{"id":67359,"date":"2024-11-07T07:32:32","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T07:32:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=67359"},"modified":"2024-11-13T08:34:26","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T08:34:26","slug":"somatic-movement-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Movement Therapy: Practices and Benefits for Everyday Life"},"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\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#What_Is_Somatic_Movement_Therapy\" >What Is Somatic Movement Therapy?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#What_Does_Somatic_Movement_Therapy_Help_With\" >What Does Somatic Movement Therapy Help With?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Somatic_Movement_Therapy_Methods\" >Somatic Movement Therapy Methods<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#What_Does_a_Somatic_Therapy_Session_Look_Like\" >What Does a Somatic Therapy Session Look Like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Somatic_Movement_vs_Yoga\" >Somatic Movement vs Yoga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#What_Are_Somatic_Movements_for_Trauma\" >What Are Somatic Movements for Trauma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Can_You_Lose_Weight_with_Somatic_Exercises\" >Can You Lose Weight with Somatic Exercises?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#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-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Do_somatic_exercises_release_trauma\" >Do somatic exercises release trauma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Does_somatic_movement_help_constant_worry\" >Does somatic movement help constant worry?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Is_Pilates_a_somatic_practice\" >Is Pilates a somatic practice?<\/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\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#Is_yoga_a_somatic_movement\" >Is yoga a somatic movement?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We often hear that what happens inside our bodies matters more than how we look on the outside, which emphasizes that our health is the most important factor.<\/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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\" 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;\">The focus of somatic movement therapy is on the mind-body connection and encourages people to pay attention to the physical sensations that arise during movement and the emotions that may be linked to them. Rather than striving for particular goals, this approach may help individuals reconnect with their bodies safely and healthily, often accompanied by a mental health professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will explore what somatic movement therapy is, the most common somatic healing techniques, and what you need to know before getting started.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Somatic_Movement_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Is Somatic Movement Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-somatic-therapy\/\">Somatic movement therapy<\/a> is an approach to healing that is focused on strengthening the connection between mind and body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It involves intentional movements to tune into how you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feel<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your body, rather than striving for appearance-based goals or achieving a specific physical outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201csomatic\u201d comes from the Greek word \u201csoma\u201d, which translates to \u201cthe body as perceived from within\u201d (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vocabulary.com\/dictionary\/somatic\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In the health community, \u201csomatic\u201d encompasses a wide range of healing techniques, most of which are focused on the internal experience of the body rather than its external appearance.<\/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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-66194\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Movement Therapy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/somatic-practices.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many somatic movement therapy exercises encourage listening to your body without judgment, aiming to build body awareness and strengthen the mind-body connection. By noticing physical sensations that arise during movement and emotions that may be linked to them, you can process and heal from emotional difficulties healthily and gradually, potentially improving your emotional resilience and overall well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you wish to free yourself from all the extra pounds that have been weighing you down for way too long, <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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">start using the BetterMe: Health Coaching app<\/a> and overhaul your entire life!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Somatic_Movement_Therapy_Help_With\"><\/span><b>What Does Somatic Movement Therapy Help With?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although somatic therapy was initially employed to help people with a significant trauma history manage their symptoms, it has evolved to potentially benefit those who are seeking relief from a variety of emotional difficulties (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that the effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-workout-for-women\/\">somatic therapy exercises<\/a> can vary significantly from person to person, so different techniques may be more effective than others, depending on your individual needs. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best somatic exercise plan that is aligned with your health needs and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When performed regularly, common benefits of somatic therapy can include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7868595\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced stress and worry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved body awareness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relieved chronic pain and tension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved flexibility and range of motion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-couples-therapy\/\">Somatic Couples Therapy: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Movement_Therapy_Methods\"><\/span><b>Somatic Movement Therapy Methods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many somatic movement therapy methods are available, each of which offers its own distinct purpose and benefits. As the effects can vary widely, don\u2019t hesitate to experiment with different exercises until you discover what feels best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focusing on exercises that prioritize movement, here are some of the most common somatic therapy techniques you can consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Somatic stretching:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gentle stretches often focused on body awareness, breath control, and muscle tension release (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/research\/blog\/more-stretching-less-stressing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Somatic yoga: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combines traditional yoga poses with mindful movement and deep breathing to reduce feelings of stress and worry (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/373335333_Bringing_therapy_to_life_Exploring_the_benefits_of_yoga_and_somatic_mindfulness_in_psychotherapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Somatic dancing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expressing yourself through free-form dancing to release built-up tension, energy, and stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10334851\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Somatic shaking:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Self-induced shaking movements that are meant to \u201cshake off\u201d stress and tension from the body, allowing for healthier emotional release (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4268601\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\">Exercises<\/a> such as Pilates and tai chi can also be considered somatic practices (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7476461\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), but only when performed with mindfulness rather than for achieving specific goals. While all the exercises mentioned above may be beneficial, the key is to explore various techniques and find what resonates best with your emotional <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you interested in finding more easy somatic exercises? The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BetterMe app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers an abundance of resources and tutorials to help get you started.<\/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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Install the app and experience the versatility first-hand!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_a_Somatic_Therapy_Session_Look_Like\"><\/span><b>What Does a Somatic Therapy Session Look Like?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you use somatic exercises to release trauma or manage mental health difficulties, it\u2019s important to work alongside a mental health professional as they can provide the necessary support and guidance to help you navigate the healing process effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you start working with a somatic therapist, the structure of each session can vary based on the specific issues you\u2019re addressing. While every session is tailored to your unique needs, many will include guided somatic exercises that help you reconnect with your body while releasing stored tension and emotions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the session, the therapist often encourages open communication about any physical sensations and emotions that are linked to them. Sessions may also include periods of reflection and discussion about the somatic work to help advance your healing journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, self-guided somatic exercises for everyday stress and worry relief tend to be shorter and less intense. They can include quick breathing exercises, body scanning, and any other movement that aims to enhance mind-body awareness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8869993\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a somatic therapist, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychology Today website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a search tool that can help you find a suitable provider in your area (United States only).<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54137\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54137\" style=\"width: 770px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-54137\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Movement Therapy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/somatic-grounding-exercises.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54137\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Movement_vs_Yoga\"><\/span><b>Somatic Movement vs Yoga<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga can be considered to be a somatic practice when it focuses on internal experiences (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/373335333_Bringing_therapy_to_life_Exploring_the_benefits_of_yoga_and_somatic_mindfulness_in_psychotherapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). With this approach, emphasis is placed on how the body <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feels<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during each movement, often accompanied by other mind-body techniques such as breathwork and mindfulness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, yoga routines that prioritize mimicking certain poses or achieving a physical goal don\u2019t fall under the category of therapeutic somatic movement as they shift the focus away from the body\u2019s internal sensations and awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To clarify the differences between therapy-focused somatic yoga (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3833584\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and yoga as a physical exercise activity, here\u2019s a comparison:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wpsm_comptable_shortcode_echo\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm-comptable-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<table id=\"wpsm-table-418\" class=\"wpsm-comptable \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<thead class=\"wpsm-thead wpsm-thead-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Somatic Yoga<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Regular Yoga<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t\t\t<tbody class=\"wpsm-tbody\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGentle and intuitive movements, often guided by your internal sensations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStructured movements and poses that prioritize form and alignment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFocus on mindfulness and improving internal body awareness\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFocus on achieving specific poses or physical outcomes\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEncourages listening to the body and responding naturally to its needs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOften follows a set routine or a sequence of poses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoals: Improving the mind-body connection and releasing tension\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoals: Improving flexibility, strength, range of motion, and physical fitness\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Somatic_Movements_for_Trauma\"><\/span><b>What Are Somatic Movements for Trauma?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re dealing with trauma or other mental health challenges, professional support is essential. Mental health providers play a vital role in navigating the complex emotions and physical sensations that often accompany trauma, and they can also provide guidance and resources to support you on your healing journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma expert Dr. Peter Levine developed somatic experiencing (SE) to help individuals process and heal from trauma, focusing on how negative emotions and experiences are often stored in the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A multitude of somatic experiencing exercises are used in somatic trauma therapy sessions to support healthy and gradual trauma recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common somatic exercises for trauma release include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Grounding exercises:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Techniques that help you feel connected to the present moment and your physical body, reducing feelings of dissociation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207188\/box\/part1_ch4.box5\/?report=objectonly\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Somatic shaking:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gentle shaking movements that help release built-up stress, tension, and trauma energy from the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4268601\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Body scanning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A mindful practice of gradually bringing awareness to different parts of the body, noticing and releasing tension without judgment (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35538557\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Breathwork:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Controlled breathing exercises that regulate the nervous system and help reduce feelings of stress and worry (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9954474\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-bedtime-routine\/\">Somatic Bedtime Routine: How it Helps and What it Looks Like<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Lose_Weight_with_Somatic_Exercises\"><\/span><b>Can You Lose Weight with Somatic Exercises?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary goal of somatic exercises isn\u2019t weight loss, it\u2019s about tuning into your body and understanding how it <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feels<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, incorporating somatic exercises that involve more active movement can support weight management when paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Activities such as dancing, yoga, Pilates, martial arts, and walking are all suitable somatic exercises for weight loss and weight management.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that weight loss is influenced by a variety of factors, including your diet, activity level, lifestyle, and individual metabolism (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK221834\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). If weight loss is your main goal, it\u2019s best to consult a healthcare provider and a nutritionist to create a plan that is aligned with your specific health needs and fitness goals.<\/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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-53987\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Movement Therapy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/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=\"Do_somatic_exercises_release_trauma\"><\/span><strong>Do somatic exercises release trauma?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, when you work with a mental health professional, somatic exercises may help release trauma by allowing the body to process and let go of stored tension and emotions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5518443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These practices facilitate emotional healing by reconnecting you with your body in a safe and supportive manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_somatic_movement_help_constant_worry\"><\/span><strong>Does somatic movement help constant worry?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, somatic movement can reduce feelings of distress or unease by calming the nervous system and bringing you back to the present moment (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, it\u2019s important to note that the effects of somatic exercises can vary from person to person, so some exercises may be more effective than others for easing tension.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Pilates_a_somatic_practice\"><\/span><strong>Is Pilates a somatic practice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates can be considered a somatic practice when you\u2019re focused on mindful movement, body awareness, and noticing your internal experience. As long as the emphasis is on how your body <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feels<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during movement rather than achieving physical goals, Pilates can be an effective somatic workout for bringing you back to the present moment and improving your overall emotional well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4198945\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_yoga_a_somatic_movement\"><\/span><strong>Is yoga a somatic movement?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, yoga can be considered a somatic movement when it\u2019s focused on the internal experience of the body, including physical sensations and any emotions that are linked to them. Somatic yoga exercises often include elements of mindfulness, breathwork, and improving your body awareness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/373335333_Bringing_therapy_to_life_Exploring_the_benefits_of_yoga_and_somatic_mindfulness_in_psychotherapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, when it\u2019s focused on appearance-based goals or achieving a fitness goal, yoga isn\u2019t considered a somatic practice.<\/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=Somatic_Movement_Therapy\" 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;\">Whether you\u2019re dealing with emotional difficulties or just want to improve the mind-body connection, somatic movement therapy can offer many benefits. Remember, while these exercises may be useful, it\u2019s best to consult a healthcare professional before you try them yourself, particularly when addressing deeper emotional issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By exploring various somatic exercises and finding what resonates best with you, somatic movement therapy can be an effective part of your healing journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you looking for somatic exercises to try at home? The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BetterMe app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers an abundance of tutorials, guides, and resources to help you get started.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We often hear that what happens inside our bodies matters more than how we look on the outside, which emphasizes that our health is the most important factor. The focus of somatic movement therapy is on the mind-body connection and encourages people to pay attention to the physical sensations that arise during movement and the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":104,"featured_media":67360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[132,209,138],"tags":[],"coauthors":[253,231],"class_list":["post-67359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-somatic-exercises","category-therapy"],"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>Somatic Movement Therapy: Practices and Benefits for Everyday Life - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT THERAPY \u27a4 can improve the mind-body connection and improve emotional well-being, and what you need to know before getting started.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Somatic Movement Therapy: Practices and Benefits for Everyday Life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT THERAPY \u27a4 can improve the mind-body connection and improve emotional well-being, and what you need to know before getting started.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/\" \/>\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:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-13T08:34:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/somatic-movement-therapy-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alexis Schofield, Susan Masterson, PhD\" \/>\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=\"Alexis Schofield, Susan Masterson, PhD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Alexis Schofield\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/c2ee1ce5aca08e5aafa91b22405d6149\"},\"headline\":\"Somatic Movement Therapy: Practices and Benefits for Everyday Life\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-13T08:34:26+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/\"},\"wordCount\":1514,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement-therapy\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/somatic-movement-therapy.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Mental Health\",\"Somatic Exercises\",\"Therapy\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">We often hear that what happens inside our bodies matters more than how we look on the outside, which emphasizes that our health is the most important factor.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The focus of somatic movement therapy is on the mind-body connection and encourages people to pay attention to the physical sensations that arise during movement and the emotions that may be linked to them. Rather than striving for particular goals, this approach may help individuals reconnect with their bodies safely and healthily, often accompanied by a mental health professional.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">This article will explore what somatic movement therapy is, the most common somatic healing techniques, and what you need to know before getting started.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is Somatic Movement Therapy?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"><a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-somatic-therapy\/\\\">Somatic movement therapy<\/a> is an approach to healing that is focused on strengthening the connection between mind and body (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). 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It involves intentional movements to tune into how you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feel<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your body, rather than striving for appearance-based goals or achieving a specific physical outcome.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201csomatic\u201d comes from the Greek word \u201csoma\u201d, which translates to \u201cthe body as perceived from within\u201d (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vocabulary.com\/dictionary\/somatic\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). 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