Why “Big T” and “Little t” Trauma Might Miss the Point

I was scrolling through social media the other day when I came across a photo that stopped me in my tracks. Two turkeys, side by side. One was baked at 300° for three hours. It had some burnt edges, but it was still intact. The other turkey had been blasted at 900° for just one hour—and it was charred through.

I didn't even read what the post was about because, oddly enough, this image helped me put words to something I’ve been trying to explain for a long time when it comes to trauma, especially in clinical or therapeutic settings.

Understanding Trauma: Big T vs. Little t

We’ve all heard the terms “big T” and “little t” trauma. These terms aim to validate that trauma doesn’t have to be violent or catastrophic to affect someone. However, even this well-meaning distinction still implies a hierarchy: that some events are worse than others. Sometimes that’s true, but more often than not, it’s just not that simple.

When you understand prakriti, a distinction with that kind of hierarchy doesn't make sense.

The Concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the wordprakriti refers to your original constitution—your blueprint.* It's the energetic makeup you’re born with. This constitution influences everything from your digestion to your emotional resilience. Some people are born with constitutions that are more sensitive, more porous, and more open to the world around them. Others are more buffered—naturally grounded and less reactive to shifts in environment or emotion.

So, the same life event can land entirely differently depending on the person who experiences it.

That’s why, according to Ayurveda, “big” or “small” doesn’t really hold up. It’s more accurate to say that one systemhad the capacity to process what happened, and the other didn’t.*

The Impact of Life Experiences

Almost everyone will experience life at 300° and come out changed from the heat of life's experiences. They may be tired, even singed around the edges, but they’re still whole.

In contrast, another person may be hit with a shorter burst of intensity. Because their system was more delicate or exposed, the damage is deeper. This is not because they’re weaker but because they were wired differently from the start.

Rethinking Trauma: The Importance of Individual Experience

The more I’ve worked with trauma through the lens of yoga and Ayurveda, the clearer it’s become that we should stop thinking of trauma only in terms of what happened. We need to start with who it happened to.

This means noticing the qualities of a person’s system, their energetic nature, and their ability to absorb and metabolize experience.

Someone with a more vata constitution (light, mobile, sensitive) may feel shattered by an event that wouldn’t even register for a more kapha-dominant person (dense, steady, contained). Someone with high pitta may push through the trauma but hold it in their tissues like stored heat, which can burn from the inside out over time.

The Complexity of Human Experience

Of course, life isn’t that clean. Most of us are some combination of these doshas. But the more we understand prakriti, the more we stop using a hierarchy of the event—or the person—and start seeing what’s actually happening in the system.

This is where yoga and Ayurveda become therapeutic tools, not just practices. They don’t automatically fix the trauma, but they help us listen to the system of the person who holds it.

The Holistic Approach to Therapy

When we incorporate the holistic side of yoga, we can help our clients understand the value of knowing themselves in a whole and perspective way.

If you're ready to become the holistic therapist, we have spots open in our October 2025 cohort. Use the code 500 to register now.

The Role of Yoga in Healing Trauma

Yoga offers a unique approach to trauma recovery. It provides tools for self-awareness and emotional regulation. Through mindful movement and breathwork, individuals can reconnect with their bodies. This reconnection is crucial for those who have experienced trauma.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is essential in trauma recovery. When trauma occurs, the body often holds onto the memories and sensations associated with that experience. Yoga helps release these stored emotions, allowing for healing and integration.

Building Resilience Through Practice

Regular yoga practice can build resilience. It teaches individuals how to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength. By fostering a sense of safety in the body, yoga empowers individuals to face their trauma rather than avoid it.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support plays a vital role in healing. Group yoga classes create a sense of belonging. They remind individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. Sharing experiences with others can be incredibly validating and healing.

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Approach

In conclusion, understanding trauma through the lens of Ayurveda and yoga allows for a more nuanced perspective. It emphasizes the importance of individual experiences and the unique ways people process trauma. By embracing a holistic approach, we can better support those on their healing journeys.

By focusing on the individual and their unique constitution, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to trauma recovery.