Did you ever experience stress, anxiety or being overwhelmed and no amount of thinking or talking would seem to bring you any relief? The answer is possibly within the body and not the brain. Somatic work enters the picture there.
During this blog, we are going to consider what somatic work is, why it is effective and how it can assist you to heal, improve and feel good- both physically and inwardly. Now we go inside the body and see the wisdom of the body.
What Is Somatic Work? (And Why Should You Care?)
Somatic work enables us to participate with our destiny through body-based healing and development. The term somatic derives its name by the Greek word soma which means the body. Therefore, the somatic work is just about learning to use and comprehend your body to feel better.
As opposed to conventional therapy where one is involved in talking and thinking, somatic work revolves around feeling. It is a matter of listening to your body and knowing what is happening, your pulse, the way you breathe, your position, etc. People do so many things with this work: help them cope with anxious to deal with trauma, nation and relationships, and even cope with chronic pain and getting out of burnout.
Why the Body Remembers What the Mind Forgets
This is one of the things that many people are unaware of; that the body preserves experiences particularly emotional ones. When you are undergoing stress, traumatic experiences or even the normal daily anxiety issues, your body will retain them. That cramped up chest? That shut mouth? That headache or heaviness at once? It is your body talking with you.
On some occasions, your mind may forget an event, but your body could respond to situations of the same nature. This is the reason why a person may be scared/anxious without evident causes. The body does not forget- and the somatic work assists in releasing the memory in a gentle manner.
How Somatic Work Actually Works
Somatic work does not refer to a single method or practice as it constitutes numerous instruments and practices. These are some widely-known somatic work techniques:
1. Breathwork
It is a forceful breath. Slow breathing slowly brings down your nervous system. Somatic practitioners frequently resort to some breathing techniques to calm down, enhance concentration, and make you aware of your body.
2. Body Scanning
It is a small exercise in which you turn the focus on your body, as though you were scanning from your head to your toes, and observe how you feel. Are your shoulders stretched? Does your stomach feel rigid? Aiming is not to judge, aiming is to notice.
3. Action and stance
Your sitting, standing and moving position speaks volumes about your feeling. Somatic work may include light movement and/or stretching, or posture awareness to relieve accumulated tension and alter emotion patterns.
4. Touch and Grounding
At some time, experts address it by touching (with your approval) to assist you in bringing your consideration to the concerned parts of the body. Grounding activities, such as pushing your feet on the floor will also help you in resetting when you are feeling scattered.
5. Emotional Awareness
Somatic work allows you to label and experience your feelings as it is experienced in the body. You can even question yourself, like, where do I feel sad now, or what is the feeling of anger in my chest. This assists you to get your emotions flowing rather than being blocked.
Benefits of Somatic Work: What You Can Expect
People who try somatic work often say things like:
“I finally feel calm again.”
“My anxiety doesn’t control me anymore.”
“I sleep better, think clearer, and feel stronger.”
“I understand myself more deeply—without overthinking.”
Here are some of the major benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved emotional resilience
Better sleep and digestion
Less physical pain and tension
Stronger connection to self and others
Healing from trauma or burnout
It’s like hitting the reset button—not just mentally, but physically.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Work?
Somatic practices are suitable to nearly anyone. You do not have to be traumatized or anxious (though those are some of the common reasons why people go to therapy). It is also quite useful for:
Individuals that feel trapped in talk therapy
Extremely sensitive/or empathetic persons
People who are recovering physically or emotionally
Individuals, who experience chronic stress or burnout
Those who want to strengthen their mind body relationship
Somatic work also is wonder — how do I know how to feel, but I feel there is something wrong.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
Good news? You can attempt somatic work no matter who you are -- not a yogi, not a therapist, not extremely versatile. You simply have to be curious and readiness. You begin with simple things such as the following.
Breathing 5 times in the belly deeply in the morning
making a quick body scan before sleeping
Becoming aware of where in Your body You Feel emotions
Taking emotional walks feeling your feet on the ground going on mindfulness
Even just putting your hand on your chest and say “I’m here. Holding an phrase like ‘I’m okay, can be a good somatic practice’
Finding a Somatic Practitioner
Through a trained somatic therapist or coach, it can be life-altering, depending on how far you want to go. Search to find a specialist in somatic experiencing, trauma release exercise (TRE), body-focused therapy, or regulation of the nervous system. Question them on how they do it, and most important of all-get a feel of how you feel speaking to them. The security and confidence are essential.
Final Thoughts: Your Body Is a Source of Wisdom
It is not just a machine. It is a smart creature of life that is full of cues, feelings, and energy. Somatic work is the connection between your mind and your body--combining the differences, and finding balance to reconnect and to find inner peace.
The world has been telling us that the solution to every problem lies in thinking our way out of the situation, but somatic work helps keep us grounded by reminding us that there are cases where we must feel our way through.
Next time when you are off or overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself:
What does my body tell me?
You will be surprised what you hear.
Ready to Begin? Try This Simple Practice Now
Take 60 seconds to try this:
1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
2. Take 3 slow, deep breaths.
3. Place a hand on your chest or stomach.
4. Ask: What do I feel in my body right now?
That’s somatic work in action.5. Don’t judge—just notice. Be curious.
Your body holds the key. All you have to do is listen.
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