Unlock the healing power within.
Written By Piper Jewell
Chances are, you’ve encountered the term “somatic” before, but might not fully grasp its meaning. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This word appears in contexts ranging from dance to medical science, but what do these seemingly different fields share? They both revolve around the profound connection with our bodies.
So, what is Somatic Release? In the realm of holistic health and wellness, somatic release is emerging as a powerful approach to healing trauma and chronic stress. This therapeutic technique focuses on the connection between the mind and body, aiming to release stored physical tension and emotional pain. You may be asking yourself – how does one know if they are storing tension and emotional pain?
It all begins with establishing, or re-establishing, your mind and body connection. Understanding Somatic Release requires you to delve into how your body holds onto trauma, and how you can best, facilitate healing. Somatic release is based on the principle that your body and mind are intricately connected. So basically, when we experience trauma or prolonged stress, our bodies can store these experiences as physical tension or discomfort.
This concept is rooted in the work of Dr. Peter Levine, who developed Somatic Experiencing (SE), which is a method to help individuals process and release trauma from their bodies. Furthermore, Levine’s approach suggests that trauma resides not just in our memories but also in our nervous systems and bodily tissues.
I know that it may sound odd, but stay with me. Somatic release therapies often involve techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, gentle movement, and guided imagery. All things we have heard of or come across at one time or another. However, when implemented with intention, these practices can increase bodily awareness and help individuals tune into areas where they might be holding tension.
The benefits of somatic release are manifold. By addressing the physical manifestations of stress and trauma, individuals often experience a greater sense of emotional and psychological well-being. Improved body awareness can lead to better stress management and enhanced resilience. But where does one begin? It is obviously not as simple as breathing.
Understanding and healing your body’s response to stress is a journey best undertaken with support. At Conscientia, our team is ready to assist you in exploring the transformative power of somatic release. Connect with us to learn what holistic healing truly looks like and how it can improve every aspect of your life. Begin your path to wellness with Conscientia today by booking with one of our counsellors here.
References
Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
