Healing the Body: Releasing Trauma and Stress Through Somatic Therapies

In the realm of mental health, we often focus on the mind, but what about the body? Increasingly, research and clinical practice are revealing that trauma and chronic stress leave a profound imprint on our physical selves. When we encounter trauma or chronic stress, our nervous system activates not only the well-known "fight, flight, or freeze" responses, but also other trauma responses like "fawn" or people-pleasing, which are highly prevalent in the population I serve. A dysregulated nervous system, controlled primarily by the amygdala – a pea-shaped area of the brain located roughly between the ears – can shut off higher-level cognitive functions, prioritizing survival above all else. This is where somatic therapies come into play, offering powerful pathways to healing by addressing the body's experience of trauma and stress, and providing tools to access and release these trapped energies, promoting healing and integration.

Somatic Therapies: Releasing the Body's Held Trauma:

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping, Somatic Therapy, Reiki, and Breathwork:

  • EFT (Tapping): This technique combines cognitive therapy and acupressure, involving tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on distressing thoughts or emotions. Developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, building on Dr. Roger Callahan's work, EFT has shown effectiveness in reducing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and pain by regulating the nervous system, reducing cortisol, and promoting emotional regulation.

  • Somatic Therapy: Encompassing various approaches, somatic therapy focuses on body sensations and movements, emphasizing body awareness through techniques like breathwork, movement exercises, and body-centered mindfulness. It helps release physical tension and emotional blockages, fostering safety and grounding.

  • Reiki: A Japanese energy healing technique, Reiki involves placing hands on or near the client's body to facilitate "life force energy" flow, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and supporting natural healing. While research is ongoing, many report benefits like reduced pain, improved sleep, and enhanced emotional well-being.

  • Breathwork: Utilizing various breathing patterns, breathwork improves mental, physical, and spiritual health. It regulates the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Power of Somatic Tools:

Integrating somatic tools into therapy can be life-changing. Techniques like tapping and breathwork provide accessible ways to regulate the nervous system and release trapped emotions. By bringing awareness to the body, we can unlock new pathways to healing and create a greater sense of wholeness.

Recommendations:

If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, trauma, or emotional dysregulation, I recommend exploring these somatic therapies:

• Seek a qualified somatic therapist or EFT practitioner.

• Practice daily breathwork exercises to regulate your nervous system.

• Consider incorporating Reiki into your self-care routine.

• Educate yourself on the amygdala and how trauma affects the nervous system.

These techniques can be powerful tools for anyone seeking to heal from trauma, reduce stress, and cultivate greater well-being.