Trauma is not just something we experience mentally—it’s also held within our bodies. Many women who’ve navigated birth trauma or other significant life challenges find that no amount of talking seems to resolve the tension or unease they carry. This is because trauma often bypasses our conscious mind and takes root in our physical bodies, creating a need for healing that is somatic—centered in the body.
Somatic healing focuses on reconnecting with our physical selves, releasing stored trauma, and creating a sense of safety and ease within. In this post, we’ll explore what somatic healing is, why it’s so effective for trauma recovery, and how you can start incorporating it into your daily life.
Understanding Trauma in the Body
When we experience trauma, our body’s natural survival responses—fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—become activated. While these responses are designed to protect us in the moment, they can sometimes remain stuck, leaving the body in a heightened state of alert long after the danger has passed. This manifests as physical symptoms such as muscle tension, chronic pain, fatigue, or a sense of being “on edge.”
Peter Levine, a pioneer in the field of somatic healing, describes trauma as “energy that is stuck in the body.” Until we address this stored energy somatically, it can continue to affect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
What is Somatic Healing?
Somatic healing is a body-centered approach to trauma recovery that focuses on sensing, moving, and releasing the tension held within. Rather than relying solely on talk therapy, somatic practices engage the body directly, helping to create a sense of safety and regulation within the nervous system.
Some core principles of somatic healing include:
Body Awareness: Learning to tune into the sensations and signals your body is sending.
Movement and Release: Using gentle physical practices to discharge stored tension and restore balance.
Grounding and Presence: Reconnecting with the present moment through mindful practices.
Why Somatic Healing is Effective for Trauma Recovery
Here are some simple somatic techniques you can start with today:
- Body Scanning for Awareness
Find a quiet space and sit or lie down comfortably.
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body, starting at your toes and working up to your head.
Notice any areas of tension, warmth, or discomfort. Simply observe without judgment.
Take deep breaths and imagine sending relaxation to those areas.
- Grounding Through Movement
Stand barefoot on the ground and gently sway or move your body, feeling your connection to the earth.
Try simple stretches, Qoya-inspired dance, or yoga to release tension and reconnect with your physical self.
- Self-Holding for Comfort
Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly.
Breathe deeply, feeling the warmth and connection of your hands.
Repeat a soothing affirmation like, “I am safe in my body.”
- Tension Release Exercise
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Gently lift your hips a few inches off the ground, holding for a moment, then lower them back down.
This movement can help release tension from the lower back and hips, common areas where trauma is stored.
Integrating Subconscious and Spiritual Practices
Somatic healing becomes even more powerful when combined with subconscious and spiritual practices:
Reiki and Energy Work: These practices help balance and clear the body’s energy fields, supporting emotional and physical release.
Guided Visualization: Imagine releasing trauma as light or energy leaving your body, creating space for calm and resilience.
Sound Healing: Use frequency medicine or sound baths to soothe your nervous system and promote relaxation
The Role of Consistency and Patience in Somatic Healing
Healing the body takes time. Trauma is often stored over years or even decades, and releasing it is a gradual process. It’s essential to approach somatic practices with patience and self-compassion. Small, consistent actions—like a few minutes of mindful movement each day—can lead to profound shifts over time.
How Somatic Healing Can Transform Your Relationships
As you release stored trauma and reconnect with your body, you may notice positive changes ripple into other areas of your life, particularly your relationships. By creating a sense of safety and regulation within yourself, you’re better equipped to engage with others from a place of calm and connection.
Somatic healing also supports clearer boundaries, deeper empathy, and a stronger sense of self—all of which contribute to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Join the Journey: Discover the Power of Somatic Healing
If this resonates with you, I invite you to explore deeper healing through somatic practices in our Mother Rising 3-Month Program. In this intimate group setting, you’ll learn how to work with your body to release trauma, build resilience, and reconnect with yourself and others.
Additionally, our monthly Sacred Circle for Transformation offers a free, supportive space to learn grounding practices and share your healing journey with a community of like-minded women.
Healing isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about reclaiming the parts of you that trauma has silenced. Somatic healing is a profound and powerful way to do just that.
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