SOMATIC HEALING PRACTICES

Somatic Experiencing is a body-focused practice that helps release trauma-related tension stored in the body. 

It emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations to gradually process + heal trauma without re-traumatization. Somatic practices can enhance resilience + promote emotional + physical well-being. 

The sensations + experiences explored through these practices are:

✨ Interoceptive [internal awareness of the body]

✨ Proprioceptive [spatial orientation of the body]

✨ Kinesthetic [movements of the body]

Types of somatic practices we find beneficial: 

body scans, grounding exercises, yoga, tai chi, dancing, stretching, walking, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, breathwork, felt sense, self-holding, orienting, heel drops, wave breathing, recalling kindness, body mapping, rhythmic movements, gentle movements, shaking, tapping, bouncing, pilates, martial arts + trauma release exercises.

15 BENEFITS TO SOMATIC PRACTICES

1. Reduced physical + psychological discomfort

2. Decreased strain + pain

3. Decreased stress

4. Decreased negative affect

5. Reduced irritability + aggression

6. Improved concentration

7. Higher sense of oneself

8. Increased positive affect

9. Improved confidence

10. Increased hope

11. Increased resiliency

12. Heightened physical wellbeing

13. Improved relationships

14. Improved sleeping

15. Heightened interest in activities

Somatic practices are easy because they are designed to be accessible + gentle, focusing on internal body sensations rather than external performance. They involve slow, intentional, low-impact movements that don't require special equipment, making them easy to start for people of all abilities. Instead of focusing on intensity, they prioritize self-awareness, allowing you to work at your own pace.