Somatics & Yoga: A Perfect Match for Embodied Healing
Somatic therapy and body-based practices like yoga, dance, and martial arts share a common foundation in understanding the connection between the mind and body. However, they each serve distinct purposes and employ different methodologies.
Let’s get into it and find out more about these modalities and how they support healing.
Somatic Therapy and Movement Practices
Somatic therapy primarily focuses on healing psychological issues through the lens of the body. It involves exploring bodily sensations, movements, and emotions to uncover and process trauma and help to alleviate stress through rebalancing our cortisol levels.
For somatic therapy, as with any therapy, to work well, the therapeutic relationship is the foundation. Practitioners provide a safe space for clients to express and understand their experiences, promoting a deeper self-awareness and integration of the mind and body.
Body-based practices such as yoga, dance, and martial arts are often more about physical expression, movement, and the cultivation of physical skills but can also be attuned to a more somatic approach. All types of movement can be therapeutic and enhance emotional well-being in their own right. Include a somatic more mindful approach and there is an exponential increase in the likelihood of psychological healing as well.
Yoga in its fullest sense encourages mindfulness and flexibility, improving overall physical health and mental clarity through poses and breathwork, as well as providing a framework for living life aligned to Self. Dance promotes self-expression, creativity, and joy, allowing us to explore our emotional landscape in a liberating way. Martial arts focus on discipline, control, and self-defense, building physical strength and confidence while instilling a sense of empowerment.
Bringing a Somatic Approach to Movement
Movement practices can contribute to holistic wellbeing. Combining with a somatic therapy approach allows us to explicitly target emotional trauma and chronic anxiety through body awareness and therapeutic engagement.
In this way, somatic therapy can complement body-based practices by providing deeper insights into the emotional experiences that arise during physical movements, which brings a comprehensive approach to healing and self-discovery.
A somatic approach to yoga integrates awareness of the body’s sensations into the practice, emphasising the connection between the mind and body. This method encourages us to tune into our physiological experiences.
In a somatic yoga session, rather than striving for perfect alignment or external aesthetics, we focus on how each movement feels inside. This involves exploring the sensations that arise in the body, recognising areas of tension, and acknowledging emotional responses as they surface. Using this awareness, we can develop a deeper understanding of our bodies, thoughts, emotions, beliefs, biases, and conditioning, leading to greater release of tension and trauma stored within.
Breathing techniques play a crucial role in somatic yoga. Slow, intentional breaths can help anchor the us in the moment, promoting relaxation and emotional release. As we become more attuned to our breath, we may find it easier to access areas of discomfort and facilitate healing. We can learn to read our body by how easily the breath flows.
Somatic yoga incorporates mindful movements allowing us to explore physicality in a way that is intuitive and responsive. This may involve gentle stretches or fluid motions that encourage self-discovery. The focus shifts from achieving a particular pose to honouring the body's unique rhythms and needs. We learn to listen to the wisdom of our body instead of tuning it out or ignoring its cues.
Taking a somatic approach to movement is all about creating a safe environment for self-exploration and healing. As we cultivate a more intimate and loving relationship with our bodies, we may discover new pathways to emotional resilience and a profound sense of connection to our Self.
A somatic approach to dance invites a deeper connection between the body and mind, allowing dancers to explore their physicality through heightened awareness and sensitivity. This method encourages individuals to engage with their bodily sensations, emotions, and memories, creating a space for authentic expression and healing.
In somatic dance, I encouraged us to tune into our nervous system, recognising how it influences movement. This understanding helps us make a more intentional exploration of our body, enabling us to release tension and trauma stored in our muscles and joints. The gentle practice asks us to listen to our bodies and respond instinctively, rather than adhering strictly to choreographed steps — although I do offer choreography as a gateway to exploration.
In my somatic dance classes, I encourage us all to engage in exercises that focus on breath, relaxation, and mindful movement, bringing a sense of presence and flow. This approach not only enhances creativity but also assists in processing emotions and experiences through physical movement. By honouring the body’s wisdom, we can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, which can be transformative.
The Body: a Vessel of Communication
Through somatic practices, we can all learn to embrace our bodies as vessels of communication, breaking free from restrictive patterns. As we explore fluidity and spontaneity in our movements, we embark on a journey of self-discovery that celebrates the uniqueness of our physical experience.
This holistic approach can leads to a more profound appreciation for the body and its inherent wisdom, which helps us become more resilient and centred. Calm and happy.
If you are interested in taking a somatic yoga or dance class with me, go check out my movement page. I offer in person movement classes in Willingham and Cambridge.
