Of Trauma & Eczema - New Perspectives on Healing

Client Background

Aida, a 36-year-old East African woman, was a new mother in a loving 12-year marriage. A successful entrepreneur, she appeared to “have it all.” Yet eczema — a condition that plagued her mother and sister — had followed her for years, flaring with stress.

When reconnecting with her step-brother from her father’s second marriage, buried childhood trauma resurfaced — and her eczema worsened.

Initial Sessions

We began with EMDR Therapy, carefully resourcing and building safe containers. EMDR allowed Aida’s brain to integrate memory and emotion, reducing the power of old traumatic imprints.

Once stabilized, we explored the deeper relationship between trauma, immunity, and skin health. She was surprised to notice that while her mother and older sister struggled with eczema, her younger sister (10 years her junior) did not — largely because her mother had achieved emotional stability by then.

Holistic Approach

• Ayurveda: Identified her as a Pitta body type, prone to skin inflammation. Introduced Ayurvedic concepts, herbs, and lifestyle practices, including Abhyanga (oil massage).

• Nutrition: Explored Whole Foods Plant-Based eating, autoimmune protocols (removing gluten & dairy), and functional medicine insights. She began a food diary to track triggers.

• Referrals: Connected her to a senior Ayurvedic practitioner for specialized guidance.
  

Results

Within weeks, her skin improved dramatically. Alongside, she adopted yoga practices and made a life-changing decision to move with her husband and baby from a high-stress city to a slower-paced town near the hills.

Key Learning

We are not our parts. We are integrated beings — mind, body, emotions, and spirit are inseparable.