{"id":53946,"date":"2023-08-29T14:49:41","date_gmt":"2023-08-29T14:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=53946"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"somatic-movement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection"},"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:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_is_Somatic_Movement\" >What is Somatic Movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_is_the_Meaning_of_Somatic_Movement\" >What is the Meaning of Somatic Movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#How_to_Do_the_Somatic_Movement\" >How to Do the Somatic Movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_is_an_example_of_a_Somatic_Practice\" >What is an example of a Somatic Practice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_are_some_Somatic_Movement_Exercises\" >What are some Somatic Movement Exercises?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Somatic_Washcloth\" >Somatic Washcloth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Somatic_Dance\" >Somatic Dance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Rolfing\" >Rolfing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Body-Mind_Centering\" >Body-Mind Centering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Alexander_Technique\" >Alexander Technique<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Feldenkrais_Method\" >Feldenkrais Method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Laban_Movement_Analysis_LMA\" >Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)<\/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:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#How_is_Somatic_Movement_Different_from_Yoga\" >How is Somatic Movement Different from Yoga?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Why_is_the_Somatic_Movement_Important\" >Why is the Somatic Movement Important?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Enhances_Emotional_Awareness\" >Enhances Emotional Awareness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Relieves_Pain\" >Relieves Pain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_is_somatic_yoga\" >What is somatic yoga?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#What_are_the_four_somatic_practices\" >What are the four somatic practices?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#Is_meditation_a_somatic_practice\" >Is meditation a somatic practice?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you suffer from constant muscle tension and stiffness? In a world dominated by the chaos of modern life, we often neglect our physical forms. It is about time you try somatic movement, the latest buzz among health enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to traditional exercises where you focus on external movements, somatic techniques allow you to focus internally and consciously feel each move you make. These movements offer an extraordinary pathway to reconnect with our bodies, liberating us from daily stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These movements may help you establish an effective mind-body connection and develop a harmonious union between mind and body. Join us as we explore the basics of somatic movement therapy and how it benefits your well-being.<\/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\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-54003 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-1024x1024.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"770\" height=\"770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-300x300.gif 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-150x150.gif 150w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1.gif 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-920x920.gif 920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><strong>What is Somatic Movement?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement means you make conscious body movements by focusing on each exercise, increasing internal awareness. The purpose is to listen to your body and sense any signal your body makes regarding pain or discomfort (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word Somatic comes from the Greek word Soma, meaning body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Education was first coined by an educator, Thomas Hanna, who used the word in his book, Bodies in Revolt: A Primer on Somatic Thinking. He used the word somatic to refer to techniques people use to increase bodily awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since somatic is an umbrella term for healing techniques, it is often associated with somatic yoga, somatic therapy, somatic psychology, or somatic education.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Meaning_of_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><strong>What is the Meaning of Somatic Movement?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose of the somatic movement is to slow down and focus on what is going on inside. We often ignore the signals our bodies send and focus on external aspects of our bodies. While that is important, focusing on our internal body is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ignoring our internal cues makes us feel drained and exhausted by the end of the day. We tune in to how our muscles feel in any given movement or moment through somatic movement. This allows us to feel the tension in our muscles and other tissues that we\u2019ve been conditioned to ignore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, over the years, our nervous system conditioned our muscles to be tight and respond in certain ways due to our habits, stress, or injuries. Over time, this may lead to muscle tightness, soreness, and pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Doing somatic movement helps those muscles relax and release the pent-up tension. This improves overall wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you may be wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-the-difference-between-health-and-wellness\/\">what is the difference between health and wellness<\/a>. Health refers to physical health, whereas wellness refers to emotional, spiritual, social, and physical health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_the_Somatic_Movement\"><\/span><strong>How to Do the Somatic Movement?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The somatic movement must be done very slowly. This is because our nervous system reacts differently when we do things slowly (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/23266-parasympathetic-nervous-system-psns\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Doing fast activities prevents us from learning new things, making us reinforce the movements we usually do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, it is vital to perform somatic movement training consciously by being aware of what is happening on the inside. We need to focus internally to be able to learn something new.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The overall idea is to unlearn and re-learn. When we perform these somatic movements slowly with complete attention, we learn something new each time. As opposed to other exercises that focus more on achieving a certain number of reps, somatic movement is all about quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you wish to reach into the deep crevices of your mind, take yourself out of the mental loop, regain balance, infuse yourself with optimism, and cultivate compassion &#8211; <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\">BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app<\/a> is exactly what you need!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_example_of_a_Somatic_Practice\"><\/span><strong>What is an example of a Somatic Practice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement may be synonymous with somatic stretching, where we move our body slowly to release muscle tension. The somatic extension is based on pandiculation and is done unintentionally and naturally, just like we stretch our bodies by getting up after sitting for a long time (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21665102\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This allows us to focus on our bodies attentively and feel the stiffness leaving our bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pandiculation can be explained as a neurological response of releasing built-up muscle tension naturally. An example could be animals and humans arching their backs to stretch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the simple somatic movement examples includes standing consciously. To do this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand up straight on the ground with your feet rooted to the floor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring awareness to your foot muscles, noticing how they grip the floor. Contract and release the foot muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take deep breaths, observing how your abdominal muscles expand and contract. Focus on the sensations of your abdominal muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scan your body from bottom to top, noticing how different muscles feel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay particular attention to areas of tension and discomfort in your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work on releasing tension by contracting different body parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\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\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-53965 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic movement\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_Somatic_Movement_Exercises\"><\/span><strong>What are some Somatic Movement Exercises?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic release exercises help you become hyper-aware of your internal body and combat built-up muscle tension. The purpose of these bodily movement exercises is to make people stop and focus on their movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of our movements are unintentional, including <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mindful-walking\/\">mindful walking<\/a> when we aren\u2019t counting the steps. Some of the most common somatic exercises are:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Washcloth\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Washcloth<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washcloth is a somatic exercise that helps release muscle tension and promote relaxation in the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/somaticmovementcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Washcloth.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It is named as it mimics the motion of you wringing a washcloth. Here&#8217;s how you can perform washcloth:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can perform a somatic routine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie down on your back. You can use a yoga mat or a soft surface like a rug.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extend your legs and rest your arms by your sides while lying down. Relax your body in a way that you feel the ground beneath.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin by focusing on your feet. Slowly and gently wiggle your toes, flex, and point your feet a few times. Pay attention to any areas of tension in your feet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue moving slowly up through your body. Imagine your body is like a washcloth being gently wrung out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wring your body and imagine tension releasing from each part as you wring it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you move up your body, wring your shoulders, arms, and head slowly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you wring each body part slowly and gently. You can rotate your ankles or wrists slowly or gently roll your shoulders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do this exercise until you feel all tension has left your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have wrung out your whole body, lie still for a moment, allowing the relaxation to settle in. Take a few deep breaths, and when you&#8217;re ready, slowly sit up and return to a seated position.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Note: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember to breathe deeply and not hasten to perform these movements. Try to complete each action mindfully to immerse in the somatic exercise fully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, pay attention to sensations. Notice any areas of tension, stiffness, or relaxation. Allow yourself to experience the movement without judgment and the release fully.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Somatic_Dance\"><\/span><strong>Somatic Dance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic dance is also another way to form a deep mind-body connection. Dance therapy utilizes movements as a way to heal, especially for those who are dealing with challenging events. Considering how it helps individuals to cope with their emotions, they must perform it under the guidance of a trained therapist. A certified dance therapist can help you navigate through your feelings and allow your body to express everything that is pent up!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To perform somatic dance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find an open or comfortable space where you can move freely. You may play some calming music to enhance your experience.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin with gentle stretching to prepare your body for movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring awareness to your different body parts slowly. Notice any areas of tension or sensations. This will help you become more present and connected to your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the music plays, allow your body to lead the way. You don\u2019t need to follow a particular choreography. Your instructor can help you to pick the moves. Allow your body to respond to its impulses and desires.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to your breath as you move. Let your breath guide your movements. Deep breathing can help you stay grounded throughout the dance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore various movements, such as flowing, spiraling, and pulsating.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic dancing is characterized by improvisation. Discover new steps and movements instead of following predetermined steps. Your dance therapist can help you to explore new techniques.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, pay attention to the physical sensations you experience while dancing. Notice how your body feels, where the movements originate, and how they flow through you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you conclude your somatic dance, take a moment to stand or sit still and reflect on your experience. Observe any shifts in your body, emotions, or mindset that may have occurred during the practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Note: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic dancing is a deeply personal practice, and it may take time to fully tap into your inner movements and emotions. Be patient with yourself, and approach the procedure with self-compassion and non-judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:\u00a0<\/strong>Sound Meditation: The Healing Power Of Sound.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, you can also perform the following exercise:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a quiet and comfortable space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie on your back with your legs extended.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your eyes and twist your right leg outward, arching your lower back.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twist the right leg inward, letting your lower back flatten.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat this pattern on both sides at least five times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Observe how your leg movements affect your lower back.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotate both legs inward and outward in a pigeon toe and duck foot pattern. Practice this five times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these were some basic somatic exercises, you can also try the following systematic techniques to achieve mindfulness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rolfing\"><\/span><strong>Rolfing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolfing was developed in the 60s and has been used to treat chronic muscle pain and balance issues. It\u2019s a holistic method of regaining structural balance in the body through muscle and fascia manipulation. Rolfing helps the body\u2019s natural mechanisms to take over and correct these imbalances naturally (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fascia#watch-out-for\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolfing is usually done in 10 sessions where a Rolfing practitioner addresses misalignment and pain points throughout the body. Compared to traditional massage techniques, where a masseuse addresses certain pain points, a Rolfer massages muscles in the entire body to adjust misalignment and structural imbalances.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body-Mind_Centering\"><\/span><strong>Body-Mind Centering<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body-mind centering (BMC) is an integrated approach to understanding and connecting with the body and mind. Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen developed it and combined anatomy, physiology, and somatic psychology principles to explore the relationship between the physical body and the mind (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bonniebainbridgecohen.com\/pages\/body-mind-centering\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body-mind centering aims to help people become more aware of their internal selves through experiential movement, touch, and awareness to facilitate a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection and promote mental and physical well-being. Human bodies hold a wealth of knowledge that can influence their thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body-mind centering helps individuals enhance their movement capabilities and posture by releasing tension, improving alignment, and finding greater efficiency in their physical activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alexander_Technique\"><\/span><strong>Alexander Technique<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alexander Technique is another somatic practice that can improve your posture by focusing on sensory awareness, self-perception, and conscious movement. Named and developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander, the Alexander Technique identifies body misalignment and rectifies poor posture. The technique emphasizes the integration of mind and body in everyday activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the UK National Health Service, Alexander Technique treats chronic back and neck pain and helps individuals cope with Parkinson\u2019s disease (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/alexander-technique\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique is taught in private lessons where teachers observe their students\u2019 gait. They provide verbal and manual guidance to help individuals better maintain their posture and move with better poise.<\/span><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\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-53969 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic movement examples\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4-3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feldenkrais_Method\"><\/span><strong>Feldenkrais Method<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feldenkrais\u2019s method also helps you develop a strong mind-body connection. Mosh\u00e9 Feldenkrais developed it during the mid-20th century (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/types\/feldenkrais-method\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like Alexander&#8217;s technique, the Feldenkrais method also helps individuals learn graceful and efficient movement.\u00a0 Although there are limited studies on this method, many proponents claim that this method may benefit people with autism or multiple sclerosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laban_Movement_Analysis_LMA\"><\/span><strong>Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last is the Laban Movement Analysis, a method used to observe, describe, and understand human movement. Developed by Rudolf Laban, Laban Movement Analysis helps us break down and analyze how we move in various ways and what those movements convey (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labaninstitute.org\/about\/laban-movement-analysis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, we see a ballet dancer glide through the stage. Every dancer is unique and does their performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis looks at four components: <\/span><b>body, effort, shape, and space<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It examines how the body moves, including its form, posture, and the way it takes up space. For instance, a person might move with big, expansive gestures or small, contained movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The technique also focuses on the qualities of movement. Movements can be light or strong, free-flowing or tense, quick or sustained. Shape refers to the patterns and forms that movements create in space. Movements can be linear, curved, twisting, or a combination of these shapes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laban Movement Analysis also considers how movements relate to the surrounding space. It examines whether movements are directed forward, backward, upward, downward, or sideways, as well as how much space a person occupies with their movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By observing and analyzing these components, this Analysis helps people gain insight into their intentions, emotions, and personality traits through their movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you want to learn how to exit the spiral of self-harming behavior, overcome anxiety, cure insomnia or simply give yourself the time and space to bliss out and soak up the moment of complete peace and quiet &#8211; <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\">BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app<\/a> is exactly the tool for that! If you don\u2019t take care of number one, who will?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_Somatic_Movement_Different_from_Yoga\"><\/span><strong>How is Somatic Movement Different from Yoga?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga is the primary exercise we do when we have to practice mindfulness. While <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-many-calories-does-yoga-burn-in-30-minutes\/\">yoga<\/a> enhances relaxation, it is not always somatic. When a person is not following the instructions of yoga teachers, they may ignore their cues and twist their bodies into uncomfortable poses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is all about listening to our body and focusing inward. It allows us to feel every sensation and consciously let stiffness exit our bodies. Somatic yoga comprises small and slower movements with the eyes closed. It includes guided breathing, meditation, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/positive-affirmations-for-women\/\">positive affirmations<\/a> and moments of relaxation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/denizaydoslu.com\/what-is-somatic-yoga\/#:~:text=Somatic%20Yoga%20is%20all%20about,with%20yourself%20and%20your%20body.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement yoga helps us stabilize our root chakra, which is located at the base of our spine. Root chakra imbalance leads to discomfort, tension, and muscle stiffness. Practicing <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/root-chakra-yoga-poses\/\">Root Chakra Yoga Poses<\/a>, such as Balasana, Savasana, Warrior I, or Warrior II, helps us tune into our bodies and achieve a well-balanced life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_the_Somatic_Movement_Important\"><\/span><strong>Why is the Somatic Movement Important?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement has become popular recently due to its many health benefits. Let\u2019s check out why incorporating bodily movement in your morning routine checklist benefits your mind and body.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhances_Emotional_Awareness\"><\/span><strong>Enhances Emotional Awareness<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The essence of the somatic movement is to significantly improve our mind-body connection and be more aware of our senses. Certain emotions we experience due to a distressful event and stress may get repressed and stored in our bodies (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/totalsomatics.com\/the-benefits-of-somatic-movement\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing somatic movements helps us acknowledge those emotions. According to a study, practicing Laban Movement Analysis increases our postural awareness and allows us to enhance emotional resilience (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5594083\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relieves_Pain\"><\/span><strong>Relieves Pain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mindfully focusing on areas with tension, you gain heightened awareness about pain&#8217;s origin. This allows you to do somatic exercises that help you improve your posture and make certain changes to your body language to reduce pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study found that individuals who practiced the Rosen Method, a type of somatic exercise, experienced less fatigue and body pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24000305\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It also revealed that individuals who practiced the Feldenkrais method significantly benefited from chronic back pain relief.<\/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\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-53959 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"somatic movement yoga\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1-1636x920.png 1636w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/sound-therapy\/\">The Power Of Sound Therapy: Here&#8217;s How To Use Ancient Tibetan Singing Bowl Healing And Meditation Bells<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_somatic_yoga\"><\/span><b>What is somatic yoga?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is the type of yoga in which you pay complete attention to each movement and do the poses slowly and gently. This allows you to concentrate on your body sensations and identify areas of discomfort. It should be practiced with a certified yoga teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_four_somatic_practices\"><\/span><b>What are the four somatic practices?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The four somatic movement practices are Rolfing, Body-Mind Centering, Alexander technique, and Feldenkrais method. It also includes Laban Movement Analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_meditation_a_somatic_practice\"><\/span><b>Is meditation a somatic practice?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation can be a somatic practice, as it helps you focus on your internal bodily sensations wholeheartedly and while staying connected to your breathing.\u00a0 Meditation is somatic as long as you do not rush through the process and do the practice gently.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To summarize, somatic movements offer a transformative approach to understanding and enhancing physical and mental well-being. Practicing bodily movement may allow you to combat pain, relieve muscle tension, and get better at performing day-to-day tasks easily. Through the gentle and mindful exploration of movements, somatic exercises may help practitioners tread a journey of self-discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you continue to delve into the endless realm of somatic practices, it opens doors to healing, progress, and self-realization. If you are new to this, consult a somatic movement expert for expert advice and tips to relieve your body.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, you should contact a mental health professional if you experience overwhelming emotions or feelings interrupting your daily life. They can guide you through the journey through customized interventions.\u00a0<\/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\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V1_ggl-1.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you suffer from constant muscle tension and stiffness? In a world dominated by the chaos of modern life, we often neglect our physical forms. It is about time you try somatic movement, the latest buzz among health enthusiasts. Compared to traditional exercises where you focus on external movements, somatic techniques allow you to focus [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":53987,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[132,209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[177,213],"class_list":["post-53946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-somatic-exercises"],"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: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the transformative power of \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT \u27a4 - a practice that connects mind and body through gentle, intuitive movements.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the transformative power of \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT \u27a4 - a practice that connects mind and body through gentle, intuitive movements.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\" \/>\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=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Anoshia Riaz, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\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=\"Anoshia Riaz, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Anoshia Riaz\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f324b7cdd5fe024f7d1b6d4da3f4cd26\"},\"headline\":\"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\"},\"wordCount\":2827,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Mental Health\",\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Do you suffer from constant muscle tension and stiffness? In a world dominated by the chaos of modern life, we often neglect our physical forms. It is about time you try somatic movement, the latest buzz among health enthusiasts.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Compared to traditional exercises where you focus on external movements, somatic techniques allow you to focus internally and consciously feel each move you make. These movements offer an extraordinary pathway to reconnect with our bodies, liberating us from daily stress.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">These movements may help you establish an effective mind-body connection and develop a harmonious union between mind and body. Join us as we explore the basics of somatic movement therapy and how it benefits your well-being.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<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\\\"><img class=\\\"aligncenter wp-image-54003 size-large\\\" src=\\\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-1024x1024.gif\\\" alt=\\\"BetterMe\\\" width=\\\"770\\\" height=\\\"770\\\" \/><\/a>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>What is Somatic Movement?<\/strong><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic movement means you make conscious body movements by focusing on each exercise, increasing internal awareness. The purpose is to listen to your body and sense any signal your body makes regarding pain or discomfort (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The word Somatic comes from the Greek word Soma, meaning body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body.\u201d<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic Education was first coined by an educator, Thomas Hanna, who used the word in his book, Bodies i ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\",\"name\":\"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover the transformative power of \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT \u27a4 - a practice that connects mind and body through gentle, intuitive movements.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"designers\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Mental Health\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; 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In a world dominated by the chaos of modern life, we often neglect our physical forms. It is about time you try somatic movement, the latest buzz among health enthusiasts.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to traditional exercises where you focus on external movements, somatic techniques allow you to focus internally and consciously feel each move you make. These movements offer an extraordinary pathway to reconnect with our bodies, liberating us from daily stress.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These movements may help you establish an effective mind-body connection and develop a harmonious union between mind and body. Join us as we explore the basics of somatic movement therapy and how it benefits your well-being.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<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\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-54003 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1_2023_08_21_max_GifSomatic_V2_ggl-1-1024x1024.gif\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"770\" height=\"770\" \/><\/a>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What is Somatic Movement?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic movement means you make conscious body movements by focusing on each exercise, increasing internal awareness. The purpose is to listen to your body and sense any signal your body makes regarding pain or discomfort (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/somatics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word Somatic comes from the Greek word Soma, meaning body. Somatic means \u201cof or relating to the living body.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Education was first coined by an educator, Thomas Hanna, who used the word in his book, Bodies i ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/","name":"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","description":"Discover the transformative power of \u2605 SOMATIC MOVEMENT \u27a4 - a practice that connects mind and body through gentle, intuitive movements.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/somatic-movement.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"designers"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-movement\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Mental Health","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Somatic Movement: A Journey to Mind-Body Connection"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; 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