Understanding Mind-Body Symptoms

When the nervous system speaks through the body

Many people live with persistent physical symptoms for years without finding clear answers.

They visit doctors, undergo tests, try medications or therapies, yet their body continues to experience pain, fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, anxiety or other distressing symptoms.

Often the tests come back normal, leaving people feeling confused, frustrated, or even doubting themselves.

You may have been told:

• “There is nothing medically wrong.”
• “Your tests look fine.”
• “It might just be stress.”

Yet the symptoms are very real.

Your body hurts.
You feel exhausted.
Something in your system clearly isn’t right.

For many people, these experiences are connected to what is known as mind-body symptoms. Physical symptoms influenced by the brain, nervous system and the long-term effects of stress or trauma on the body.

This does not mean the symptoms are imagined or psychological.

Mind-body symptoms are real physical experiences created through protective patterns in the brain and nervous system.

The encouraging news is that when we understand how these patterns work, the body also has the capacity to change them.

And when those patterns change, symptoms can change too.

My Approach: Mind – Body – Biology

 

Healing chronic symptoms often requires understanding the relationship between the mind, the nervous system and the biology of prolonged stress.

My work integrates these three dimensions to help people move beyond symptom management and address the roor cause and the deeper patterns that can drive persistent symptoms.

Mind

 

Understanding the neuroscience of mind-body symptoms

Chronic pain is more than just a symptom – it’s a deeply personal experience, often woven with memories, emotions, and daily challenges. My approach to addressing chronic pain is deeply personal, informed by both lived experience and professional expertise. I recognise that each person’s path with pain is uni

Modern research in mind-body medicine and neuroscience shows that the brain can learn patterns of pain and symptoms through neural pathways.

When the brain perceives danger or threat, it can generate very real physical sensations as a protective response.

This process is linked to neuroplasticidade, the brain’s ability to create and reinforce neural pathways based on experience.

Over time, stress, emotional conflict or trauma can train the brain and nervous system to remain in a state of protection.

This does not mean symptoms are “in your head.”
It means the brain is trying to protect you.

Important work in this field has been developed by pioneers such as:

• Dr John Sarno – Mind-Body Medicine
• Dr Howard Schubiner – Mind-Body Syndrome & Neuroplastic Pain
• Alan Gordon – Pain Reprocessing Therapy

Understanding these mechanisms can reduce fear around symptoms and begin the process of retraining the brain 

Body

 

Trauma-informed somatic healing and nervous system regulation

The body holds the history of our experiences. Our nervous system constantly monitors the environment and our internal state, adjusting the body’s responses to help us survive and adapt.

When life involves prolonged stress, unresolved emotional experiences or trauma, the nervous system can remain in a state of chronic activation or protection.

Over time this accumulated stress places a burden on the body known as allostatic load — the wear and tear created when the nervous system and stress systems remain activated for too long.

When this happens, the body may begin to express distress through physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, digestive issues or other functional symptoms.

Somatics and trauma-informed practices help restore regulation by supporting:

• awareness of bodily sensations (interoception)
• the ability to notice and process emotions safely
• the release of chronic tension patterns
• the return of flexibility in the nervous system

As we gently rebuild this relationship with the body, the nervous system can begin to shift out of survival patterns and return toward states of safety and regulation. When the nervous system becomes more regulated, many people experience meaningful changes in how their body feels and functions.

Biology

 

The biological impact of chronic stress and trauma

Our bodies are designed to adapt to stress. When we face challenges, the nervous system activates a cascade of biological responses that help us survive, increasing energy, sharpening attention and preparing the body for action.

But when stress becomes chronic, overwhelming or unresolved, these systems can remain activated for too long – even if you don’t realise. 

Over time, this can place a heavy burden on the body’s physiology.

Research into the biology of trauma, including the amazing work of Dr Aimie Apigian, shows that long-term stress can affect many biological systems, including:

• immune function
• inflammation
• digestion and the gut–brain connection
• hormonal balance
• cellular energy production

Chronic stress and overwelm can also affect how the brain processes signals from the body. Areas of the brain involved in threat detection, emotional processing and pain perception can become more sensitive, meaning the brain becomes quicker to interpret sensations as danger.

When this happens, the brain may generate or amplify symptoms such as pain, fatigue, digestive issues or other physical sensations as part of its protective response.

This does not mean the body is broken. It means the brain and nervous system have learned patterns of protection that once served a purpose.

My background in Ciências Biomédicas allows me to integrate an understanding of these biological processes into mind-body healing work — recognising that recovery involves supporting both the nervous system and the body’s physiology, building capacity to work in the root cause of symptoms. 

When the nervous system experiences more safety and regulation, the brain and body can gradually shift out of survival mode and return toward balance.

BEYOND SYMPTOM MANAGMENT

  COMMON DIAGNOSIS &

  mind-body SYMPTOMS

These conditions are real and often deeply distressing. However, research increasingly shows that many of these symptoms are strongly influenced by nervous system patterns and the brain’s protective responses.

What clients often experience

People often begin this work looking for relief from physical symptoms. As they develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and learn to regulate their nervous system, many start to notice broader changes in how they experience themselves and their lives.

While each person’s journey is unique, many people discover that this work not only supports changes in symptoms, but also creates space for a deeper sense of safety, connection and fulfilment in life.

Clients commonly describe:

• a clearer understanding of their symptoms and what drives them
• reduced fear around pain and physical sensations
• greater nervous system regulation and emotional stability
• increased trust in their body
• improved capacity to process emotions
• more self-compassion and a kinder relationship with themselves
• stronger and more authentic relationships with others
• renewed energy and engagement with life
• greater freedom to do things they once avoided
• gradual reduction in symptoms and improved wellbeing

E.M

‘It has been a pleasure to work with Sara over the past six months.

I felt instantly at ease with Sara, and her unique way of listening, holding space and asking exactly the right questions to patiently guide me towards answers.

I came to Sara with sleep issues that had been present for well over ten years, and for which I had tried so many things. With Sara’s expert guidance, my sleep is hugely improving, and it’s becoming something I think about and less and less- which I wasn’t sure was possible before! I’m moving through so much more than sleep issues, though. I feel much more like myself, and like I’m getting my life back again after years of not feeling like me.

I would highly recommend working with Sara, I’ve seen huge changes in how I show up for myself, and others, and I know the work we’re doing will continue to impact all areas of my life going forward.’

Daniella Andrew

I can’t recommend Sara Santos and her mind–body work highly enough. Working with Sara has completely changed the way I relate to my body, especially in relation to my endometriosis.

Before working with her, I lived with constant tension, flare-ups, and pain that felt overwhelming and unpredictable. Sara’s approach helped me understand how deeply my nervous system, emotions, and body are connected. Through her gentle, intuitive guidance, I learned how to listen to my body rather than fight it.

Over time, I noticed a real shift — by approaching it with curiosity instead of panic, my pain became less intense, flare-ups eased, and I felt calmer and more supported within myself. What stood out most was how safe and seen I felt in her sessions. Sara has an incredible ability to hold space with compassion, knowledge, and care, making even difficult experiences feel approachable and empowering.

Her work didn’t just help my physical pain — it gave me tools, awareness, and confidence that I carry into daily life. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, endometriosis, or feel disconnected from your body, Sara’s work is truly transformative.

Cliente privado

As técnicas que a Sara me apresentou reduziram drasticamente os meus níveis de dor. Estou grata pela sua experiência e empatia em cada sessão

Debi Simpson

"Participei no workshop da Sara com uma expetativa quase clínica de trabalhar bolas de ténis ao longo das linhas da fáscia - o que experimentei, no entanto, foi uma libertação mente-corpo maravilhosamente imersiva e totalmente integrada. Saí da sessão com um corpo e uma mentalidade completamente diferentes e um estado de relaxamento que ultrapassa tudo o que já senti depois de uma massagem profunda ou de uma aula de ioga restauradora. Foi como se a teia de tensões que me cobria todo o corpo se tivesse dissolvido. Não posso agradecer o suficiente à Sara pela sua sequência profundamente imersiva e por partilhar o seu conhecimento sobre este poderoso método de libertação.

Chris O.

As sessões de mindfulness da Sara têm sido um divisor de águas para mim. Nunca me senti tão presente, centrada e no controlo das minhas emoções.

Estudante de Yoga

"A Sara é uma professora que me apoia e sabe tudo. Gosto muito do ambiente seguro, calmo e descontraído que ela cria nas nossas aulas. Aprecio o tempo extra numa aula para um descanso profundo no final."

Tanya Harrison - Reflexologista

Foi uma sessão gloriosa e aprendi imenso! Também me sinto muito melhor - tenho dores no meu dedo indicador há alguns anos e agora já não tenho - absolutamente fascinante!"

Perguntas mais frequentes

It’s natural to have questions when exploring a new approach to healing. Below are some of the most common questions people ask when connecting with me for the frist time or when trying to understand chronic symptoms, the nervous system, and mind–body healing.

What is mind–body or mind–body–biology work?

Mind–body or mind–body–biology work explores how the brain, nervous system, and stress physiology can influence physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, and many other persistent conditions.

Mind–body work recognises that the brain and nervous system can learn protective patterns during long periods of stress or overwhelm. These patterns can sometimes continue to be fired even if no longer needed. This can produce real physical symptoms even when medical tests show little structural damage.

By understanding the mind–body connection and supporting the nervous system to return to safety and regulation, many people begin to experience reduced symptoms, greater resilience, renewed trust in their body, and be able to live life again.

What kinds of symptoms can mind–body work help with?

Many people wonder what kinds of symptoms mind–body work can help with.

This approach may support people experiencing symptoms such as:

  • chronic pain (fibromyalgia, back pain, migraines)
    • persistent fatigue
    • digestive symptoms such as IBS
    • tension or unexplained physical discomfort
    • anxiety or chronic stress and depression
    • symptoms that remain despite medical tests showing little or no structural cause • any symptoms that flare or are triggered by emotional periods or stress

These symptoms are real physical experiences, but they are often strongly influenced by the nervous system and stress physiology. Please reach out for a self-assessment if you are not sure.

How do I know if my symptoms are mind–body related?

Many people ask how they can know if their symptoms are mind–body related.

Some common signs that symptoms may have a strong mind–body component include:

  • symptoms beginning during or after a stressful period
    • symptoms that move around the body or change over time
    • symptoms that fluctuate without a clear physical cause
    • medical tests that show little or no structural explanation
    • symptoms that worsen during stress or emotional overwhelm

This does not mean symptoms are “in your head.” Mind–body symptoms are real physical experiences, but they may be strongly influenced by the brain and nervous system. For clarity reach out for a free self-assessment.

Why do chronic symptoms often get worse with stress?

Many people notice that chronic symptoms get worse with stress.

Chronic symptoms often worsen during stress because the nervous system shifts into a protective state. When the body perceives threat or pressure, the brain can amplify pain signals, fatigue, muscle tension, and other physical sensations.

This reflects the powerful connection between stress physiology, the nervous system, and physical health.

Why do medical tests come back normal when symptoms are real?

Many people feel confused when medical tests come back normal even though their symptoms are very real.

Medical tests are excellent at identifying structural problems such as injury, inflammation, disease or even normal abnormalities. However, many chronic symptoms are driven by nervous system patterns, stress physiology, and brain processing rather than structural damage.

When symptoms are related to mind–body processes, tests may appear normal while the body is still experiencing real symptoms.

What if my symptoms come and go? Does that still fit this approach?

Fluctuating symptoms are very common when the nervous system is involved.

Many people notice their symptoms change depending on stress levels, emotional states, or life circumstances. These fluctuations can actually be a strong indicator that the nervous system is playing a role in the symptoms.

Learning to understand these patterns is often an important step in recovery.

Can symptoms really disappear?

People often ask whether chronic symptoms can really disappear.

Every healing journey is unique and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. However, the brain and nervous system have a remarkable capacity for change through neuroplasticity.

As people develop new patterns of safety and regulation, many experience significant symptom improvement and some experience full resolution of symptoms.

Is this approach suitable if I have experienced trauma?

Mind–body and somatic approaches are trauma-informed often very supportive for people who have experienced trauma.

Trauma can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, influencing stress responses, emotional regulation, and physical symptoms. This work focuses on building nervous system capacity and safety at your own pace, rather than forcing people to relive difficult experiences.

Healing happens gradually and at a pace that feels safe for the body.

Do I need to believe my symptoms are mind–body for this work to help?

You do not need to fully believe your symptoms are mind–body for this work to help.

Many people begin this journey feeling uncertain or somehow skeptical. Rather than requiring belief, this approach invites curiosity and exploration of the brain–body connection.

As people learn more about how the nervous system influences symptoms and start to experience evidences during this work, they often naturally begin to see the connection for themselves.

Is this the same as therapy or psychotherapy?

Somatic coaching and mind–body work are different from psychotherapy, although they can complement each other.

Psychotherapy often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions or exploring past experiences in depth. Mind–body and Somatic coaching focuses more on nervous system regulation, body awareness, and understanding the brain–body connection behind chronic symptoms. This will also involve identifying the triggers and root causes of nervous system dysregulation as they arise in the present moment to move towards safety and authenticity.

Both approaches can work very well together.

Can I work with you while also working with a therapist?

Yes, you can absolutely work with a somatic coach while also working with a therapist.

Many people find that combining psychotherapy with nervous system regulation and mind–body education is very supportive.

Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?

You do not need a specific diagnosis to begin this work. We will do a self-assessment together before working together. This is a tool developed by Dr Howard Schubiner.

Many people arrive after years of searching for answers about persistent symptoms. What matters most is that symptoms are ongoing and that you are open to exploring the connection between stress, the nervous system, and physical health.

What happens during a discovery call, and how do I know if this work is right for me?

A discovery call is a 60-min long more informal conversation where we explore whether this approach may be helpful for you.

During the discovery call you will share what you have been experiencing and ask any questions you may have. I will explain how I work and what support might look like.

There is no pressure or obligation to continue. The purpose of the discovery call is simply to help you gain clarity about whether this work feels like the right next step for you.

If the work feels right to you we will discuss a tailored plan to your individual circumstances.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a space to explore what is currently happening in your life and how it may be influencing your symptoms.

We often begin by looking at the current stressors, pressures, or fears that may be activating the nervous system and fueling symptoms in the present moment. When these patterns are recognised and addressed, many people begin to experience a reduction in symptoms and start engaging with life in a different way.

As the nervous system begins to feel safer and build more capacity, our work can gradually expand to explore deeper layers such as past stressors, emotional patterns, or personality traits that may have developed through trauma or periods of emotional overwhelm.

This process unfolds at a pace that feels safe for the nervous system, supporting both symptom relief and deeper healing over time.

How many sessions do people usually need?

The number of sessions people need varies depending on their situation. I usually work with clients for a minimum of six sessions, as this tends to be the time needed to gain a clear understanding of their symptoms and begin building some tools and awareness needed to continue this work more independently.

Some people notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions as they begin to understand the nervous system patterns behind their symptoms.

Others benefit from longer support, particularly if they are experiencing multiple symptoms such as recurrent illness (weak immune system), fatigue, anxiety, or depression. In some cases, the body also needs more time to build the capacity required to gently work with deeper emotional or trauma-related patterns.

For some clients this work also evolves beyond symptom recovery, supporting them in areas such as relationships, life direction, or aligning their work and lifestyle with their wellbeing. In those situations, people sometimes choose to continue working together for several months or longer.

Healing is a gradual process, and the pace is always adapted to the individual.

Why do you work with packages rather than single sessions?

This work is most effective when it happens within a supportive process rather than through isolated sessions.

Mind–body healing and nervous system regulation take time. Patterns that have developed over months or years usually require consistent practice, repetition, and support in order to shift.

Working in packages allows us to build momentum, deepen understanding, and create lasting change rather than simply addressing symptoms in a single conversation. When you consider how long the body has been developing these protective patterns, it becomes clear that meaningful change rarely happens in just a few weeks.

Commitment also plays an important role in this work. When people commit to a process, they tend to engage more fully with the practices and reflections that support genuine transformation.

Limiting the number of clients I work with at any one time also allows me to offer a more focused, present, and supportive experience for each person I work with.

MY BOOKS RECOMENDATION

Start Here

 

Biology of Trauma – Dr Aimie Apigian

The Way Out – Alan Gordon

Other Resources & Research

Podcast de abrir os olhos com um dos pioneiros da síndrome do Corpo Mental

LIVROS

  • Prescrição Mente-Corpo do Dr. Sarno
  • A Saída por Alan Gordon
  • A Grande Deceção da Dor por Steve Ozanich
  • O Mito do Normal pelo Dr. Gabor Mate
  • O Corpo Mantém a Pontuação por Bessel van der Kolk
  • Cure o seu Sistema Nervoso por Dr. Linnea Passaler

What to explore this work further?

1-to-1 Mind-Body & Somatic Coaching

Personalised coaching for those wanting deeper support in understanding and addressing mind-body symptoms, nervous system patterns and the root causes that may be driving symptoms.

Together we explore how stress, trauma and protective nervous system responses can influence pain and other physical symptoms, while developing practical tools to restore safety and regulation.

This work offers a compassionate and structured space to support meaningful healing, emotional resilience and a renewed sense of trust in your body.

Somatic Embodiment Community

A supportive group space where we explore nervous system regulation, somatic practices and the emotional patterns that shape our relationship with the body and with life.

You can join through a monthly Somatic Embodiment Movement class or through the deeper 10-month Somatic Embodiment group container, designed to support long-term healing, integration and personal growth.

Both spaces offer guidance, community and practical tools to help you reconnect with your body and build greater emotional and nervous system resilience.

Somatic Nervous System Course

A structured programme designed to help you understand the science of mind-body symptoms and learn practical tools for regulating the nervous system and supporting healing.

Through guided lessons and somatic practices, you will explore how stress, trauma and nervous system patterns influence physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing.

The course offers a clear and supportive pathway for building awareness, regulation and a deeper connection with your body’s natural capacity for healing.

Da dor crónica ao bem-estar

Com base numa mistura de experiência pessoal e conhecimento especializado, dedico-me a guiá-lo numa viagem transformadora em direção à harmonia da mente e do corpo, fundindo a sabedoria antiga com conhecimentos contemporâneos.

Oxfordshire, Reino Unido 

Albufeira - Portugal

pt_PTPortuguese