Olga Chernyavska
Helping you to live a healthier and happier life
Holistic therapy with a focus on mind-body interconnection for people struggling with anxiety and worries.
Trauma and Digestive Health: Integrating Scientific, Psychological, and Energetic Approaches
Digestive Symptoms: The Emotional Cost of High Achievement and Compassion
The relationship between trauma and digestive disorders is a complex interplay of biology, psychology, and energy. Modern science explains this connection through the gut-brain axis, while psychological approaches highlight how trauma impacts both the mind and the digestive system. Ancient healing systems also offer valuable perspectives through energetic frameworks.
People experiencing chronic digestive symptoms often carry more than physical discomfort. They also carry emotional weight.
High-achieving individuals who push themselves to meet ambitious goals often ignore early signs of physical distress (such as digestive issues) until they escalate. The drive to perform and “hold it all together” can override the body’s need to pause and heal.
Those who constantly care for others may overlook their own health, especially when digestive discomfort becomes chronic. Many generous, heart-centred people find it hard to prioritise their needs until burnout forces them to.
In this article, I discuss holistic practices that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—recognising energy as the connecting force between them. These practices aim to complement medical care, not replace it.
While the focus is on complementary support, medical treatment by professionals such as general practitioners (GPs) and specialist consultants (e.g., gastroenterologists) is often essential for accurate diagnosis and care. Nutritionists and dietitians also play a key role in managing digestive health across both conventional and complementary settings.
People experiencing chronic digestive symptoms often carry more than physical discomfort. They also carry emotional weight.
High-achieving individuals who push themselves to meet ambitious goals often ignore early signs of physical distress (such as digestive issues) until they escalate. The drive to perform and “hold it all together” can override the body’s need to pause and heal.
Those who constantly care for others may overlook their own health, especially when digestive discomfort becomes chronic. Many generous, heart-centred people find it hard to prioritise their needs until burnout forces them to.
In this article, I discuss holistic practices that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—recognising energy as the connecting force between them. These practices aim to complement medical care, not replace it.
While the focus is on complementary support, medical treatment by professionals such as general practitioners (GPs) and specialist consultants (e.g., gastroenterologists) is often essential for accurate diagnosis and care. Nutritionists and dietitians also play a key role in managing digestive health across both conventional and complementary settings.
Scientific Explanation: The Gut-Brain Axis and Trauma
The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication system between the brain and the gut. This system helps control digestion, stress, and emotional well-being (Carabotti et al., 2015).
A big part of this system involves the vagus nerve, which sends signals between your brain and your gut. The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria (gut microbiota) that produce important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals help regulate your mood and stress levels (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).
When someone experiences trauma (especially in early life) it can disturb the healthy communication between the brain and the gut, upsetting digestion, mood, and stress regulation. This can lead to problems in gut health, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and chronic constipation. These conditions can also increase feelings of anxiety and depression, which then worsen gut symptoms, creating a difficult cycle to break (Mayer et al., 2015; Choudhury et al., 2019).
A big part of this system involves the vagus nerve, which sends signals between your brain and your gut. The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria (gut microbiota) that produce important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals help regulate your mood and stress levels (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).
When someone experiences trauma (especially in early life) it can disturb the healthy communication between the brain and the gut, upsetting digestion, mood, and stress regulation. This can lead to problems in gut health, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and chronic constipation. These conditions can also increase feelings of anxiety and depression, which then worsen gut symptoms, creating a difficult cycle to break (Mayer et al., 2015; Choudhury et al., 2019).
Psychological Perspectives to Trauma: Dr. Gabor Maté, Peter Levine,
and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Several trauma experts (Dr. Gabor Maté, Peter Levine, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk) offer insights that help explain the mind-body connection in trauma and its effect on digestive health.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician, explores how chronic emotional stress and early childhood trauma can contribute to physical illnesses, including digestive disorders. In When the Body Says No, he explains how the suppression of emotions and the body's stress response can lead to inflammation and imbalances in gut function (Maté, 2003).
Peter Levine, a psychologist and medical biophysicist who developed Somatic Experiencing, focuses on how trauma becomes trapped in the body, especially in the nervous system. He describes how unresolved trauma can keep the body in a frozen or hyper-alert state, which disrupts digestion and other automatic functions (Levine, 2010).
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and author of The Body Keeps the Score, discusses how trauma changes brain function and body awareness. He explains that trauma can cause people to become disconnected from bodily sensations, making it harder to notice or respond to symptoms like digestive distress (van der Kolk, 2014).
Together, their work shows that trauma affects digestion through both emotional and physical pathways, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches to healing.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician, explores how chronic emotional stress and early childhood trauma can contribute to physical illnesses, including digestive disorders. In When the Body Says No, he explains how the suppression of emotions and the body's stress response can lead to inflammation and imbalances in gut function (Maté, 2003).
Peter Levine, a psychologist and medical biophysicist who developed Somatic Experiencing, focuses on how trauma becomes trapped in the body, especially in the nervous system. He describes how unresolved trauma can keep the body in a frozen or hyper-alert state, which disrupts digestion and other automatic functions (Levine, 2010).
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and author of The Body Keeps the Score, discusses how trauma changes brain function and body awareness. He explains that trauma can cause people to become disconnected from bodily sensations, making it harder to notice or respond to symptoms like digestive distress (van der Kolk, 2014).
Together, their work shows that trauma affects digestion through both emotional and physical pathways, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches to healing.
Energetic Explanations: A Holistic Perspective
Beyond biology, in many traditional healing systems, energy is seen as a vital bridge between the body and the spirit. This life force, called prana in yoga or Qi in Chinese medicine, is thought to flow through specific channels, such as chakras or meridians. When trauma or stress disrupts this flow, the resulting imbalance can affect both physical health and emotional-spiritual well-being (Judith, 2004; MacLean & Blackwell, 2009).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM views the body as an energetic system where Qi (life force) flows through pathways known as meridians. Trauma is seen as a disturbance to the smooth flow of Qi, often causing stagnation or blockages. According to MacLean & Blackwell (2009), these energetic disruptions can manifest in various forms, including bowel dysfunction. Digestive issues, from bloating and gas to more chronic bowel diseases, are often considered signs that the body’s energy is out of balance.
Shamanism
Shamanic traditions from indigenous cultures interpret trauma as a fragmentation or loss of the soul's energy. When a person undergoes severe emotional or spiritual wounds, a part of their essence may be lost or disconnected, affecting their overall vitality. Sandra Ingerman (2014) emphasises that these disruptions can manifest not only as psychological distress but also as physical ailments, including digestive issues. Healing in shamanism often involves soul retrieval and energy clearing to restore balance.
Yoga and the Chakra System
The chakra system in yogic philosophy provides another lens through which to view the trauma-digestion link. The root chakra, or Muladhara, located at the base of the spine, is responsible for feelings of safety, stability, and connection to the earth. Trauma, particularly in early life, can disrupt this chakra, leading to a range of physical manifestations including digestive disorders.
Anodea Judith (2004), a clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, explores the psychological and physical aspects of the chakras in Eastern Body, Western Mind. She states that imbalances in the root chakra may result in "disorders of the bowel, anus, or large intestine" due to a lack of grounding energy.
Other experts like Margarita Alcantara, Charlotte Watts, and Cyndi Dale also highlight how trauma to this foundational energy centre can disturb our digestive harmony.
Deepak Chopra, a physician and pioneer in mind-body medicine, has discussed the relationship between the root chakra and bowel health. He notes that unresolved trauma can lead to energetic imbalances in the colon and lower digestive tract, contributing to conditions like constipation and IBS (Chopra, 2019).
Energy is often described as the bridge between the physical body and spiritual essence, integrating emotional, physical, and spiritual healing processes (Eden, 1998).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM views the body as an energetic system where Qi (life force) flows through pathways known as meridians. Trauma is seen as a disturbance to the smooth flow of Qi, often causing stagnation or blockages. According to MacLean & Blackwell (2009), these energetic disruptions can manifest in various forms, including bowel dysfunction. Digestive issues, from bloating and gas to more chronic bowel diseases, are often considered signs that the body’s energy is out of balance.
Shamanism
Shamanic traditions from indigenous cultures interpret trauma as a fragmentation or loss of the soul's energy. When a person undergoes severe emotional or spiritual wounds, a part of their essence may be lost or disconnected, affecting their overall vitality. Sandra Ingerman (2014) emphasises that these disruptions can manifest not only as psychological distress but also as physical ailments, including digestive issues. Healing in shamanism often involves soul retrieval and energy clearing to restore balance.
Yoga and the Chakra System
The chakra system in yogic philosophy provides another lens through which to view the trauma-digestion link. The root chakra, or Muladhara, located at the base of the spine, is responsible for feelings of safety, stability, and connection to the earth. Trauma, particularly in early life, can disrupt this chakra, leading to a range of physical manifestations including digestive disorders.
Anodea Judith (2004), a clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, explores the psychological and physical aspects of the chakras in Eastern Body, Western Mind. She states that imbalances in the root chakra may result in "disorders of the bowel, anus, or large intestine" due to a lack of grounding energy.
Other experts like Margarita Alcantara, Charlotte Watts, and Cyndi Dale also highlight how trauma to this foundational energy centre can disturb our digestive harmony.
Deepak Chopra, a physician and pioneer in mind-body medicine, has discussed the relationship between the root chakra and bowel health. He notes that unresolved trauma can lead to energetic imbalances in the colon and lower digestive tract, contributing to conditions like constipation and IBS (Chopra, 2019).
Energy is often described as the bridge between the physical body and spiritual essence, integrating emotional, physical, and spiritual healing processes (Eden, 1998).
Self-Help and Healing the Root Chakra
Balancing and healing the root chakra is a powerful step toward restoring digestive and emotional well-being. Here are several holistic practices to help reconnect with this foundational energy centre:
• Aromatherapy & Crystals: Use essential oils like vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood. Crystals such as red jasper and hematite support grounding (Alcantara, 2017).
• Sound & Colour Therapy: Chanting the seed mantra ‘Lam’ to activate the root chakra and connect with the earth element (Alcantara, 2017; Music Brito, 2008). Wearing red or using red décor enhances visual stimulation of this chakra (Music Brito, 2008).
• Nature Connection: Spending time barefoot outdoors (earthing), walking in natural settings, and sitting or lying directly on the ground are effective grounding practices that help restore your connection to the earth and balance the root chakra (Alcantara, 2017; Healing Sounds, 2025).
• Creative Expression: Mandalas created with root chakra themes or symbolism are used in chakra balancing practices to help realign root chakra energy (Reiki Rays, 2022)
• Yoga: Specific yoga poses such as Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Garland Pose (Malasana), Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I & II), and Chair Pose (Utkatasana) are recommended for grounding the root chakra, fostering stability and security (Alcantara, 2017; Healing Sounds, 2025; Shvasa, 2024).
Self-help can be a powerful first step, offering tools and insights that support awareness and relief. But for lasting change, especially when trauma is involved, therapeutic support can help untangle the deeper roots and provide a safe space for transformation.
• Aromatherapy & Crystals: Use essential oils like vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood. Crystals such as red jasper and hematite support grounding (Alcantara, 2017).
• Sound & Colour Therapy: Chanting the seed mantra ‘Lam’ to activate the root chakra and connect with the earth element (Alcantara, 2017; Music Brito, 2008). Wearing red or using red décor enhances visual stimulation of this chakra (Music Brito, 2008).
• Nature Connection: Spending time barefoot outdoors (earthing), walking in natural settings, and sitting or lying directly on the ground are effective grounding practices that help restore your connection to the earth and balance the root chakra (Alcantara, 2017; Healing Sounds, 2025).
• Creative Expression: Mandalas created with root chakra themes or symbolism are used in chakra balancing practices to help realign root chakra energy (Reiki Rays, 2022)
• Yoga: Specific yoga poses such as Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Garland Pose (Malasana), Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I & II), and Chair Pose (Utkatasana) are recommended for grounding the root chakra, fostering stability and security (Alcantara, 2017; Healing Sounds, 2025; Shvasa, 2024).
Self-help can be a powerful first step, offering tools and insights that support awareness and relief. But for lasting change, especially when trauma is involved, therapeutic support can help untangle the deeper roots and provide a safe space for transformation.
Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Yoga-Integrated Approaches
Therapeutic intervention is essential for addressing unresolved trauma. Talking therapy (both counselling and psychotherapy) helps individuals explore their emotional wounds and fears, and uncover deeper patterns rooted in past experiences. Healing the root chakra is foundational for the entire energetic system as it determines how much the upper chakras can withstand. If left unresolved, trauma stored in the root chakra can ripple through the body, affecting every aspect of a person’s life (Judith, 2004).
To support this healing, I offer psychological and energetic therapies that integrate traditional talk therapy with somatic and yoga-based practices. This approach helps build a stronger connection between mind and body and allows for emotional release through gentle movement, breathwork, and grounding exercises.
Whether you're someone who gives so much to others that you forget yourself, or someone who holds everything together while quietly running on empty, the path to healing begins with safety, grounding, and support.
My integrated approach draws on all three domains: modern science, psychological theory, and ancient healing systems. By understanding how trauma impacts the nervous system and gut (scientific), how it shapes emotional patterns and beliefs (psychological), and how it disrupts the body’s energetic flow (energetic), I help clients heal at every level. This layered model supports both short-term symptom relief and long-term transformation. If clients wish, I can work closely with other professionals (such as nutritionists, dietitians, or medical specialists) to ensure a more coordinated and supportive recovery process.
Available Therapy Options:
• Weekly Therapy: A gentle, supportive format that works well for those who thrive with regular encouragement, deeper self-exploration, and time to gradually rebuild their confidence, boundaries, and self-worth.
• Intensive Therapy: A fast-track option delivering 12 sessions over one week for individuals seeking accelerated healing. Often chosen by high-achievers accustomed to fast results, this focused, powerful format provides deep transformation in a short time without the need to wait for change.
Conclusion
Trauma’s impact on digestive health is undeniable, whether considered through the lens of modern science or ancient energy systems. By acknowledging both scientific and energetic explanations, we gain a fuller understanding of the body’s intricate design.
Healing is not only possible but profoundly transformative when we integrate mind, body, and spirit. These holistic approaches are intended to complement and not replace medical treatment. Whether through counselling, psychotherapy, yoga, or energy-balancing practices, the journey toward wellness begins with re-establishing safety and grounding at the root.
Healing is not only possible but profoundly transformative when we integrate mind, body, and spirit. These holistic approaches are intended to complement and not replace medical treatment. Whether through counselling, psychotherapy, yoga, or energy-balancing practices, the journey toward wellness begins with re-establishing safety and grounding at the root.
A Note from Olga
I am Olga Chernyavska, a holistic therapist and clinical supervisor, integrating mind-centred, body-centred, and mind-body therapies. I help individuals heal from trauma, reduce stress and anxiety, and live healthier, happier lives. My work focuses on supporting people to break free from the constant cycle of overwhelm and self-criticism so they can find lasting peace and confidence without sacrificing their goals. My practice addresses the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of well-being, recognising how deeply interconnected these levels are.
I wrote this article to share insights on how stress, anxiety, and trauma can impact both physical and emotional health. Over the years, I’ve helped many people experiencing chronic health challenges, including stress-related conditions and persistent digestive or bowel disorders.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach as a therapist, visit my About Me page, or explore the Home page to see the services I offer.
I wrote this article to share insights on how stress, anxiety, and trauma can impact both physical and emotional health. Over the years, I’ve helped many people experiencing chronic health challenges, including stress-related conditions and persistent digestive or bowel disorders.
If you’d like to learn more about my approach as a therapist, visit my About Me page, or explore the Home page to see the services I offer.
References
• Alcantara, M. (2017). Chakra Healing: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Healing Techniques that Balance the Chakras. Althea Press.
• Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of Gastroenterology.
• Chopra, D. (2019). Root Chakra and Digestive Health. Scribd.com.
• Choudhury, S., Mandal, A., & Sar, P. (2019). Gut microbiome, trauma and psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience.
• Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
• Eden, D. (1998). Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body’s Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality. Tarcher/Putnam.
• Fincher, S. F. (2009). Creating Mandalas: For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression. Shambhala Publications.
• Healing Sounds. (2025). How to Balance Root Chakra Effectively. Available at: https://healing-sounds.com/blogs/chakras/how-to-balance-root-chakra
• Ingerman, S. (2014). Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self. HarperOne.
• Judith, A. (2004). Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self. Celestial Arts.
• Levine, P. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
• MacLean, A., & Blackwell, R. (2009). The Energetics of Health: A New Paradigm for Optimal Wellness.
• Maté, G. (2003). When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress. Vintage Canada.
• Mayer, E. A., Knight, R., Mazmanian, S. K., Cryan, J. F., & Tillisch, K. (2015). Gut microbes and the brain: Paradigm shift in neuroscience. Journal of Neuroscience.
• Music Brito, J. R. (2008). Sound Color Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Healing with Sound and Color.
• Reiki Rays. (2022). Balancing the Chakras by Drawing Mandalas.
• Shvasa. (2024). The Root Chakra | Muladhara Chakra in Yoga. Available at: https://www.shvasa.com/yoga-blog/what-is-the-root-chakra-in-yoga
• Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin.
• Watts, C. (2012). The De-Stress Effect: Rebalance Your Body’s Systems for Vibrant Health and Happiness. Hay House.
• Williams, F. (2017). The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. W.W. Norton & Compan
• Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of Gastroenterology.
• Chopra, D. (2019). Root Chakra and Digestive Health. Scribd.com.
• Choudhury, S., Mandal, A., & Sar, P. (2019). Gut microbiome, trauma and psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience.
• Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
• Eden, D. (1998). Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body’s Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality. Tarcher/Putnam.
• Fincher, S. F. (2009). Creating Mandalas: For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression. Shambhala Publications.
• Healing Sounds. (2025). How to Balance Root Chakra Effectively. Available at: https://healing-sounds.com/blogs/chakras/how-to-balance-root-chakra
• Ingerman, S. (2014). Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self. HarperOne.
• Judith, A. (2004). Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self. Celestial Arts.
• Levine, P. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
• MacLean, A., & Blackwell, R. (2009). The Energetics of Health: A New Paradigm for Optimal Wellness.
• Maté, G. (2003). When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress. Vintage Canada.
• Mayer, E. A., Knight, R., Mazmanian, S. K., Cryan, J. F., & Tillisch, K. (2015). Gut microbes and the brain: Paradigm shift in neuroscience. Journal of Neuroscience.
• Music Brito, J. R. (2008). Sound Color Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Healing with Sound and Color.
• Reiki Rays. (2022). Balancing the Chakras by Drawing Mandalas.
• Shvasa. (2024). The Root Chakra | Muladhara Chakra in Yoga. Available at: https://www.shvasa.com/yoga-blog/what-is-the-root-chakra-in-yoga
• Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin.
• Watts, C. (2012). The De-Stress Effect: Rebalance Your Body’s Systems for Vibrant Health and Happiness. Hay House.
• Williams, F. (2017). The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. W.W. Norton & Compan