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In the past two weeks, have you experienced several of the following?
Most people experience one or more of these in any given month. But if you recognize several these in your life regularly, it may be good to have a somatic psychotherapist help you figure out if somatic therapy can improve your symptoms.
Somatic experiencing therapy can promote healing for those dealing with physical and emotional distress from trauma, anxiety, grief, substance use disorders and PTSD. Somatics describes any practice that uses the mind-body connection to help you survey your internal self and listen to signals your body sends about areas of pain, discomfort or imbalance. These practices allow you to access more information about the ways you hold on to your experiences in your body.
This therapy can increase emotion regulation, self-confidence and executive functioning as well as reduce anxiousness, negative self-talk and physical discomfort. Somatic healing incorporates self-awareness, expression, breathing and movement.
Best Therapies has a dynamic team of solution-focused therapy clinicians who promote somatic healing through dance movement therapy, yoga movement therapy and mindfulness martial arts. Reach out to our practice, and let us help you kung fu kick anxiety in its place, dance away stress, and yoga practice your way to wellness and self-care!
The cultural origins of somatic therapy come from the lived practices of African, Asian and Indian cultures. These practices include yoga, dance and martial arts.
Yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual practices focusing on breathing, flexibility and strength to boost mental health and well-being. Its origins can be traced to northern India over 5,000 years ago.
The art of dance dates back to Egyptian culture more than 5,000 years ago. And the roots of dance therapy can be traced back to the modern dance movement of the 19th century. The movement grew from the idea that dance could go beyond simple entertainment and be used as a form of communication and expression.
The origin of modern-day martial arts is debated but is likely the result of cultural exchange between Chinese and Indian martial arts. Martial arts require mindful concentration and physical exertion. In addition, it can be a compassion practice that also provides a spiritual perspective and includes social touch.
An important aspect of martial arts includes Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” which focuses on the connection between the mind and body to work together to achieve a positive goal through mindful movement and breathing with intention and impact. Qigong originated in Chinese culture more than 2,000 years ago. Qi means “life force,” the energy that powers our body and spirit. Gong means “work” or “gather.” Qigong connects breathing, movement and the mind.
The Somatic Experiencing Institute
Here are some of our favorite books related to Somatic Therapy and Somatic Experiencing:
Curious about the intersections of trauma, race, and somatic work? Check out this conversation between Tara Brach and Resmaa Menakem.
You’ll find experts in Somatic Therapy at Best Therapies. Read the blog by Christina Shore LPC, R-DMT, MA, Feelings vs Emotions and How to Tell the Difference.