Healing the trauma of a calcium shell on HTMA

Healing the trauma of a calcium shell on a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) requires a gentle and strategic approach that addresses both the biochemical and emotional aspects of trauma. A calcium shell occurs when excessive calcium deposits in the soft tissues, often as a protective mechanism against chronic stress, emotional trauma, or a dysregulated nervous system. This results in emotional numbness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and difficulty processing emotions.

1. Lowering the Calcium Shell Safely

• Balance Sodium & Potassium

  • High calcium often comes with low sodium and potassium, leading to low adrenal function.

  • Increase whole food sources of potassium (avocados, cucumbers, mushrooms) and sodium (Celtic sea salt, bone broth).

  • Consider electrolyte support if levels are extremely low.

• Magnesium Caution

  • Magnesium can worsen a calcium shell if sodium and potassium are too low.

  • If magnesium is needed, start low and slow with transdermal forms (magnesium oil, Epsom salt baths) before oral supplementation.

• Vitamin K2 + Boron

  • Helps move calcium out of soft tissues and into bones.

  • Found in natto, grass-fed butter, egg yolks, and organ meats.

  • Boron (prunes, raisins, dates) supports calcium regulation.

2. Supporting the Nervous System (Releasing the Trauma)

• Gentle Nervous System Regulation

  • Trauma often creates a calcium shell as a defense mechanism.

  • Somatic work (TRE, breathwork, craniosacral therapy) helps release stored emotions.

  • Vagal nerve activation (humming, gargling, cold therapy) helps shift from fight-or-flight to parasympathetic mode.

• Emotional Processing (Gradual, Not Forced)

  • A calcium shell can block emotional processing to avoid pain.

  • Journaling, therapy (especially somatic or EMDR), or safe self-expression can help emotions surface gently.

• Grounding & Oxytocin Release

  • Earthing, touch therapy, and deep human connection help rebuild emotional resilience.

  • Oxytocin-boosting activities (spending time with pets, physical affection, laughter) can help rewire the brain.

3. Supporting Detox Pathways

• Liver & Gallbladder Support

  • High calcium can lead to bile sluggishness, causing bloating and poor fat digestion.

  • Bitter foods (dandelion, arugula), ox bile, and phosphatidylcholine support bile flow.

  • Castor oil packs over the liver can gently assist detoxification.

• Lymphatic Movement

  • Dry brushing, rebounding, sauna therapy, and movement help flush out excess calcium deposits.

4. Supporting Methylation & Brain Chemistry

• B Vitamins (especially B6, B9, B12)

  • Help with neurotransmitter balance and emotional resilience.

  • If there’s a methylation issue, start with gentle doses (like food-based B vitamins).

• Amino Acid Support (if needed)

  • Taurine, glycine, and L-theanine can help with calming and emotional release.

  • If the client is emotionally flat, tyrosine or phenylalanine can help restore dopamine levels.

5. Healing Takes Time – Be Patient with the Process

• A calcium shell often develops over years of chronic stress or trauma, so healing is a gradual process.

• Focus on gentle, nourishing approaches rather than aggressive detoxes.

• The key is rebuilding a sense of safety in the body while gradually lowering calcium levels.