Embodied Health

In recent years, the term “somatic healing” has gained traction in wellness circles, yet many people remain unaware of its origins, techniques and benefits. Somatic healing can have profound implications for mental, emotional, and physical health and it’s helpful to understand the differences and similarities between your current yoga practice and somatic healing. So what exactly is somatic healing and how can it support you?

What is Somatic Healing?

Somatic healing is a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning body. Somatic healing focuses on the belief that our physical experiences, emotions, and memories are stored in the body, and that by accessing this knowledge, individuals can process trauma and promote healing.

In yoga, we study the panchamaya kosha system of the human experience. “Pancha” means 5 in Sanskrit, “Maya” is illusion and “Kosha” means layer, meaning that we are not defined by any one of these layers. We are not our body, our thoughts or emotions. This system dates back thousands of years and explains how our physical, energetic, emotional and mental layers are interconnected to the innate insight we are born with. Life circumstances and trauma guide us away from this interconnectedness and we begin to believe that these parts of us are separate. In yoga and somatic healing, the idea is to re-integrate these layers for wholeness.

In traditional western healthcare, we have been known to separate our physical health from our mental health and treat them separately, but these concepts of somatic healing and the panchamaya kosha system remind us that all parts of us have a sympathetic relationship. The two are not traditionally connected but they are similar in their approach. This is why somatic healing fits in so well within the arsenal of practices many yoga teachers and students are already practicing.

 The Origins of Somatic Healing

 The roots of somatic healing can be traced back to various disciplines, including psychology, bodywork (such as massage), and traditional healing practices. Influential figures such as Wilhelm Reich, who introduced the concept of “body armor” in the early 20th century, and Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, have significantly shaped the field in modern times. Their work highlights how trauma can be held in the body and the importance of addressing it for overall healing.

Just as BKS Iyengar is often acknowledged as having popularized yoga in modern times, these influential practitioners have been integral in shining the light on the transformative effects of these practices and the importance of re-integrating our body, mind and soul.

Key Techniques in Somatic Healing

Somatic healing encompasses a variety of techniques, including:

 1. Somatic Experiencing: Developed by Peter Levine, this method focuses on helping individuals process and release trauma through bodily sensations and movement. By identifying what physical sensations accompany emotions such as stress (referred to as “resourcing” in SE) we can begin to reconnect to our body. With a certified practitioner, clients can work through traumatic experiences and find empowerment and agency.

2. Body-Centered Psychotherapy: This approach integrates traditional talk therapy with body awareness practices, helping clients connect with their physical sensations and emotions. EMDR (Eye movement desensitization) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are just two possible practices that might be integrated by trained psychologists during this approach.

3. Breathwork: Conscious breathing techniques can facilitate emotional release and promote relaxation, enabling individuals to connect more deeply with their bodies. From autonomic nervous system function that regulates the heart rate and stress response, to energetic balancing with techniques such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana in Yoga), regulated and conscious breathing techniques are a powerful part of somatic healing.

4. Yoga and Movement: Practices that incorporate mindful movement, such as yoga or dance, can help individuals reconnect with their bodily sensations and release stored tension. Through mindful movement, repetition and rhythm we can unlock the nervous system and regulate its functions, release holding patterns of stress in our muscle tissue and promote balance and wellness.

5. Focusing: This term was coined by Eugene Gendlin and encourages individuals to tune into their bodily sensations and emotions or “felt sense”, allowing them to gain insight and understanding of their experiences through the physical sensations present in the body.

Benefits of Somatic Healing

The benefits of somatic healing are numerous and can include:

• Trauma Release: By accessing and processing bodily-held trauma, individuals may experience a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
• Emotional Regulation: Somatic healing can help individuals better understand and manage their emotions, leading to improved mental health.
• Increased Body Awareness: Individuals become more attuned to their bodies, a connection often referred to as interoception, leading to greater self-awareness and mindfulness. This can help alleviate unhealthy coping mechanisms such as emotional eating, alcohol and drug use.
• Physical Healing: Many people report reductions in chronic pain and tension through somatic practices, as these techniques encourage the release of physical stress in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. When we reduce stress in these areas, our organ function may improve and issues with the digestive system, nervous system, reproductive system and more may begin to resolve naturally.
• Enhanced Well-being: Ultimately, somatic healing fosters a sense of wholeness and well-being, allowing individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. When we reconnect with our innate wholeness we can return to peace and happiness.

In conclusion

Somatic healing offers a powerful and transformative approach to wellness, emphasizing the intricate connection between body and mind. By engaging in somatic practices, individuals can embark on a profound journey toward healing, self-discovery, and wholeness. Whether you are seeking to release trauma, manage emotions, or simply cultivate a deeper connection with your body, somatic healing may provide the tools you need to support your journey toward health and well-being.