The idea that a specific organ "holds" trauma is a common question in wellness and therapy circles, often inspired by somatic (body-based) approaches to healing. However, there is no single organ that stores trauma. Trauma primarily affects the brain and nervous system, manifesting physically throughout the body as chronic stress responses.

In his influential book The Body Keeps the Score, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma reshapes brain circuits, particularly the amygdala (fear center), hippocampus (memory processing), and prefrontal cortex (emotional regulation). This leads to heightened stress hormones, hypervigilance, and physical symptoms like muscle tension or pain. Scientifically, traumatic memories are encoded as fragmented sensations or images rather than coherent narratives, influencing bodily responses via the autonomic nervous system.

Popular beliefs often point to areas like the hips (due to the psoas muscle, linked to fight-or-flight contraction) or the gut (as a "second brain" sensitive to stress). These reflect real tension from unresolved trauma such as tight hips causing lower back pain or gut issues like IBS but it's muscle/fascia holding chronic contraction, not literal "storage" in organs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emotions tie to organs (e.g., fear to kidneys, anger to liver), and imbalances can cause physical symptoms. This holistic view sees trauma as disrupted energy (Qi) flow, treatable with acupuncture or herbs.

Evidence shows trauma impacts the whole body: chronic inflammation, immune changes, or pain syndromes. Releasing it involves therapies like somatic experiencing, yoga, EMDR, or breathwork, which help regulate the nervous system and reduce physical holdings.

Ultimately, trauma lives in the interplay of mind and body. Addressing it through integrated approaches therapy, movement, and self-care promotes true healing. Consult professionals for personalized support.