In our latest Blog, Homeopath Rebecca Dove takes a look at dealing with trauma from the homeopathic perspective

"I wanted to introduce a bit more about how we work with ‘trauma’ in homeopathy. Everyone seems to be talking about trauma these days. We all experience shock and trauma to some degree, for most of us just the shock of being born from the warm comfy space of the womb is enough, we’re hardly ever conscious of that one, but it can set the tone for a lifetime of holding onto stuff that inhibits our growth and wellbeing.

In nature, the way animals deal with trauma & shock is very different to the average human. Peter Levine described in his book Waking the Tiger, the terrified gazelle who’s narrowly escaped the cheetah’s life-crushing grasp, will on finding a safe quiet place to stop will shake, and tremble and breathe deeply with the pounding of their heart for as long as it takes for the shock of the experience to leave their system. A couple of hours later the gazelle is back about its business of eating and surviving without any trace of its sudden brush with death.

The gazelle’s nervous system has been given time and followed through a vital process that allows it to fully absorb and release the total impact of the trauma experienced. The human issue comes when we are not able to do this, or in fact, actively discouraged from allowing space for this to happen by ideas of acceptable behaviour or use of sedatives or alcohol etc. The release process is actively suppressed and the body and by extension, the brain has to hold onto that trauma, and potentially multiple trauma, rather than allow them to be fully expressed and cleared from the system.

Make no mistake we are able to do this, look at the toddler who is supported by the presence but not interference of the parent to go through a meltdown and come out in their own time is much easier to handle afterwards. But once the pattern of not doing starts, it gets harder and the impact becomes more difficult to unpick.

As homeopaths we talk a lot about layers. As if we get layered up depending on our experiences, a bit like an onion. When we enter into a process of uncovering and unwinding these layers, we tend to have to meet the original source of the layer – so likely the trauma and/or the suppression.

What’s really fascinating is that it's different for different people. One person might need the same remedy from us continually, as the way they deal with shock remains fairly constant, but another might need a whole series of remedies over time to help clear those shocks. In the consultation we tune in, we see what is shouting loudest for attention, and then match that to a remedy from nature that mirrors that state.

The remedy is a bit like having a guide to take you to the next crossroads. You’re stuck on the road here mate, yeah I get it I can give you the support to get out of it yourself and move on. If you need me again I’m here etc etc. It's like having an energetic empath to help you see your way onward, as it sits with you gently to go through what couldn’t be gone through before.

Gently is a good word actually. Homeopathy is never about re-traumatising you. Only acknowledge what has got stuck and give you the means to shake free of it, the remedies themselves are shaken for a reason! The unwinding is still a process, there is often a coming up of unexpressed emotion but the process is shorter and less intense usually than the original shock, it's vitally important to go with it as much as possible but to access support and self-care as needed too.

I’m planning to talk a lot more about this. Trauma is a huge part of the underlying cause of dis-ease and allowing it space to be released and healed is usually vital to long-term wellbeing. Getting over the shame and fear of facing it is usually just the first step to feeling better overall. Working with someone with experience who understands and you trust is absolutely vital to this. If you want to find out if that person/homeopath is me, book a free curiosity call and let's see if we’re a good fit to get into whatever layers you’re feeling right now. You can book through my page on the website here. I really look forward to speaking with you soon and for now, take care."

You can book your free discovery call with Rebecca by contacting her through her profile here https://centreforintegralhealth.com/about-us/our-practitioners/rebecca-dove-/