos—our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves are deeply intertwined. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting my dear friend, Dr. Shiroko Sokich, on my podcast. We dove into a topic that's close to my heart: the profound link between trauma and physical pain. If you've ever wondered why old emotional wounds seem to manifest as aches, fatigue, or even chronic illnesses, this conversation is a game-changer. But before I share more, let me pose the question that's at the heart of it all—can trauma really cause physical pain? The answer, based on both ancient wisdom and modern science, is a resounding yes.
In our episode, recorded right here in the cozy (and slightly quirky) basement studio of my Dallas home, Dr. Shiroko and I explored how trauma lodges itself in our bodies, often leading to persistent pain that Western medicine alone can't always resolve. We blended insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and functional medicine to offer a holistic path forward. I'll expand on our discussion here, drawing from research and my own clinical experience, to give you a deeper understanding. By the end, I hope you'll feel empowered to address any hidden traumas in your life and, of course, inspired to tune into the full podcast for the heartfelt stories and practical tips we shared.
The Hidden Connection: Trauma and Physical Pain
Let's start with the basics—trauma and physical pain are inextricably linked. Trauma isn't just a mental event; it's a full-body experience that can alter our physiology for years, if not decades. According to studies from institutions like McGill University and the National Center for PTSD, people who experience childhood trauma—such as abuse, neglect, or loss—are up to 80% more likely to develop chronic pain in adulthood. This isn't a coincidence; it's biology.
When we encounter trauma, our body's stress response kicks into overdrive. The amygdala, our brain's alarm system, floods us with cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us for fight, flight, or freeze. If unresolved, this chronic stress can lead to inflammation, weakened immunity, and even changes in how our nervous system processes pain signals. For instance, PTSD sufferers often report heightened sensitivity to pain because their bodies remain in a state of hypervigilance. In my practice, I've seen this play out in women with unexplained pelvic pain or fibromyalgia, where no structural issue explains the agony—they're carrying the weight of past traumas in their tissues.
Dr. Shiroko shared a powerful example from her time in surgery residency. She encountered burn unit patients in excruciating pain that medications couldn't touch. This led her to "The Web That Has No Weaver," a book on Chinese medicine that revolutionized her view of energy flow in the body. Eastern traditions teach that trauma disrupts qi (life energy), causing blockages that manifest as physical symptoms. Western science echoes this: research from Harvard shows trauma can lead to lasting impacts like muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. It's why I always ask patients about their life stories—pain isn't just physical; it's a signal from the body screaming for resolution.
Dr. Shiroko's Journey: From Scalpels to Needles
One of the highlights of our chat was hearing Dr. Shiroko's incredible story. She started as a general surgery resident in Seattle, drawn to the adrenaline of saving lives—like the time she helped repair a gunshot wound to the heart. But the complexity of patients' pain, especially on the burn unit, left her frustrated with Western medicine's limitations. "I'm an enemy of pain," she said, and I couldn't agree more.
This dissatisfaction propelled her into TCM, acupuncture, and Ayurveda. Over 40 years, she's blended these with functional medicine to create a "spectrum of healing." In our discussion, she explained how energy pathways, or meridians, correspond to organs and emotions. For example, the lungs hold grief, the liver anger, and the pancreas guilt—patterns I've observed consistently in my travels learning from shamans and healers worldwide.
Expanding on this, studies from the NCBI confirm that childhood trauma correlates with adult chronic illnesses, mediated by poor mental health. In my own practice, I've treated women with recurrent pancreatitis tied to unresolved guilt, mirroring Dr. Shiroko's insights. Integrating Eastern practices like acupuncture isn't an alternative—it's essential for addressing root causes Western scans might miss.
How Acupuncture Unlocks Trauma Stored in the Body
Diving deeper into acupuncture for trauma, Dr. Shiroko described it as balancing energy flow through meridians linked to organs. Unlike Western views, TCM sees organs with emotional and spiritual roles—the lungs govern grief and immunity, for instance. Needles stimulate points to release blockages, reducing pain in moments.
Science backs this: Acupuncture activates somatic sensory receptors, releases endorphins, and calms the brain's pain centers. For trauma, it reduces hyperarousal in PTSD, improving sleep and anxiety. Dr. Shiroko's seven-treatment protocol for cellular trauma clearance has transformed lives, like a woman with perimenopausal bleeding post her son's death—bleeding stopped after one session, and her life bloomed anew.
In my experience, acupuncture complements hormone therapy beautifully. For breast cancer patients, where relationships and grief play a role, it helps release stored emotions. If you're dealing with chronic pain, consider this: Your body might be holding onto a basement story, like Dr. Shiroko's childhood fear, manifesting as tension or illness.
Real-Life Stories: Releasing Trauma's Grip
Stories bring theory to life, and our episode was full of them. Dr. Shiroko recounted a young woman with decade-long headaches after a fatal car accident with her father—the headaches vanished after her treatments, unlocking her potential. These aren't anomalies; Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" explains how trauma reshapes the brain and body, trapping us in the past.
I shared my nurse's pancreatitis tied to guilt—addressing it emotionally ended recurrences. Research from WakeMed shows PTSD sufferers are 10 times more prone to chronic pain via the mind-body connection. Trauma in organs like the uterus (mothering energy) or breasts (relationships) can lead to fibroids or cancer risks. Healing requires acknowledging these links.
Crossing the Bridge: Visualization for Transformation
A key takeaway was Dr. Shiroko's "bridge" concept for surgery or trauma recovery. Visualize yourself pre-event, cross the bridge during the event, and arrive healed on the other side. Practice for 90 days to embed it.
For my breast explant surgery, I wish I'd done this proactively. Post-op, massage scars with love, use red light therapy, or neural therapy with lidocaine to break fascial strictures. Fascia, the body's connective tissue, holds trauma like a web—acupuncture releases it at this level.
Integrating Eastern and Western, as in "The Tao of Trauma," combines neurophysiology with TCM for comprehensive healing. In my Magic Menopause program, we use similar visualizations to shift energy.
Loving Your Body: The Foundation of Healing
"You cannot heal a body you hate"—that's a mantra I live by. Dr. Shiroko's book, "Healing When It Seems Impossible," starts with love as the ultimate force. If self-love feels impossible, start small: Love a plant, your pet, or just your hands.
Societal pressures make women despise their bodies, but love is a boomerang—it returns. Massage daily, as I do, to nourish skin and spirit. For emotional trauma healing, therapy, meditation, and self-care are vital. My groups emphasize forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, to release guilt or anger.
The Hero's Journey: Never Give Up on Hope
When patients say, "I can't see myself well," I remind them of the hero's path—persevere with tiny steps. Dr. Shiroko's 60-year double vision battle ended with surgery and brain rewiring, proving persistence pays.
Healing has setbacks, but keep going. View your body as a teacher—hateful experiences teach hate; loving ones, growth. In my practice, this mindset has helped women overcome menopause horrors tied to past traumas.
Integrating Eastern and Western Wisdom for Lasting Health
Blending modalities is key. Use Western diagnostics with Eastern energy work for root-cause healing. For trauma, combine therapy with acupuncture or somatic experiencing to release stored energy.
In our podcast, this synergy shone through. To truly grasp the magic—Dr. Shiroko's wisdom, our laughter over ribs, and needle demos—listen to the full episode. It's not just informative; it's transformative. Head to [podcast link] now and let it inspire your healing journey. Your body deserves it.
Q&A:
Q: How does trauma cause physical pain?
A: Trauma activates chronic stress responses, leading to inflammation, heightened pain sensitivity, and conditions like fibromyalgia or headaches, as seen in PTSD studies where pain acts as a trauma reminder.
Q: What role does acupuncture play in trauma healing?
A: Acupuncture balances energy meridians, releases endorphins, and calms the nervous system, effectively reducing PTSD symptoms like hyperarousal and pain in just a few sessions.
Q: How can I start healing if I feel hopeless?
A: Begin with small acts of love—towards a pet, plant, or one body part. Practice daily visualization of your healed self for 90 days, and seek integrative therapies to build resilience.
Q: Why integrate Eastern and Western medicine for trauma?
A: Eastern approaches address energy and emotions, while Western handle structural issues, creating a holistic path that tackles root causes for better outcomes in pain and recovery.
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Disclaimer:
This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Supplements and compounded drops should be used under professional guidance. Cosmetic suggestions are for external use only; never place creams in the eye.
