Can you do somatic healing by yourself?

Somatic healing focuses on the connection between the mind and body, aiming to facilitate healing by tapping into bodily sensations and experiences. It works on the basis that emotional issues and trauma are often stored within the body, leading to physical tension, pain, or distress.

That pain you feel in your neck and shoulders? It could be related to emotional distress you are holding in your body.

Those IBS symptoms you can’t recover from? They, too, can be related to a past experience or current stressor that your body is reacting to.

Read on to find out more about how you can restore harmony to your body yourself.

What Is Somatic Healing?

In somatic healing, you are encouraged to become more aware of your bodily sensations, movements, and physical expressions. This awareness can help to uncover repressed emotions and facilitate the release of stored trauma.

Techniques we use include breathwork, movement, mindfulness, and other body-centred practices. These beautiful, time-honoured approaches allow you to reconnect with your physical self and process experiences in a holistic way.

I like to call this connecting to our body’s wisdom. While we tend to think (and overthink!) of intelligence and awareness being cognitive, that is, about the brain and the words we use to express our emotions, there is much wisdom in the body just waiting to help us.

By engaging with the body's wisdom, somatic healing promotes a sense of safety and regulation within the nervous system, enabling greater emotional resilience.

This process can support you in overcoming chronic anxiety, trauma, and other psychological challenges, fostering a pathway to mental and physical wellbeing.

Ultimately, somatic healing empowers you to create a more harmonious relationship with your body, enhancing your overall quality of life.

Can You Do This By Yourself?

Somatic healing can be approached independently, though the extent of effectiveness may vary from person to person. And I would always advise to go gently and watch for signs your nervous system is getting dysregulated. This can feel like a sensation of heat in the body, an increase in heart rate or breathing rate, or a feeling of unease. In some cases intense emotions such as anger or shame can come up. Or you may cry or feel very upset.

If you experience any of these or anything else that doesn’t feel right when you’re practicing somatic healing by yourself at home, slow down or stop and take a break. It could be that you are tapping into trauma that you need to work through with a professional.

Engaging in self-directed somatic practices involves an understanding of your body and its responses, making it essential to cultivate awareness of physical sensations, emotions, and thought patterns.

How To Practice Somatic Healing Safely

To begin, you can incorporate mindful movements such as yoga, dance, or simple stretching into your routine. These activities promote body awareness and help release stored tension. Breathwork is another valuable tool; focusing on your breath can help regulate the nervous system and ground you in the present moment.

If you do feel your nervous system becoming activated, focus on a long slow outward breath as this activates our parasympathetic nervous system which calms and centres.

Journaling about your experiences and emotions may also aid in processing feelings associated with trauma or anxiety. Additionally, guided visualisations or meditation can enhance your insight into your own bodily sensations and emotional states. You could listen to an IFS podcast or guided loving kindness meditation.

However, while self-practice can be beneficial, it is advisable to seek professional support if you experience feelings or sensations that are overwhelming or difficult to manage.

A trained therapist can provide guidance, ensuring that your journey into somatic healing is safe and effective. Balancing self-exploration with professional input often leads to more profound insights and healing. And creates a blend of safe space to share, and someone to explore your insights with.

If you are interested in working with me, either one to one or in one of my groups, drop me an email at claire@harmonyhealingservices.co.uk