Somatic Experiencing also known as Somatic Movement is widely used as an integrative tool in therapy to help client's release big or stuck emotions within the deep tissues of the body. The goal for somatic movement is to consciously connect with our internal body and become aware of the sensation we are experiencing. Unlike exercise, somatic movement is not geared toward muscle growth, endurance, or improved speed. Somatic movement can take many forms including breathwork, yoga, and dance. “Any mind-body movement with an emphasis on turning inward is a form of somatic movement”, says Kristin M., Fitness Instructor for Peloton.
Global influences have impacted somatic movement for centuries with ties from African, European, and Asian culture. Unlike dance, somatic movement is unstructured and unplanned. It cannot be choreographed rather it is felt or experienced in the body.
What Are the Benefits of Somatic Movement?
While research on somatic movement, in general, is lacking, there have been some studies looking at specific somatic movement techniques that have been developed over the years. More research is still needed to understand if the benefits apply more broadly to any type of somatic movement.
Somatic Movement May Help with Chronic Pain
Scientific research shows that somatic movement can help many people who are experiencing chronic pain. For example, in one study, people with chronic pain who regularly engaged in somatic movement for one year experienced an 86 percent reduction in the days they experienced pain compared with people with chronic pain who didn’t do any somatic movement.
It Can Increase Flexibility and Mobility
A major reason why somatic movement can help with chronic pain is because it helps with flexibility, balance, and mobility—particularly somatic stretches, yoga, and tai chi, which are all forms of somatic movement. Somatic stretching involves holding a stretch, which helps with both flexibility and mobility. Yoga and tai chi both have been found to help with balance, increasing flexibility, and increasing mobility.
It Can Lessen Feelings of Anxiety and Provide a Mood Boost
At its core, somatic movement is about identifying how emotions make you feel physically. For example, if you start feeling anxious, it can be beneficial to do a somatic breathing exercise and pinpoint where you are feeling this in your body. Do your shoulders feel tense? Is your stomach in knots? Do you have a headache? Scientific studies show that this type of breathwork and meditation can help lessen feelings of anxiety and boost the mood.
It Can Help You Feel More Relaxed
To this point, studies show that yoga, one form of somatic movement, leads to relaxation by helping you slow the breath and lower heart rate, which can take the body out of fight-or-flight mode. Breathwork, which is often integrated into somatic exercises, has also been shown to slow heart rate and lead to feelings of relaxation.
It Can Be Part of Trauma Healing
Scientific research points to some preliminary evidence of somatic exercises helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However it’s important to note that this study looked at one particular type of somatic method, Somatic Experiencing. More scientific studies need to be done to confirm this connection and somatic movement should not be used in place of other forms of PTSD treatment therapy.
Somatic therapy techniques, including somatic movement and exercise, do not have the same level of research as traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma disorders. Given this, it’s important to know that somatic therapy or movement should not be done in place of CBT or other therapies suggested by a doctor or health care professional.
It Can Help You Become More In Touch with Your Emotions
It can be used to help with other emotions including anxiety, grief, depression, stress, and addiction. Though science has made it clear that emotions impact physical health, however, not everyone is aware of their own mind-body connection. Can you relate? Maybe your days are spent moving from one task to the next, trying to accomplish everything on your to-do list and any downtime is spent watching TV or scrolling social media as a way to mentally escape. If so, you may notice your emotions catching you off guard at surprising times, like when you’re lying in bed trying to sleep or in line at the store. Or you may be experiencing chronic, physical pain without even considering that it may be connected to your emotions.
For more information on types of Somatic Movement and its benefits, click here.
By: Shelby Secor
03/24/24