Are somatic exercises the same as yoga?

Not quite. However, somatic yoga ( 16 ) combines somatic principles and traditional yoga and offers advantages such as enhancing quality of life and flexibility ( 6 ). It is advisable to practice under the guidance of a certified somatic yoga instructor.

Is Pilates a somatic exercise?

The Pilates method is known to enhance strength and flexibility. While it’s not traditionally classified as a somatic practice, it shares common principles and characteristics with somatic approaches.

Is tai chi a somatic exercise?

Tai chi is a mind-body practice that involves slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques. It incorporates somatic elements as it focuses on cultivating body awareness, relaxation, and balance through gentle movement and breathwork ( 14 ).

Blog Editorial team Sachini Akuretiya, MS

Sachini Akuretiya, MS

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Consultant

Sachini Akuretiya holds professional certificates from prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School and the International Organization for Migration, as well as master’s degrees in Clinical and Health Psychology and International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.

She is a passionate advocate for holistic healing with a diverse career spanning roles as an independent mental health consultant, a dissertation supervisor at the University of West London, and a psychologist for organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration.

She specializes in addressing intergenerational trauma and promoting mental health through community integration. Sachini’s approach emphasizes empowerment and inner strength, guiding individuals on their paths to healing with warmth and dedication.

Experience

Independent Consultant – Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Independent Consultant for Global Communities – USAID
Dissertation Supervisor (Accredited Lecturer) for University of West London,
Project Coordinator – Psychosocial Support for International Organization for Migration (UN Migration)
Psychologist for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),

Education

International Organization for Migration (UN Migration) and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Psychosocial Interventions in Migration, Emergencies, and Displacement, professional certificate
Harvard Medical School, professional certificate from The Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Certificate Program
Trauma Research Foundation and Maryland Psychological Association on “Trauma and the Restoration of the Self: Integrating Fundamental Discoveries in Neuroscience with Embodied Self-Awareness and Mindfulness”, “ Come to Your Senses: Establishing & Regaining Body Awareness”, “The Emergence of a Polyvagal-Informed Therapy: Harnessing Neuroception of Safety in Clinical Treatment” and “Plasticity of the Social Brain How to Train Mindfulness, Compassion and Perspectives on the Self”, professional certificates
Pacific Open Learning Health Net, completed Mental Health Gap Action Programme
University of West London, Master of Science in Clinical and Health Psychology from the, UK, 2017-2018
KALU Institute, Master of International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the, Spain, 2017-2018