Exploring Somatic Bodywork

In holistic healing, somatic bodywork, breathing techniques and trauma release exercises are powerful modalities for promoting physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing, as part of daily practices. They can also be employed as part of a treatment plan for the healing of trauma and addiction, chronic pain & illness, anxiety and depression. 

Somatic bodywork encompasses a diverse range of therapeutic techniques that focus on the body's sensations, movements and posture to promote healing and self-awareness. Dr. Peter Levine explains, "somatic approaches recognise the integral connection between the mind and body, facilitating the release of stored trauma and restoring balance to the nervous system." 

Techniques such as massage bodywork movement, therapy, cranio-sacral therapy and even acupuncture work to release tension, improve circulation and restore harmony within the body-mind system. This is not limited to therapeutic modalities either; moving your body through dance (rehearsed or free-flowing), yoga or tai-chi can be great ways of connecting, expressing emotions and feeling good within yourself. The key is for these to be used to support with expression of feelings, re-establishing safety and communication with the mind, body and spirit. 

Breathing techniques have long been recognised for their profound effects on stress reduction and emotional regulation. Dr. Patricia Gerbarg writes about how the conscious breath can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation reducing the effects of stress. Practices such as diaphragmatic breathing and pranayama (related to Yoga) harness the breath's power to calm the mind, increase oxygenation and enhance overall well-being. Breathwork has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD, while promoting relaxation, focus, and emotional balance. Dr. Richard Brown, a psychiatrist and co-author of "The Healing Power of the Breath," writes, "breathwork provides a gateway to the present moment, offering a refuge from the chaos of the mind and fostering a sense of inner peace."

Our breath is one of the few things we can control, so it’s important to acknowledge just how important breathwork is and how it helps us to get through life, and not just by keeping us alive! Think of how anxiety can affect us and how important it is to regain control of our mind and bodies as we take deep breaths in anxious situations. The act of breathing can help us to stay focussed and grounded in apprehensive or stressful circumstances. 

If you haven’t already, I invite you to find one or two types of breathwork to use in situations which can be stressful or when you need to ground yourself. Find a technique that feels comfortable and natural to you and begin practicing this in everyday situations – perhaps in the morning when you wake up, ahead of a work call or even whilst watching TV at the end of a long day. You can even practice it with your partner or children. Not only does this practice help you relax in the moment, but it also trains your mind and body as a go-to breathwork tool for when you need it most; it becomes instinctive. To explore different types of breathing techniques, see my article on mindfulness. 

Trauma release exercises offers vital approach to trauma healing by engaging the body's natural tremor response to release stored tension and trauma. Dr. David Berceli, a trauma expert and founder of TRE (Trauma Release Exercises), explains, "TRE activates the body's innate mechanism for self-regulation, allowing for the discharge of accumulated stress and trauma." Through simple exercises that induce physical tremors, individuals can release muscular tension, regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of safety and empowerment. Trauma release exercises have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of trauma-related disorders, such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, and insomnia. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned trauma researcher and author, emphasises, "TRE offers a safe and effective way to discharge the physiological residue of trauma, allowing individuals to reclaim a sense of safety and vitality."

These somatic approaches offer a multitude of benefits across physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Research suggests that somatic bodywork can reduce chronic pain, improve mobility and enhance body awareness. Dr. Ellen Meredith, a somatic therapist and author, highlights, "somatic practices can help individuals reconnect with their bodies, access inner wisdom, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity."

Integrating somatic bodywork, breathing techniques and trauma release exercises into holistic wellness practices offers an inclusive approach to healing and self-care. By addressing the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, these modalities empower individuals to tap into their innate capacity for healing and transformation.