Somatic Work Can Heal Trauma. Here's Why.

Hello and welcome to my blog! I’ve decided to use this platform to share what I’ve learned (and am continuing to learn) in my commitment to the pursuit of true and holistic wellness. After a few short months of work and reflection in the somatic space, I’m excited to share my first blog post about the incredible power of a specific method of shifting energy and how it can liberate us from the chains of stored trauma within the body. Read on as I dive into the world of somatic healing and how it can be used to unlock the door to a brighter, more balanced life.

Why Somatics? What's the Point?

As mentioned, I started getting into the benefits of somatic work within the last year. Since incorporating this practice into my life, I’ve already noticed distinct shifts in my perception of self as well as my ability to connect with my body differently than I ever have. After years of putting my body through the wringer via sports, countless diets, and a general mental obsession with how I was perceived by the outside world, I was physically, mentally, and spiritually disconnected from myself. Even though I look better now than ever, and have a generally healthy lifestyle, I couldn’t understand why I still felt something was missing. I slowly began falling out of the good habits that I had worked so hard to develop and keep. I knew something had to change. I felt disappointed that after two years of re-framing my mindset and connecting with my body through working out to feel good (instead of working out to look good), I was still living through old patterns of holding myself back, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, etc. Nothing was ever enough. No matter how well I performed at work or showed up in my relationships, it was never enough. I realized that it was a result of not creating trust with myself. I didn’t trust that I would stick to a routine for more than 6 months or a year, and the cells that make up my body knew it far longer than my conscious mind. I didn’t trust that I would nourish my body properly, and my hormones and metabolism knew that for years. I wanted to get back to my authentic self, and I started to learn about the impact of stored trauma in the body.

Trauma can take root within our bodies, holding us back from experiencing true wellness and vitality. These stored emotional scars can manifest in numerous ways, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical health. Research by Harvard Medical School found that when we are in a constant unconscious state of fight-or-flight, emotional and physical reactions are triggered. Because everything in the mind, body, and energetic spirit are connected, these reactions can actually result in a higher risk of different health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

But here's the good news: somatic work opens the door to a profound path of releasing these burdens and reclaiming the most ideal version of yourself.

What is Somatics?

Somatics is the study of the soma, which refers to the body as it is experienced from a first-person perspective. When we observe a human being from an external, third-person standpoint, we perceive the physical body as an objective phenomenon. However, when that very same individual becomes the subject of their own observations, from the first-person vantage of their proprioceptive senses, an entirely distinct phenomenon becomes apparent: the human soma.

These two unique lenses of perception, offering divergent perspectives on the human experience, are woven into the fabric of our capacity for observation. We possess a remarkable ability to turn our awareness both inwards and outwards. The soma, embraced through internal perception, stands apart not due to any alteration in the subject itself, but rather by virtue of the different lens through which it is observed—a lens of immediate proprioception, a sensory gateway that imparts singular and invaluable insights.

Understanding Somatic Work

Somatic work is an integrative approach to healing that recognizes the undeniable connection between our body, mind, and spirit. It's an age-old wisdom that's now gaining recognition in mainstream wellness circles. Somatic therapies, which include practices like Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, PhD and Somatic Focusing, developed by Eugene Gendlin and further developed by Ann Cornell, PhD, aim to tap into the body's innate wisdom, allowing us to access and release trauma that may have been stored for years.

One of the most famous works of research and writing in this space is The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk. This book highlights how experiences of abuse, stress, and violence shape the development of an overactive alarm system, subsequently creating a feedback loop of being perpetually stuck in the grip of fight, flight, or freeze responses. Trauma has a distinct impact on the intricate neural circuits governing focus, adaptability, and emotional regulation. A pervasive sensation of perpetual peril and vulnerability triggers an unceasing release of stress hormones, plunging the immune and nervous systems into disarray and compromising the operation of the body's vital organs. In my experience, somatic work can be done through free and intuitive movement (essentially ecstatic dance) accompanied by carefully selected music. It can also be done through energy release in the form of screaming, crying, and even vomiting as you process painful memories and beliefs.

At its core, somatic work teaches us to tune in to the sensations and movements within our bodies and learn to decipher the messages that come up as a result. It's a process that invites healing from the inside out, helping us let go of past pain and make space for growth. It should be noted that this type of work can be done alone, but working with an experienced facilitator can help you to achieve guided results in order to work through past experiences and effectively let them go.

The Role of Somatic Work in Healing Trauma

Access to Unconscious Patterns:

Somatic work offers a unique gateway to the world of unconscious patterns. Traumatic experiences often bury themselves deep within us, outside our conscious awareness. By exploring somatic sensations, we can uncover and address these patterns, shedding light on the source of our emotional pain.

Reconnection with the Self:

Trauma often leads to disconnection from our bodies and emotions. Somatic work encourages us to befriend our bodies once more, forging a path toward self-compassion and self-acceptance. Reconnecting with ourselves is a vital step in the healing journey.

Empowerment Through Mind-Body Awareness:

Somatic practices teach mindfulness and mind-body awareness. As we cultivate a deeper understanding of how and where our body stores trauma, we gain a sense of empowerment over our healing process. This newfound awareness allows us to make informed choices that align with our well-being.

Physical and Energetic Release:

Our bodies have an incredible capacity to store and release trauma. Through somatic practices, we can unwind the tension, pain, and discomfort held within our muscles and tissues. In my experience, the physical release of trauma is often accompanied by a sense of lightness and relief.

Emotional Resilience:

Somatic work also equips us with tools for managing future stress and emotional challenges. It's like strengthening the immune system of your mind and body, creating more ease in the midst of life's ups and downs.

How to Incorporate Somatic Work into Your Holistic Wellness Routine

1. Find a Qualified Practitioner: To embark on your somatic healing journey, it's advisable to seek guidance from a certified somatic practitioner. They will create a safe and nurturing space for your healing process. Most somatic experiencing practitioners use a framework known as SIBAM (Sensation, Imagery, Behavior, Affect, and Meaning) to help clients incorporate their bodies in processing trauma.

2. Cultivate Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, gratitude lists, and yoga, into your daily routine. These practices can help you become more attuned to your body and emotions, laying the foundation for somatic work.

3. Stay Committed: Healing takes time and dedication. Commit to your somatic work journey, and remember that progress may come in waves. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Once you begin to tune into your body daily, you’ll develop trust with the cells in your body. This will allow you to learn to listen to what your body is asking for and know how to act accordingly with absolute certainty.

4. Nurture Your Body: Somatic work is focused on listening to the body and providing it with the love and care it deserves. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. Again, these practices develop and repair trust between the cells in your body and the operating systems in your brain.

5. Journaling and Self-Reflection: Keep a journal to document your somatic experiences and emotional revelations. Self-reflection is an integral and powerful tool in your healing journey.

Final Thoughts

Somatic work is an ancient transformative practice to catalyze the release of trauma that may be holding you back from living your fullest, most vibrant life. It teaches us to listen to the wisdom of the body, tap into the resilience of the human spirit, and welcome a life of holistic wellness.

Embrace this journey with an open heart and an open mind. Our bodies are equipped with the capacity to heal, to release, and to transform. And always remember, you are not alone on this path.

Here's to releasing the past and embracing a future filled with wellness, joy, and radiance.

With love and light always,

Francesca

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are dealing with severe trauma or mental health issues, please seek the guidance of a qualified mental health practitioner.