The Ultimate Guide on How to Do Somatic Shaking for Trauma Recovery

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Mastering the Technique of Somatic Shaking for Enhanced Trauma Recovery

Ultimate Tutorial on Effective Somatic Shaking for Healing Trauma

With increasingly promising outcomes, somatic shaking has become a potent tool in the field of trauma recovery. This guide aims to help you understand how to do somatic shaking at home for your mental health or as part of your professional therapeutic training.

Key Points Covered:

1. Understanding Somatic Shaking
2. The Science Behind Somatic Shaking
3. Steps to Do Somatic Shaking
4. Benefits of Somatic Shaking
5. FAQ on Somatic Shaking

Understanding Somatic Shaking

Somatic shaking is a body-oriented healing method that engages the body's natural capacity to shake off or release stress and trauma. It helps to release the pent-up energy trapped in our nervous system during traumatic experiences or prolonged periods of stress.

The Science Behind Somatic Shaking

In stressful or traumatic situations, mammals, except for humans, naturally tremble or shake. This reaction allows them to disperse the excess energy produced during the fight-flight-freeze response. Humans have the same capacity, but we often supress it due to social norms or conditioning.

"Somatic shaking engages this innate mechanism, encouraging the body to tremble gently, releasing traumatic energy and helping the nervous system restore itself to a calm state."

Steps to Do Somatic Shaking

Implementing somatic shaking in your daily routine can take less than 10 minutes. Here's how to do it:

1. Find a Quiet and Comfortable Space: Privacy is essential. You want to be able to fully experience sensation without feeling scrutinized or judged.

2. Stand with Feet Shoulder Width Apart: Balance is important. Keep your knees slightly bent.

3. Start Shaking: Begin with your legs, proceed with your upper body, arms and head. Try to get the whole body involved. The shake should come from your muscles, and not from your joints.

4. Breathe: Keep your breath steady throughout. If you notice your breath getting shallow, pause, regain your regular breath and then continue.

5. Rest: After shaking, rest for a few minutes. Allow your body to assimilate the experience.

Benefits of Somatic Shaking

Beyond releasing emotional and physical tension, somatic shaking has a host of benefits:

• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Relieves aches and pains
• Improves mental clarity
• Increases energy and vitality

FAQs on Somatic Shaking

1. Is somatic shaking safe to try at home?

Yes, somatic shaking is a safe, natural process. However, it is always beneficial to seek professional advice or guidance when starting.

2. How often should I practice somatic shaking?

The frequency of somatic shaking should be determined by personal comfort and needs. Start out slow, maybe once or twice a week, and gradually increase as per your comfort.

3. Can I do somatic shaking if I have a physical ailment?

It's best to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any physical exercise regimen, including somatic shaking, if you have a health condition or concern.

4. How do I know if somatic shaking is working for me?

Pay attention to any changes in your physical, emotional, or mental state following a somatic shaking session. Notice if you feel more peaceful, free, or clear-minded.

5. Can children do somatic shaking?

Yes, children can also benefit from somatic shaking. However, the sessions should be shorter and supervised by an adult.

Whether you're hoping to better understand your own mental health or enhance your skills as a therapist, integrating somatic shaking into your healing journey or professional practice can offer profound benefits. As we continue to understand more about the power of the mind-body connection, methods like these will only gain further recognition and respect. To learn more about trauma recovery techniques, check out our courses.

Listen to your inner wisdom and open yourself to the healing power of your body through somatic shaking.

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.