Trauma Response, common symptoms and link to `

Shiatsu and TCM Theory and neurophysiology and neuropathology

This Table describes the links between the Stress and Trauma responses based on Peter Levine’s work, common signs and symptoms, Shiatsu and TCM theory and
links with the Polyvagal theory of Stephen Porges

Trauma Response or Common Signs and Symptoms Shiatsu and TCM Theory Polyvagal Theory
reaction

Positive Reaction to Stress In the present, Groundedness, Curiosity Heart, Small Intestine, Heart Protector Social Engagement - safety created by
and Openness Compassion Mindful Joy and Triple Heater balanced with Kidney social support.
and Bladder Meridians
Heart rate and breathing increase due to Ventral Vagal system regulates the
excitement and joy All Meridians interacting positively “Vagal Brake” controlling breathing and
Heart Rate

Fight or Flight - the Adrenal Hyper vigilance Kidney impetus function, nervous Sympathetic Nervous System Activated
Response Fatigue system and adrenal system
Hyper active or overworking (Masunaga) Mobilisation of the Adrenal and SNS to
Anxiety, Fears and Phobias activate striated (skeletal) muscles
Kidney Yang (TCM) and Yin if
prolonged

Freeze Response “Freezing” of whole or parts of the body Manifestation of Liver - Heart Dorsal Vagal system becomes
Numbness in channels or part of body connection. dominantly active leading to numbness,
HC /TH/ GB and Liv meridians helplessness, depression and
immobility.
Kidney impetus function compromised
Also related to Dissociation due to
If prolonged LI meridian can be involved reduced heart rate and breathing and
lack of oxygenation of the blood
Dissociation Vacant look Heart Imbalance (Masunaga)
Feels detached from life Shen disturbances - shattered or Shame, shut-down, hopeless, and
Unable to access emotions such as joy etc floating preparation for death.
Difficulty in relationships
In extreme cases - fully out of body
experiences - Hun disturbance - Liver
(TCM)
Trauma Response, common symptoms and link to `
Shiatsu and TCM Theory and neurophysiology and neuropathology

Trauma Response or Common Signs and Symptoms Shiatsu and TCM Theory Neurophysiology - Polyvagal and
reaction Peter Levine

Undischarged Energy from Muscle and joint stiffness or numbness, Liver Qi Stagnation Undischarged patterns from the Freeze
Trauma depression and frustration low energy response (Levine)
The Dorsal Vagal inhibits glucose
production in the liver organ

Aggression, Anger and violent behaviour Liver Yang Rising Deactivation from the Dorsal Vagal
Inappropriate sexual behaviour Freeze response into the Sympathetic
Increased mobilisation Nervous System response leading to
Heat rising up - headache reversion to Fight or Flight

Shaking Response - Sudden jerking movements, Involuntary and Liver discharging - Liver Wind Discharge of stored energy in the
Discharge uncontrolled shaking nervous system during trauma (Levine)
Trembling, Crying and sobbing

Grief Regrets Lung and Large Intestine meridians Memories in cortex trigger stress
Unable to move on in life reactions in the nervous system
Hoarding resulting in aspects of Freeze response
Compulsive behaviour

Anxiety Worry Spleen and Stomach meridians Inability of Ventral Vagal system to
Indigestion, digestive issues regulate emotional state leading to
Eating disorders SNS and Dorsal Vagal effect on
Feels ungrounded digestive organs

This table is a guide to understanding signs and symptoms of undischarged or unresolved trauma, based on Peter Levine and Polyvagal Theory