Healing Through Movement

When we think about trauma recovery, our minds often go straight to therapy sessions or talking through painful memories. But did you know that trauma can also live in the body? It’s not just a mental or emotional experience—trauma often gets stored physically, manifesting as tension, chronic pain, or a feeling of being "stuck." That’s where somatic practices come in, offering a powerful, body-centered approach to healing.

Somatic therapies, like yoga, dance, and other body-based techniques, are all about reconnecting with your body, feeling your emotions in a safe and grounded way, and releasing trauma that words alone can’t always reach. Let’s dive into what somatic healing is all about and how these practices can help you recover from trauma.

What Is Somatic Healing?

In simple terms, somatic healing focuses on the connection between your mind and body. The idea is that our bodies hold onto past experiences, especially trauma. This can show up as muscle tension, chronic stress, fatigue, or even digestive issues. Somatic practices aim to bring awareness to these sensations, allowing us to release the trauma stored deep within.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on processing emotions through words, somatic practices invite you to move, breathe, and feel your way through healing. It’s about tuning in to your body’s wisdom and letting it guide the recovery process.

How Somatic Practices Support Trauma Recovery

When trauma happens, our body’s natural response is to fight, flee, or freeze. In some cases, we can’t fully process these responses, and they get stuck. Over time, this can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and overwhelmed by our emotions. Here’s how somatic practices can help:

1. Yoga: Finding Calm Through Movement

Yoga, particularly trauma-informed yoga, is an incredible way to reconnect with your body. By focusing on breath and gentle movement, yoga can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of peace. It’s not about pushing yourself into complicated poses but rather allowing yourself to feel safe in your body again. Each breath in yoga helps release tension and sends a signal to your brain that you’re okay, right here, right now.

2. Dance: Reclaiming Joy and Freedom

There’s something profoundly healing about dance. Whether you’re twirling in your living room or participating in a guided somatic dance class, movement helps you reclaim your body’s freedom. Dance allows you to express emotions that words might not be able to capture, especially after trauma. It’s playful, it’s freeing, and it reminds you of your strength and vitality.

3. Body-Based Techniques: Tuning In to What Your Body Needs

Somatic therapies like breathwork, body scans, and even gentle touch are ways to become more aware of your body’s sensations. Breathwork, for example, helps to release trauma by calming the nervous system and creating space for your body to release stored emotions. Body scans, where you mentally check in with different parts of your body, help you become aware of tension or discomfort and learn to release it with intention.

4. Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE): Letting Your Body Shake It Out

TRE is a specific technique designed to help release deep-rooted tension and trauma. The practice involves a series of simple exercises that encourage the body to tremble or shake, which helps release built-up stress and trauma from the muscles. It might sound strange, but shaking is a natural way the body lets go of trauma—just like how animals shake off stress in the wild. TRE helps bring this natural response back into our lives.

5. Stretching

Stretching can be super helpful when you're recovering from trauma. It’s a simple way to release tension and reconnect with your body, especially since trauma can leave you feeling physically wound up. Gentle stretches help you relax, reduce stress, and even bring a sense of calm by helping to regulate your nervous system. It’s a small, easy step that can make a big difference in feeling more grounded and in control.

The Benefits of Somatic Practices for Trauma Recovery

Somatic practices aren’t just about movement—they’re about creating a deeper connection between your mind, body, and emotions. Here are a few key benefits of integrating somatic healing into your trauma recovery journey:

• Reconnection: Trauma often causes us to feel disconnected from our bodies. Somatic practices help you rebuild that connection, allowing you to feel grounded and present in your physical self.

• Emotional Release: Trauma can store unprocessed emotions in the body. By moving, stretching, or breathing through somatic techniques, you can safely release these emotions without needing to put them into words.

• Nervous System Regulation: Practices like yoga, breathwork, and TRE help calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and hypervigilance. Over time, this can bring a sense of inner peace.

• Empowerment: Reclaiming your body through somatic practices can be empowering. It reminds you that your body is not just a vessel for pain—it’s a source of strength, wisdom, and healing.

How to Get Started with Somatic Healing

Ready to give somatic healing a try? The beauty of these practices is that they’re accessible and customizable to fit your comfort level. You don’t need to be a yoga expert or professional dancer to get the benefits. Start small and listen to what your body needs.

If yoga interests you, look for trauma-informed yoga classes or online videos. For those drawn to dance, put on your favorite song and move in whatever way feels good. And if you’re curious about body-based techniques like TRE, consider seeking out a certified practitioner to guide you.

Final Thoughts

Healing from trauma is a journey, and somatic practices are just one piece of the puzzle. By reconnecting with your body, you can release trauma in a way that feels safe and empowering. Whether it’s through yoga, dance, or simple breathwork, movement has the power to unlock deep healing within you. Remember, your body holds the wisdom you need to recover—it’s just waiting for you to listen.

So, let’s move, breathe, and heal—one step, one breath, one dance at a time.