Mariel Buqué’s “Break the Cycle” – some thoughts about trauma narratives, intergenerational trauma and epigenetics based on Buqué’s work

 Break the Cycle, Buqué’ M., Vermilion, 2024

Break the Cycle explores the concept of intergenerational trauma—how unhealed emotional wounds are unconsciously passed down through families, shaping behaviors, relationships, and mental health. Dr. Buqué combines scientific research, epigenetics, and therapeutic practices to help individuals break free from inherited pain and cultivate healing.

How Trauma Affects the Nervous System

Trauma narratives are deeply embedded in the nervous system, triggering automatic survival responses (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn). These reactions manifest physically—like stomach tightening as a sign of stress or danger. Even decades later, unresolved trauma can resurface through bodily sensations, chronic illness, or emotional distress if not addressed.

Intergenerational Trauma & Epigenetics

Trauma does not end with one person; it is biologically and psychologically transferred across generations. Epigenetics reveals that traumatic experiences can alter gene expression, switching genes on or off depending on environmental stressors. This cycle can continue for 7–14 generations (up to 300 years), influencing behaviors and emotional responses without conscious awareness.

Mind and Body: Survival Mechanisms

The mind and body are wired for survival. Trauma activates defensive strategies that, if unprocessed, become ingrained patterns. For example, sensory triggers demonstrate how deeply trauma is stored. For instance, a man was attacked by another man smelling of coffee, future generations dislike the smell of coffee, they are unconsciously associating coffee with danger. Epigenetic imprints shape behaviors and fears without conscious awareness.

Healing Process: Facing and Releasing Trauma

1. Step 1: Engaging with Trauma Narratives – Healing begins with recognizing and confronting personal and generational trauma stories. Avoiding them only perpetuates their hold on the body and mind.
2. Step 2: Regulation and Relaxation – Practices like breathwork, sound bath meditation, and movement help the nervous system return to a state of calm. A regulated nervous system leads to better decision-making and emotional stability.

Breaking the Cycle: Reclaiming Identity

Healing requires identifying the biggest emotional triggers, as they indicate where deep work is needed. For example, in my novel “Akito” in progress the main character Mijou’s realization after the Ardennes attack on a scientist (“That was not me!”) highlights how a distorted self-image, shaped by parental lies, can create deep psychological wounds. Recognizing these distortions is the first step toward reclaiming one’s true identity personal truth and healing.

In Break the Cycle, Dr. Mariel Buqué describes a body scan as a mindfulness-based practice used to increase awareness of how trauma is stored in the body. It involves systematically focusing attention on different parts of the body to identify areas of tension, discomfort, or emotional activation.

Purpose of a Body Scan in Trauma Healing

• Helps recognize where trauma-related stress is physically held (e.g., stomach tightening, chest pressure, or jaw clenching).
• Brings unconscious bodily responses into awareness, allowing for emotional processing.
• Serves as a self-regulation tool to calm the nervous system and shift out of survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn).

How Buqué Uses the Body Scan

Buqué integrates body scans into trauma healing by encouraging individuals to:

1. Slow down and observe physical sensations without judgment.
2. Name and acknowledge emotions connected to bodily tension.
3. Use breathwork or relaxation techniques to release stored stress.

The Goal: A Regulated Nervous System & Emotional Freedom

Ultimately, the nervous system seeks peace, relaxation, and stability. The book encourages self-awareness and self-compassion as powerful tools to end cycles of inherited trauma. By actively engaging in healing, individuals can pass on resilience and emotional well-being to future generations, creating a new legacy of strength instead of pain.

https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/break-the-cycle/9300000078352309/