Have You Been Experiencing Pain, Emotional Distress or Muscle Tension?
Somatic Experiencing Therapy can promote healing for those dealing with physical and emotional distress from trauma, anxiety, grief, substance use disorders, 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. Let us help you Kung Fu kick anxiety in its place, dance away stress, and Yoga practice your way to wellness and self-care!
Cultural origins of Somatic Therapy date back to lived practices of African, Asian and Indian culture. These practices include martial arts, dance and yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice focusing on breathing, flexibility and strength to boost mental and wellbeing. It is composed of a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. Yoga’s origins can be traced to northern India over 5,000 years ago.
The art of dance dates back to Egyptian culture more than 4,000 years ago. 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.
Modern day martial arts originated in 527 A.D in India. Indian monk Ta Mo taught the monks of the Shaolin Temple. 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 around 4000 B.C. 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.
