First, let me start with a question that will help illustrate the precise nature of emotional trauma. That question is: What is physical trauma? A trauma ward at a hospital is where they handle gunshots and car crashes. What does that mean? Physical trauma is when the *energy* impacting a tissue of the body is such that the tissue cannot successfully absorb the energy of the impact and is changed in form and/or function. We call this an injury. Whereas your skin easily springs back into place from being gently poked or struck, it breaks and deforms from a bullet. The reason why is because it cannot displace the input of that much energy that quickly. After a bullet wound, the skin loses its ability to function for protection and sensory ability. Another example: If I run, the stress on my legs (energy entering my systems) is normal and within my ability to "receive" safely. I fall off a cliff and break a bone, too much "energy" at once enters the system and function is no longer given. In other words, that location in your body works less, if at all, if it's traumatized. Your body tissues often need quick support or repair after trauma, if you are bleeding, for instance. That's physical trauma. (Click 'Back')