{"id":53950,"date":"2023-08-28T14:54:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T14:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=53950"},"modified":"2025-10-29T20:46:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T20:46:31","slug":"what-is-somatic-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Somatic Exercise? A Journey to Rediscover Your Body&#8217;s Natural Grace"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Does_Somatic_Mean\" >What Does Somatic Mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Is_the_Purpose_of_the_Somatic_Movement\" >What Is the Purpose of the Somatic Movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Is_a_Somatic_Routine\" >What Is a Somatic Routine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Are_Examples_of_Somatic_Movement\" >What Are Examples of Somatic Movement?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#1_Body\" >1. Body<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#2_Effort\" >2. Effort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#3_Shape\" >3. Shape<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#4_Space\" >4. Space<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Is_an_Example_of_Somatic_Movement\" >What Is an Example of Somatic Movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#What_Are_the_Benefits_of_Somatic_Exercises\" >What Are the Benefits of Somatic Exercises?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Body_Tension_Relief\" >Body Tension Relief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Improves_Emotional_Awareness\" >Improves Emotional Awareness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Improves_Mobility\" >Improves Mobility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Is_meditation_a_somatic_exercise\" >Is meditation a somatic exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Is_tai_chi_a_somatic_practice\" >Is tai chi a somatic practice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Is_dancing_somatic_therapy\" >Is dancing somatic therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#Do_somatic_workouts_really_work\" >Do somatic workouts really work?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping up with the pace of busy life these days can be pretty exhausting. Hectic work routines and tight schedules drain us and make us feel stressed and burnt out. If you constantly feel stressed, weary, and tired, it\u2019s time to rest and focus on the inside. Concentrate on what your body tells you and calm your body with somatic exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you may be wondering what somatic exercise is. If you\u2019re new to this concept or you\u2019ve only heard it discussed, hang tight as we explain it in detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Somatic_Mean\"><\/span><b>What Does Somatic Mean?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic is derived from a Greek word, \u201cSoma\u201d, which means body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic has since been used to describe various practices, including somatic movement, somatic routine, somatic relaxation, or somatic education (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics#origins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These approaches are categorized as bottom-up processing. These are based on the idea of exploring our bodily sensations, which are linked to our conceptual thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example: Siegel (2012) gave an illustrative example of a person seeing a rose. The bottom-up experience senses the rose \u201cas if it were the first time, exciting curiosity\u201d. In contrast, the top-down experience recognizes it as a red flower. It identifies the rose according to the coalesced summary of previous experiences with roses <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibpj.org\/issues\/articles\/Meridith%20L.%20Antonucci%20-%20Pause,%20Breathe,%20and%20Feel.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(17).<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Mr. Hanna, somatic movement helps the brain slow down and focus on what is happening in your body as you move. In his book, he emphasizes how athletes watch slow-motion films during sports training to be more attentive and learn the techniques of each movement or strike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps the brain be more focused. He also explains that when you perform the activities slowly, your somatic brain takes over and helps you feel more calm and relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Overlay-Banner-somatic-exercices-2.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Purpose_of_the_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><b>What Is the Purpose of the Somatic Movement?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement is performed consciously to focus on the internal senses and awareness of the movement rather than the external appearance or result. This may include stretching or bending down to tie a lace after waking up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the years, your body has been conditioned to do these activities. You don\u2019t feel the sensations of doing these movements. Somatic movement helps you slow down and focus on each movement. In this way, you connect with your internal body and understand various signals your body may send (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/fitness\/what-is-somatic-stretching\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Somatic_Routine\"><\/span><b>What Is a Somatic Routine?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A somatic routine consists of exercises that are done to listen to your body\u2019s internal signals. These may include gentle stretching or yoga. Compared to other traditional exercises that focus on external benefits such as weight loss or muscle gain, somatic exercises help you slow down and focus on each movement. They help you gain heightened awareness about your body. For example, if you\u2019re under constant stress, performing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-stress-release-exercises\/\"><b>somatic exercises for stress <\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as somatic stress relief yoga may help your body release tension stored in the body due to distress. Integrating somatic exercises with a balanced diet and other physical activities can support sustainable weight loss and overall wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Examples_of_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><b>What Are Examples of Somatic Movement?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises typically emphasize mindful awareness, conscious movement, and a deep connection between the body and mind. The activities below may help reduce distress and are also beneficial for improving posture, increasing body awareness, enhancing movement efficiency, reducing tension and pain, increasing flexibility, and developing a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These somatic movement exercises should be practiced with the support or guidance of a trained practitioner.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Rolfing<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolfing, also known as structural integration, is a form of bodywork that was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/rolfing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It\u2019s a complementary therapy and falls outside of conventional medical practices to address physical and sometimes emotional issues through manual manipulation of the body&#8217;s fascia (connective tissue) and focused movement education. The idea behind Rolfing is that your body experiences distress and discomfort when it\u2019s out of proportion or misaligned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes you feel tense and sluggish. Rolfing is a type of deep tissue manipulation where practitioners called Rolfers manipulate fascia (the connective tissue surrounding your bones, organs, muscles, and nerves) and rectify structural imbalances within the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolfing is usually done in 10 practical sessions, often known as the recipe, where Rolfers indulge in manual therapies and massage the pain points throughout the body. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/rolfing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first three sessions focus on superficial tissues, the next four focus on deeper tissues, and the final three address the entire body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Rolfing helps alleviate muscle tension, soreness, and chronic pain, improves posture, and negates stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rolf.org\/rolfing.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Body-Mind Centering (BMC)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body-mind centering is another excellent somatic exercise and it was developed by movement expert Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bonniebainbridgecohen.com\/pages\/body-mind-centering\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It\u2019s an integrated approach to enhancing your mind-body connection and helping you express yourself better. BMC is an approach that fits within the realm of somatic therapy, as it involves experiential movement, touch, and awareness to facilitate a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection and promote mental and physical well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body-mind centering uses anatomy, physiology, psychology, and development principles and focuses on movement, touch, voice, and consciousness. The main purpose of BMC is to be more self-aware and focus on your body as it holds vast knowledge about your thoughts and emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By doing BMC, you can tune into your internal self, reshape your thinking, and improve your well-being. According to Miss Cohen, BMC helps people improve their posture and flexibility by releasing muscle tension (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bonniebainbridgecohen.com\/pages\/body-mind-centering\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals who do yoga, dance, psychotherapy, music, child development, and other body-related disciplines use BMC to enhance their experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Alexander Technique<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suffer from poor posture, try the Alexander Technique. Developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander, the Alexander Technique helps individuals alter their habits and free their bodies of unnecessary tension. The Alexander Technique aligns with somatic education principles by focusing on sensory awareness, self-perception, and conscious movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The basic idea is to do daily movements easily by exerting minimal effort and mitigating extra tensions you carry in your body all day. It\u2019s not a series of sessions, but an active approach to learning the basics of fluid body movements. The technique emphasizes the integration of mind and body in everyday activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Alexander Technique\u2019s official website, this approach is particularly beneficial for those who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, and discomfort after sitting for a long time (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/alexandertechnique.com\/at\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also useful for singers, athletes, and performers who are facing issues with not performing at their best. The founder Frederick Matthias Alexander discovered this approach after he met the problem of voice loss during public speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the UK National Health Service, Alexander Technique is useful for chronic back and neck pain and helps individuals cope with Parkinson\u2019s disease (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22171910\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Feldenkrais Method<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Feldenkrais Method was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais and is used to improve body movements as it repairs the connections between the motor cortex and the body. This method aims to improve gait and body movements and increase the range of motion. The Feldenkrais Method is based on principles of physics, biomechanics, and human development (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/feldenkrais-method\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feldenkrais Method is usually practiced in two ways, Awareness Through Movement (AMT) and Functional Integration. Awareness Through Movement is taught in groups where individuals follow their teacher\u2019s instructions through slow, gentle movements. In contrast, Functional Integration is a one-on-one lesson where the practitioner guides the student\u2019s movements according to the individualized learning plan through soft, non-invasive touch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Interface-Banner-somatic-exercices-3.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis or Barteniff Movement Analysis is an alternative medical method for observing, describing, and interpreting human movement. The technique was originally developed by Rudolf Laban and further developed by Lisa Ullmann, Warren Lamb, and Irmgard Barteniff (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laban_movement_analysis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis is derived from anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology principles. Professionals such as dancers, athletes, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and musicians use LMA to improve their practice. It\u2019s also used in business consulting and leadership development as LMA&#8217;s emphasis on movement qualities, spatial relationships, and expressive gestures and can provide valuable insights into how individuals present themselves, collaborate, and engage with others in professional environments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rudolf Laban\u2019s student Irmgard Barteniff further categorized LMA into four aspects, the Body, Shape, Space, and Effort, or the BESS (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exhibitions.lib.umd.edu\/bartenieff\/bartenieff-fundamentals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Body\"><\/span><b>1. Body<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes the interrelationships within the body and how the body moves. It also consists of the body shape, posture, and the way it takes up space. For example, a person may move by taking big steps or gliding with small, contained movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Effort\"><\/span><b>2. Effort<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes the qualities of movement. For example, actions can be light or strong, free-flowing or tense, quick or sustained.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Shape\"><\/span><b>3. Shape<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This refers to how the body changes shape and the motivations behind this. It also refers to the patterns that movements create in space. Movements can be linear, curved, twisting, or a combination of these shapes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Space\"><\/span><b>4. Space<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This refers to where the body is moving and how the movements relate to the surrounding area. It examines whether movements are directed forward, backward, upward, downward, or sideways, as well as how much space a person occupies with their movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis may also include other categories such as relationship and phrasing. Relationship refers to the interaction between people or an object within the context of movement. In comparison, phrasing refers to personal expression and timing of movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis helps us gain insight into individuals&#8217; intentions, emotions, and personality traits through their movements by observing and analyzing these components.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to these somatic movement exercises, you can also perform somatic yoga. The basic difference between traditional and somatic yoga is the focus on body movements and breathwork. In somatic yoga, you focus inward and put your attention into feeling your body movements and sensations (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eaglesnestatitlan.com\/2024\/05\/15\/somatic-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In somatic yoga, practitioners are encouraged to explore movements slowly and focus on how each movement feels instead of trying for a specific end posture. This approach allows individuals to release tension, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga should be practiced with a certified somatic yoga instructor with specific training. Somatic yoga strongly emphasizes internal sensations, proprioception, and the mind-body connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/daily-somatic-exercises\/\">Daily Somatic Exercises To Reduce Stress And Strengthen The Mind-Body Connection<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Example_of_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><b>What Is an Example of Somatic Movement?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encountering a distressing event or struggling to manage the pressures of daily life and meet its demands can result in physical and emotional breakdowns. These unresolved emotional issues are often stored in the body. Somatic movement recognizes that your physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts are all intertwined and that addressing bodily sensations can lead to improved physical and emotional well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement aims to rejuvenate the mind-body connection. A somatic therapist guides exercises to enhance the internal awareness of your body and its functions. They help you process stored unresolved conflicts and enhance the self-regulation of emotions. This process leads to improved emotional health and builds resilience in the individual.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be confusing somatic movement with psychotherapy, but that\u2019s not the case. Psychotherapy only focuses on the mind, while somatic therapy focuses on the internal senses and the body primarily. Somatic movement is often incorporated as a complementary practice to enhance therapeutic outcomes, but it is primarily centered on the body\u2019s sensory experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiencing a distressing event could lead to you storing unresolved emotions in your body, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to somatization. Somatization is expressing distress or feelings through physical symptoms such as chronic back and neck pain. Research has shown that most individuals who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often face the issue of chronic pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30078503\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re a workout beast or just a beginner making your first foray into the world of fitness and dieting \u2013 BetterMe has a lot to offer to both newbies and experts! <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Install the app and experience the versatility first-hand!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somatic-mental-2.png\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are some of the somatic exercises for adults (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/blog\/how-somatic-therapy-can-help-patients-suffering-from-psychological-trauma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Body awareness<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this technique, you\u2019re taught to identify areas of stress and tension in your body. You\u2019re then subjected to calming thoughts to ease your mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Grounding<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this technique, you\u2019re guided to connect your body to the earth deeply. This exercise helps you enhance internal awareness and be connected to the present moment. For example, the therapist may ask you to feel your feet on the ground and focus on your body movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Deep Breathing<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and box breathing, help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By focusing on slow, controlled breaths, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals the body to relax. This practice increases oxygen flow, lowers heart rate, and enhances body awareness, which makes it an effective tool for stress and anxiety management. Regular deep breathing can also improve emotional regulation and mental clarity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8272667\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PMR involves systematically tensing and releasing different muscle groups to relieve physical tension and promote relaxation. This practice enhances proprioception (awareness of the body in space) and helps you identify areas of chronic tightness(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8272667\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). By consciously relaxing muscles, PMR trains the nervous system to shift from a stress response to a state of calm. It\u2019s particularly beneficial for those with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Somatic Yoga<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/10-somatic-exercises-to-release-stress-in-the-body\/\">Somatic yoga<\/a> differs from traditional yoga by focusing on slow, mindful movements rather than achieving perfect poses. Movements such as cat-cow, reclined twists, and bridge pose encourage awareness of bodily sensations, which helps release stored tension and trauma (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9862216\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The goal is to enhance neuromuscular awareness, allowing the body to move more freely without unconscious holding patterns. By emphasizing internal experience over external form, somatic yoga supports nervous system regulation and emotional healing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Body Scanning<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body scanning is a mindfulness technique where you mentally scan your body from head to toe, bringing awareness to sensations, tension, or discomfort. This practice helps you recognize and release areas of stress, improving your connection to bodily signals (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11637559\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). By focusing attention inward, body scanning fosters relaxation and deepens self-awareness. It\u2019s often used in meditation and stress reduction programs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tremoring Techniques (TRE)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremoring techniques, such as trauma release exercises (TRE), activate natural, involuntary shaking or vibrations in the body to discharge stored stress and trauma. This response is a natural way for the nervous system to reset after periods of high tension or emotional distress. By allowing the body to shake without resistance, TRE helps release deep-seated muscular tension and promotes relaxation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/356670623_Like_a_Vibration_Cascading_through_the_Body_Energy-Like_Somatic_Experiences_Reported_by_Western_Buddhist_Meditators\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These exercises are widely used for trauma recovery, stress relief, and improving overall nervous system health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-grief\/\">Somatic Exercises for Releasing Grief<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Benefits_of_Somatic_Exercises\"><\/span><b>What Are the Benefits of Somatic Exercises?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some practitioners recommend structured plans such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/28-day-somatic-exercise-for-trauma-relief\/\"><b>28-day somatic exercise for trauma relief<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which focus on gradual and consistent practice to release tension and trauma stored in the body. Others highlight the importance of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/exercise-to-release-trauma\/\"><b>somatic exercises to release trauma<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which involve gentle movements and awareness exercises that help you process and let go of stored emotional pain. These exercises routinely will help you combat years of muscle tension and soreness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember to consult your physician before you exercise, particularly if you have any medical condition. You should also consult a somatic therapist or expert before you start this journey to avoid mishaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most considerable somatic exercise benefits are:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_Tension_Relief\"><\/span><b>Body Tension Relief<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises focus on the signals your body may send regarding discomfort, pain, or tension. When you fully concentrate on your body, you can identify the root causes behind your pain and mitigate pain by changing your body movement or posture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study revealed that the Rosen Method helps alleviate pain and fatigue in individuals with chronic back pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24000305\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Another 2017 study found that the Feldenkrais Method treats chronic back pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27215948\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improves_Emotional_Awareness\"><\/span><b>Improves Emotional Awareness<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises also help improve your emotional well-being. A study found that Laban Movement Analysis helped individuals nurture resilience and equip them with tools for self-efficacy by enhancing their ability to emotionally adapt to challenges by regulating their movement responses (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5594083\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improves_Mobility\"><\/span><b>Improves Mobility<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises also benefit individuals with mobility issues. According to a 2017 study, individuals who practiced the Feldenkrais Method experienced a significant improvement in their mobility after 12 lessons (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28840179\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Overlay-Banner-somatic-exercices-1.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_meditation_a_somatic_exercise\"><\/span><strong>Is meditation a somatic exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation has a somatic element if you pay attention to your inner body. Its anchors could be your breath or the sensation of blood flowing throughout your body. Some forms of meditation, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT), integrate somatic principles to create a more holistic approach to help achieve mental well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1750946722001556\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_tai_chi_a_somatic_practice\"><\/span><strong>Is tai chi a somatic practice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tai chi is considered a somatic element as it involves a mind-body connection. It requires taking slow movements, controlling breathing, and performing the procedure meditatively. All of these factors make tai chi a somatic type of activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_dancing_somatic_therapy\"><\/span><strong>Is dancing somatic therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dance is somatic if you focus on your body and perform small and gentle movements. Mostly, dancing is external, and you aren\u2019t paying much attention to your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dance movement therapy (DMT), in the realm of somatics, can help individuals feel themselves and deal with their emotional turmoil (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11336824\/#:~:text=DMT%20is%20grounded%20in%20the,%2C%20social%2C%20and%20physical%20integration.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Remember that a trained therapist should guide these movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_somatic_workouts_really_work\"><\/span><strong>Do somatic workouts really work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, somatic workouts are effective for improving mental and physical well-being by enhancing body awareness, reducing tension, and releasing stored trauma. Studies have shown that practices such as somatic therapy exercises, yoga, and methods such as the Feldenkrais and Alexander Techniques help alleviate body tension, improve mobility, and foster emotional resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Is_Somatic_Exercise_\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basically, somatic exercise offers a powerful gateway to rediscovering the potential of your body to improve mental and physical well-being. It encourages you to be present, listen to your body, and embrace the subtle nuance of your movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope you got the answers to your queries regarding somatic exercise. Performing these exercises routinely will help you combat years of muscle tension and soreness. Remember to consult your physician before exercising, particularly if you have any medical condition. You should also consult a somatic therapist or expert before you start this journey to avoid mishaps.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping up with the pace of busy life these days can be pretty exhausting. Hectic work routines and tight schedules drain us and make us feel stressed and burnt out. If you constantly feel stressed, weary, and tired, it\u2019s time to rest and focus on the inside. Concentrate on what your body tells you and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":82721,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[45],"class_list":["post-53950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is Somatic Exercise? A Journey to Rediscover Your Body&#039;s Natural Grace - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you wish to say goodbye to stress and muscle tension? 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Read on to learn \u2605 WHAT IS SOMATIC EXERCISE \u27a4 and take your health to new heights.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-29T20:46:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/cover-What-Is-Somatic-Exercise-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/5ebf2773ceb32ef6b8abc0c882459360\"},\"headline\":\"What Is Somatic Exercise? A Journey to Rediscover Your Body&#8217;s Natural Grace\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-29T20:46:31+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/\"},\"wordCount\":2926,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/cover-What-Is-Somatic-Exercise.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Keeping up with the pace of busy life these days can be pretty exhausting. Hectic work routines and tight schedules drain us and make us feel stressed and burnt out. If you constantly feel stressed, weary, and tired, it\u2019s time to rest and focus on the inside. Concentrate on what your body tells you and calm your body with somatic exercises.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Now you may be wondering what somatic exercise is. If you\u2019re new to this concept or you\u2019ve only heard it discussed, hang tight as we explain it in detail.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Does Somatic Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic is derived from a Greek word, \u201cSoma\u201d, which means body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body\u201d.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic has since been used to describe various practices, including somatic movement, somatic routine, somatic relaxation, or somatic education (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics#origins\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). These approaches are categorized as bottom-up processing. These are based on the idea of exploring our bodily sensations, which are linked to our conceptual thoughts.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">For example: Siegel (2012) gave an illustrative example of a person seeing a rose. The bottom-up experience senses the rose \u201cas if it were the first time, exciting curiosity\u201d. In contrast, the top-down experience recognizes it as a red flower. It identifies the rose according to the coalesced summary of previous experiences with roses <\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ibpj.org\/issues\/articles\/Meridith%20L.%20Antonucci%20-%20Pause,%20Breathe,%20and%20Feel.pdf\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">(17).<\/span><\/a>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">According to Mr. Hanna, somatic movement helps the brain slo ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/\",\"name\":\"What Is Somatic Exercise? 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A Journey to Rediscover Your Body&#8217;s Natural Grace","dateModified":"2025-10-29T20:46:31+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/"},"wordCount":2926,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/cover-What-Is-Somatic-Exercise.png","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping up with the pace of busy life these days can be pretty exhausting. Hectic work routines and tight schedules drain us and make us feel stressed and burnt out. If you constantly feel stressed, weary, and tired, it\u2019s time to rest and focus on the inside. Concentrate on what your body tells you and calm your body with somatic exercises.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you may be wondering what somatic exercise is. If you\u2019re new to this concept or you\u2019ve only heard it discussed, hang tight as we explain it in detail.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Does Somatic Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic is derived from a Greek word, \u201cSoma\u201d, which means body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body\u201d.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic has since been used to describe various practices, including somatic movement, somatic routine, somatic relaxation, or somatic education (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics#origins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These approaches are categorized as bottom-up processing. These are based on the idea of exploring our bodily sensations, which are linked to our conceptual thoughts.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example: Siegel (2012) gave an illustrative example of a person seeing a rose. The bottom-up experience senses the rose \u201cas if it were the first time, exciting curiosity\u201d. In contrast, the top-down experience recognizes it as a red flower. It identifies the rose according to the coalesced summary of previous experiences with roses <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibpj.org\/issues\/articles\/Meridith%20L.%20Antonucci%20-%20Pause,%20Breathe,%20and%20Feel.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(17).<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Mr. Hanna, somatic movement helps the brain slo ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-somatic-exercise\/","name":"What Is Somatic Exercise? 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