The Importance of Somatic Work in Healing
I think most of us would agree that living in our fast-paced world, there are so many of us battling with chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma. These experiences don't resolve themselves quickly or spontaneously. They are issues that impact our minds, and our bodies too. In fact, according to acclaimed trauma expert, Dr Bessel van der Kolk, our bodies remember what our minds try to block out.
Somatic work, a holistic approach that focuses on the connection between the body and mind, plays a crucial role in healing our nervous system and restoring wellbeing in a holistic way.
Understanding Somatic Work
Somatic work involves practices that help us become more aware of our bodily sensations and the ways these sensations relate to our emotions and thoughts. This type of increased awareness makes way for the release of stress and trauma stored in our body. Techniques such as somatic experiencing, body-oriented psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques are commonly used to facilitate this process.
Healing the Nervous System
Our nervous system is deeply impacted by trauma and chronic stress. When we experience traumatic events or prolonged stress, our body can become stuck in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. Experiencing these prolonged states disrupts the natural balance of our nervous system, often leading to physical and emotional health issues. Somatic work helps to reset the nervous system by promoting relaxation and a sense of safety.
One of the key benefits of somatic work is its ability to support regulation of the autonomic nervous system and help to bring us back to a place of safety, security and connection. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and gentle movement exercises help to activate the ventral vagal part of our parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion. This activation counteracts the stress response and fosters a sense of calm and relaxation.
Releasing Stored Trauma
Trauma is not just a psychological experience. It is also a physiological one. Psychiatrist, Bessel van der Kolk's extensive research published in his book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, shows that the body holds onto traumatic memories, which can manifest as chronic pain, tension, or other physical symptoms.
Somatic work facilitates the release of these stored traumas by encouraging individuals to pay attention to their bodily sensations and to process these sensations in a safe and supportive environment. Over time, this practice can help to alleviate both physical and emotional pain.
Enhancing Emotional Resilience
Regular practice of somatic techniques can enhance emotional resilience by improving our body's capacity to handle stress and recover from adverse experiences. When we learn to tune into our body's signals and respond with self-compassion and care, we build a stronger, more resilient nervous system. This resilience not only helps in managing everyday stress but also prepares us to cope more effectively with future challenges.
Incorporating somatic work into our lives offers profound benefits for our nervous system and overall wellbeing. By focusing on the body-mind connection and releasing stored trauma, we can achieve greater emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance our resilience. For those seeking a holistic approach to healing, exploring somatic practices may be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant life.