Mastering Trauma: 6 Examples of Somatic Exercises for Effective Healing

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Our curriculum is accredited for continuing education by prestigious organizations like the APA and Board of Nurses, ensuring practitioners receive top-notch training and credentials.

Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.

examples of somatic exercises

Understanding Trauma: A Quick Guide to Somatic Exercises for Comprehensive Recovery

Key Points Covered:

  • Understanding Trauma and Somatic Exercises
  • Role of somatic exercises in healing trauma
  • Key approaches to somatic exercises
  • Six examples of somatic exercises for effective healing
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are going to delve into the world of somatic therapies, discuss trauma, its effects, and how somatic exercises can be a path to healing. Starting from the fundamental understanding to providing examples of somatic exercises, the content aims to educate those seeking information about their mental health and people keen on training in this field.

Understanding Trauma and Somatic Exercises

"The body keeps the score. If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heartbreaking and gut-wrenching emotions, in autoimmune disorders and skeletal/muscular problems, and if mind/brain/visceral communication is the royal road to emotion regulation, this demands a radical shift in our therapeutic assumptions." - A famous quote by Bessel A. van der Kolk, a pioneer in the field of trauma.

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that often leaves long-lasting impacts on one's mental, physical, and emotional health. These impacts can manifest in various ways, including chronic stress, anxiety, limbic system dysfunction, and numerous physiological symptoms. Amongst the various healing approaches for trauma, somatic exercises have risen to prominence. These exercises primarily focus on body sensations or specific physical experiences, encouraging the engagement of the body to heal the mind.

Role of Somatic Exercises in Healing Trauma

Somatic exercises help integrate the mind and body, focusing on bodily sensations to change physiological activation associated with trauma. They influence our body's stress response system, calms the nervous system, and aids in releasing stored trauma energy. By focusing on the interconnection between mind and body, somatic exercises facilitate healing and foster resilience in individuals affected by trauma.

Next, let's dig deeper into six somatic exercises for effective healing.

Key Approaches to Somatic Exercises

  1. Grounding:This technique involves focusing on physical connection with the ground. It enhances awareness of the physical body and its relationship with the surrounding environment.

  2. Tracking:This exercise involves observing one's own physical sensations and changes. It encourages individuals to become self-aware and recognize their emotional and somatic responses to certain thoughts or situations.

  3. Belly Breathing:This slow, deep breathing exercise activates the vagus nerve (which plays a major role in managing stress responses) and facilities a sense of calm and relaxation.

  4. Body-Scanning:Body scanning is about paying detailed attention to different parts of one's body, noting any sensations, tension or discomfort.

  5. Shaking or Tremoring:This technique helps release pent-up trauma or stress in the body. By consciously invoking tremors, individuals can effectively shed extra stress or tension.

  6. Movement-based Practices:Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong exercises draw attention to the body's physical movements and postures. They promote mindfulness, bring qualia to the forefront, and engender a sense of control and empowerment over the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can benefit from somatic exercises?Anyone dealing with trauma, stress, anxiety, chronic pain or simply seeking to strengthen their mind-body connection can benefit from somatic exercises.

2. Are somatic exercises safe?Yes, somatic exercises, when done correctly, are safe. However, for individuals with certain medical conditions, it's recommended to seek professional guidance.

3. Do I need any equipment for these exercises?No, somatic exercises generally don't require any special equipment. They can be done anywhere and anytime, offering simplicity and accessibility.

Exploring such somatic exercises, especially through structured programs like those offered at Aura Institute, can be a turning point in trauma recovery. Not only do they offer a fresh perspective on healing, but they can also empower individuals to regain control over their lives after trauma.

Ultimately, the journey towards healing is a personal one, and it's essential to adopt methods that align with one's own body, mind, and spirit. Somatic exercises offer a gentle, natural avenue to explore that journey, eventually leading to long-lasting healing.



Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.

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Transformative Thomas Hanna Somatic Exercises: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Healing

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Gentle Somatic Yoga: The Ultimate Trauma-Informed Training Guide