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Latest Research Confirms: The Body Remembers Trauma Long After the Mind Forgets

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A wave of fresh scientific research has reaffirmed a growing understanding in psychology: even when traumatic memories seem to fade from the mind, the human body continues to carry traces of distress for years, sometimes decades. This discovery, recently highlighted by mental health advocates and major studies alike, is forcing a rethink of how therapy and recovery are approached—particularly for Thais who may have lived through periods of violence, natural disaster, or family turmoil.

Recent reporting in Psychology Today has drawn vivid attention to how childhood trauma can linger in the body’s biology, even when the source of that trauma has been “forgotten” mentally. The article recounts the experience of a therapist who suffered migraines during a return to her childhood home, a visceral reminder that the body can react to environments or memories tied to early adversity. “Our bodies remember,” she reflects, describing how her symptoms flared not through conscious anxiety, but as a physical echo of unresolved stress from the past. She notes, “Symptoms can show up in the body years—even decades—later. Many clients who experienced childhood abuse develop migraines, chronic pain, and other medical concerns well into adulthood.” Read more at Psychology Today.

Why does this new science matter to Thai readers? Thailand, like many countries, is a society interlaced with memories of hardship, communal disasters, and personal traumas—ranging from the massive 2004 tsunami to the everyday burdens of family stress, poverty, or abuse. Traditionally, Thai culture emphasizes “kreng jai” (a reluctance to impose one’s troubles on others) and “jai yen” (a cool heart), often encouraging sufferers to suppress rather than express painful experiences. Yet, the latest research makes it clear: unaddressed trauma may hide from our thoughts, but it can resurface through the body—sometimes without warning.

Key findings come from a compelling University of Oklahoma study examining survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing—one of the U.S.’s worst acts of domestic violence. Seven years after the tragedy, researchers measured levels of stress hormones and immune system markers in survivors compared to people who hadn’t experienced the trauma. Surprisingly, even when survivors showed no obvious signs of depression or PTSD, their bodies still exhibited higher inflammation markers and lower-than-normal cortisol (the hormone released in response to stress). In other words, their minds had healed—but their bodies had not returned to biological normal. Detailed summary at New Atlas.

Dr. Phebe Tucker, professor emeritus of psychiatry and lead author of the Oklahoma study, explained: “The main takeaway from the study is that the mind may be resilient…but the body doesn’t forget. It may remain on alert, waiting for the next thing to happen.” She points out that heightened inflammation, even in otherwise healthy people, could foreshadow potential long-term health problems, like heart disease or autoimmune disorders.

Well-known trauma researcher Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of the book “The Body Keeps the Score,” has long argued that traumatic stress can become embedded in the body’s very biology, disrupting immune response, hormone balance, muscle tension, and even the neurology of pain. He notes that repeated or chronic trauma—especially in childhood—can program the body to remain in a defensive, hyperaroused state, primed for threat even when safety returns. “Trauma is much more than a story about the past,” the research argues. “Without intervention, trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising the sufferer’s capacity for joy and engagement.” See book summary at Wikipedia.

Other contemporary research, summarized recently by MSN, reports that traumatic experiences can alter “biological markers,” ranging from the way genes are expressed to the regulation of hormones and inflammation in the immune system. These alterations may not only contribute to chronic physical symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, digestive trouble, or cardiovascular issues—but can also leave a person more vulnerable to illness over time. Source: MSN Health.

Expert perspectives on this issue now urge practitioners and patients alike to “listen to the body as much as the mind.” Therapists globally—echoed by those practicing trauma-informed care in Thailand—encourage survivors to pay attention to physical signs of distress, such as migraines, muscle pain, fatigue, or unexplained medical concerns. These symptoms, experts believe, are often the body’s way of signaling the need for healing and attention to unresolved issues.

A mental health expert at a leading Thai university explained: “In Thai society, there is still a stigma about mental health. When trauma shows up in physical symptoms, it’s easier for people to seek medical help than to admit to psychological hurt. But now we see the need for integrated care—treating both the mind and the body.” This view is echoed by counselors at Thai NGOs offering support to children and women affected by domestic or community violence: “We see many people who have recurring stomach problems, insomnia, or headaches. When we explore their history, often we find links to violence, loss, or abuse in childhood.”

How does this science fit into Thailand’s cultural and historical setting? Thais often value emotional resilience and community cooperation, yet national trauma—such as the Tham Luang cave rescue, southern border violence, or family-level disaster from the economic crisis—shapes the social psyche. Many may not think of themselves as trauma survivors, yet the suppression of emotional pain may promote long-term physical suffering. Many Thais will recall how temples and community spaces provided places for collective healing and meditation after natural disasters or national tragedies. Buddhist teachings also often encourage mindfulness of body and mind, which—researchers now argue—may have a scientific basis in promoting trauma recovery.

Looking forward, experts suggest that Thailand—and Asia more broadly—must keep pace with the latest global trends in trauma care. This includes training more trauma-informed healthcare providers, adopting body-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness meditation, and increasing public education about the physical signs of emotional pain. “We have to move away from separation between physical and mental health,” says a director at a government mental health hospital in Bangkok. “Chronic disease prevention in Thailand must include screening for adverse life experiences—not just blood pressure and cholesterol.”

Practical tips for Thais seeking help with trauma-related symptoms focus on holistic self-care: paying attention to recurring aches and pains that lack obvious cause, gently exploring one’s personal and family history, and seeking help from mental health professionals trained in trauma approaches. Simple actions—such as learning to observe one’s breath, participate in group meditation, or spend time in nature—can help recalibrate the body’s stress response. For those already experiencing challenges like migraines, chronic pain, or digestive issues, integrating mental health care with physical health checks can make treatment far more effective.

Everyday Thais can also support loved ones by listening with compassion and encouraging conversations about how difficult past experiences may relate to present-day health. As the author in Psychology Today concludes, “Listening to our bodies can help with healing… The goal should always be to listen.” Putting these insights into action, Thai society can take active steps toward healing—both in mind and body—and embrace a model of care that brings ancient tradition together with the latest science.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about your health.