Soothing Somatic Solutions: A Roadmap to Relaxation?

Somatics has gone from being a tiny slice of the wellness cake to now being a considerable chunky wedge. The word “somatic” originates from the Greek word “sōma,” which means “body” and in general, “somatic” means “of the body.”

In the context of somatic practices like somatic exercises or somatic therapy, it specifically pertains to the body’s experience, sensations, and movement patterns which are observed and in this respect similar to some yoga intentions.

Somatics is a holistic approach to movement that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Developed by Thomas Hanna, it emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations, movement patterns, and posture to address chronic tension, pain, and stress.

Now we know much recent research has disproved posture myths and form but what can we learn from somatics?

Somatic exercises typically involve gentle, mindful movements that aim to retrain the nervous system and release muscular tension. These exercises often target specific muscle groups or movement patterns affected by habitual stress or injury. By engaging in somatic exercises, individuals can improve their proprioception (awareness of body position) and regain control over their movements, leading to greater flexibility, coordination, and overall well-being.

The benefits of somatic exercises for some could include:

Pain relief: By releasing chronic muscular tension and improving movement patterns, somatic exercises can alleviate pain associated with conditions such as back pain, neck tension, and joint discomfort.

I agree with this claim as we know evidence shows that movement with pain has favourable outcomes to not moving with pain and anything that encourages movement and taking independent action for our aches and pains is positive, but note pain ‘relief’ not cure.

Stress reduction: Somatic exercises promote relaxation and body awareness, helping to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm. I believe there is firm merit in this claim as well. Somatic movement tends to be soft and repetitive, both components to successful self soothing.

Enhanced body awareness: Through mindful movement and sensory awareness, somatic exercises help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and how they move. This element in any modality can be useful to build proprioceptive skills and become more intuitive and instinctive.

In summary, Somatics offers a gentle yet powerful approach to improving movement, reducing pain, and enhancing overall well-being by fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body through mindful movement practices for many.

While both Somatics and Yoga focus on mind-body connection and movement, they differ in their approaches and emphasis. Somatics primarily focuses on retraining the nervous system and releasing muscular tension through gentle, specific movements, whereas Yoga encompasses a broader range of practices including postures, philosophy, breathwork, and meditation aimed at physical, mental, and self understanding and acceptance.

Somatics and Yoga can complement each other by addressing different aspects of the mind-body connection and both are intended to soothe not jar.

Integrating both practices elements could provide a comprehensive approach to improving mindfulness, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being and self understanding. Ultimately whether it is yoga, yin yoga, restful practices or somatics they all have more in common than that divides them and we don’t need to pick a team but can explore it all and find a good fit.