Our bodies hold memories, emotions, and wisdom that we may not be consciously aware of. Somatic therapy focuses on accessing and healing through the body's sensations, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.The goal of somatic therapy is to promote healing and well-being by working with the body's sensations, movements, and patterns of tension. It aims to increase a person's awareness of their bodily sensations, feelings, and emotions and to facilitate their integration with cognitive and emotional processes. Somatic therapy can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, stress, or other emotional difficulties.
Breathwork techniques, such as deep and diaphragmatic breathing, can activate the body's relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This can help lower overall stress levels.
It can be effective in managing anxiety and symptoms of anxiety disorders. Techniques like box breathing and 4-7-8 breathing can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Certain breathwork practices, such as mindfulness meditation with a focus on the breath, can enhance concentration and cognitive function. This can lead to improved productivity and mental clarity.
Breathwork can help individuals become more aware of their emotions and develop better control over their emotional responses. This can be particularly helpful in managing anger, frustration, and impulsivity.
Breathwork coupled with somatic experiencing therapy can reduce anxiety, depression, improve sleep, and reduce stress.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, without judgment. By focusing our attention on the present moment, we can reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our overall well-being.
Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can have a positive impact on physical health by reducing symptoms of chronic pain, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep quality. It can also improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increasing emotional regulation.
One theory behind these effects is that mindfulness helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls our involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion. By calming the mind and reducing stress, we can create a more balanced and healthy nervous system, leading to improved physical and mental health.
Copyright © 2024 Mary Elizabeth Burns, MS, NCC, LPC - All Rights Reserved.