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Why This Matters
The body remembers what the mind may forget. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to stress and trauma significantly affects both mental and physical health, contributing to anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and reduced work performance. Somatic approaches focus on healing by addressing how stress and trauma are stored in the body.
The Science Behind Somatic Therapy
WHO & American Psychological Association (APA) recognize trauma as a whole-person experience affecting the nervous system, emotions, and bodily responses. Somatic therapy works by improving mind–body awareness, regulating the nervous system, and restoring a sense of safety.
Evidence-based somatic approaches are used alongside psychotherapy to support trauma recovery.
Core Somatic Therapy Practices
1. Body Awareness (Interoception)
Noticing internal body sensations such as tension, breathing, heartbeat, or posture helps identify stress responses early and reduce overwhelm.
2. Grounding Techniques
Simple actions like feeling the feet on the floor or naming objects in the room, brings the nervous system back to the present moment (APA).
3. Breath Regulation
Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones WHO recognizes controlled breathing as effective for stress management.
4. Gentle Movement
Stretching, shaking, walking, or slow yoga-based movements supports safe release of stored tension and improves body regulation.
5. Pendulation (Titration)
Gradual movement between comfort and mild discomfort prevents retraumatization and builds nervous system resilience.
6. Completion of Stress Responses
Allowing natural body responses such as sighing, trembling, or stretching.
Helps the body “complete” interrupted stress cycles.
Practical Applications in Daily Life & Work
- Improves emotional regulation, focus, and resilience.
- Reduces physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue.
- Enhances recovery from chronic stress and burnout.
Important Safety Note
Somatic therapy should be guided by trained mental health or somatic professionals, especially for individuals with severe or complex trauma.
- Self-practices should remain gentle and non-forcing.
- Healing trauma is not only about talking it is also about listening to the body. Somatic therapy supports safe trauma release, nervous system balance, and long-term well-being.
- Feel the body. Restore safety. Reclaim balance.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—we would love to hear from you!
RD, LD Julius Sammah
MyHealthCop Certified Dietician
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