Healing Trauma Through the Body: Gabor Maté and the Power of Yoga

Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and trauma expert, has spent decades exploring the deep connection between trauma, the body, and healing. His groundbreaking work, particularly in books like When the Body Says No and The Myth of Normal, highlights how unresolved trauma manifests in physical illness, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation. His research aligns closely with the principles of trauma-sensitive yoga, a practice that facilitates healing by reconnecting individuals with their bodies in a safe, empowering way.

Gabor Maté on Trauma and the Body

Maté defines trauma not just as a distressing event, but as the lasting physiological imprint that experience leaves on the nervous system. According to him, trauma is not what happens to us—it’s what happens inside us as a result of what happened to us. This means that even if an event is in the past, its effects can linger in the body, leading to chronic tension, autoimmune diseases, anxiety, and depression.

In his work, Maté emphasizes the need for somatic awareness—the practice of tuning into bodily sensations to process and release stored trauma. He suggests that true healing must involve reconnecting with the body rather than suppressing or ignoring its signals. This perspective deeply aligns with trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY), which prioritizes bodily awareness, choice-making, and a sense of safety in movement.

How Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Aligns with Maté’s Teachings

Trauma-sensitive yoga is an approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on the nervous system and offers a pathway to healing through gentle, invitational movement. This practice mirrors Maté’s philosophy in several key ways:

1. Reconnecting with the Body Maté argues that trauma disconnects us from our bodies, leading to dissociation and a loss of self-awareness. Trauma-sensitive yoga encourages individuals to notice bodily sensations without judgment, fostering a sense of presence and embodiment.

2. Creating a Safe, Non-Threatening Environment Maté highlights the importance of safety in healing. In TSY, instructors use invitational language and avoid physical adjustments, ensuring that participants feel in control of their experience—an essential factor in trauma recovery.

3. Regulating the Nervous System According to Maté, trauma can leave individuals in a chronic state of fight-or-flight. Trauma-sensitive yoga incorporates breathwork, mindful movement, and grounding exercises to help regulate the nervous system and shift from survival mode to a state of balance and relaxation.

4. Encouraging Emotional Release Without Force Maté warns against forcing trauma recovery through exposure-based methods that may retraumatize individuals. TSY follows a similar philosophy, allowing individuals to engage at their own pace, offering choice in movements rather than rigid sequences.

The Mind-Body Connection: A Path to Healing

Both Gabor Maté’s work and trauma-sensitive yoga share a fundamental belief: the mind and body are not separate. Healing from trauma requires an integrative approach that acknowledges emotional pain, physical sensations, and the need for self-compassion.

By practicing trauma-sensitive yoga, individuals can begin to:

• Rebuild trust in their bodies.

• Develop a greater sense of agency and choice.

• Process and release stored trauma in a safe, gradual way.

Integrating Maté’s Wisdom with Yoga

Gabor Maté has transformed the way we understand trauma, showing that healing is not just about talking—it’s about feeling, sensing, and reconnecting with ourselves. Trauma-sensitive yoga offers a tangible, embodied way to apply his insights, helping individuals move from survival to thriving.

For those seeking a holistic path to healing, integrating Maté’s wisdom with yoga can be a profound and transformative experience. Whether through breath, movement, or mindful stillness, the journey of reconnecting with the body is a crucial step toward reclaiming well-being and inner peace.