Is yoga good for somatic healing?

Traditional yoga can be incredibly helpful in increasing flexibility, strength, balance, and mental clarity. However, Somatic Yoga can cultivate greater body awareness, release tension held in the muscles, improve breathing patterns, and promote relaxation. Somatic Yoga also incorporates mindfulness and meditation techniques that can help you connect with your body on a deeper level, facilitating the processing and release of stored emotional or somatic stress ( 2 ). The combination of physical and mindful movement and breathwork in Somatic Yoga makes it a comprehensive approach to somatic healing, which offers a holistic pathway toward greater health and well-being .

What is an example of Somatic Yoga?

A typical Somatic Yoga sequence could include exercises such as pelvic tilts, spinal waves, and gentle stretches that are designed to mobilize the spine and joints while encouraging relaxation and presence in the body. Throughout the practice, emphasis is placed on breath awareness and the connection between movement and sensation, fostering a deeper mind-body connection and facilitating somatic healing.

Is Pilates a somatic practice?

Pilates incorporates elements of body awareness and mindful movement that are akin to somatic practices, but its primary aim is physical conditioning rather than somatic healing. While Pilates can enhance body awareness and control, it does not specifically target the release of stored tension or trauma resolution, as somatic practices such as somatic experiencing or Somatic Yoga do.

Is tai chi a somatic approach?

Yes, tai chi can be considered a somatic approach. Somatic exercises focus on the mind-body connection and often involve gentle, mindful movement aimed at increasing body awareness and promoting relaxation. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that emphasizes slow, flowing movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental focus. This practice can create a heightened awareness of body sensations and alignment while moving through a series of postures and transitions. This mindful movement, coupled with breath awareness, can help reduce stress, improve balance and coordination, and promote overall well-being, which aligns with the principles of somatic practices ( 9 ).