The Benefits of Somatic Yoga Therapy
by Sarah Cummins
What is Somatic Yoga Therapy?
Somatic Yoga Therapy is a mindful movement practice that helps you connect with your body in a deep and meaningful way. Unlike traditional yoga, which often focuses on flexibility and strength, somatic yoga is all about slow, conscious movements that rewire your nervous system, release tension, and improve overall well-being.
If you’ve ever felt stiff, stressed, or out of touch with your body, Somatic Yoga Therapy could be the perfect solution for you!
The Many Benefits of Somatic Yoga Therapy
Somatic Yoga Therapy is an integrative approach using pandiculation to remove stuck trauma. Pandiculation is a process animals use when they sense tension in the body and contract muscles as a natural reflex to release that felt tension. You see this in your pets; dogs, cats, and even horses. The animals will contract muscles and consciously relax the tension to prepare the muscle for movement after periods of stillness, say a nap, or after traumatic or stressful events. Even, we as babies have this natural response to contract and release tension, but with age we suppress the desire reflex to reduce tension after a traumatic event or period of stress because of social norms. The problem with this is that our body and our psyche mirror each other. When we have stress in one part of our selves, we have stress in all parts of ourselves. The somatic process of pandiculation resets our neurophysiology. Through conscious movements called pandiculation we can finally sense, process, and integrate what has happened in the past and move forward in life, releasing stuck patterns and freeing our bodies of pain. Here’s how it can help:
1. Relieves Chronic Tension and Pain
If you struggle with headaches, frozen shoulders, or tight muscles, Somatic Yoga Therapy can help. By slowing down and paying attention to your movements, you’ll retrain your nervous system to release unnecessary tension and move more freely.
2. Improves Posture, Mobility, and Balance
Somatic Yoga Therapy gently strengthens your body while enhancing coordination and proprioception (your body’s sense of position). This helps with better posture and ease of movement in everyday life.
3. Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Fatigue
By focusing on mindful breathing and relaxation, Somatic Yoga Therapy calms the nervous system. This can help with sleep issues, anxiety, and overall mental clarity.
4. Enhances Mind-Body Awareness
Somatic Yoga Therapy encourages curious exploration of how your body moves, helping you feel more present and connected to yourself. This awareness can lead to better movement patterns and a greater sense of well-being.
How to Make Your Yoga Practice More Somatic
Want to bring more mindfulness into your yoga practice? Try these simple tips:
1. Focus on Your Breath
Breathe slowly and evenly through your nose, keeping a comfortable pace. Your breath helps guide your movement and keeps you present in the moment.
2. Move Slowly and Consciously
Pay attention to how each movement happens. Notice what muscles are working and how your body feels through the slow contraction and de-contraction of your muscles.
3. Use Minimal Effort
Are you holding tension in your face, shoulders, or hands? Try to soften unnecessary tightness and move with ease.
4. If You Feel Pain
Move within your comfort zone to the edge of pain. If you notice you grit your teeth, hold your breath, or tense muscles in other parts of your body, this is a nervous system protection response that you do not feel safe. Don’t push or force or ignore the pain. Simply be aware of the pain increasing, move to the edge of pain, and then away from the pain. Keep your breath calm and your body tension low to tell the body and the nervous system you are moving safely and mindfully.
5. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Your body won’t change overnight. Give yourself time to explore, appreciate what your body can do, and practice with self-compassion.
FAQ About Somatic Yoga Therapy
1. What is the difference between Somatic Yoga Therapy and regular yoga?
Somatic Yoga Therapy focuses on slow, mindful movements to retrain the nervous system, while traditional yoga often emphasizes flexibility and strength.
2. Who can benefit from Somatic Yoga Therapy?
Anyone! It’s especially helpful for people dealing with chronic pain, tension, stress, or those looking to improve mobility and balance.
3. Do I need to be flexible to do Somatic Yoga Therapy?
Not at all! Somatic Yoga Therapy is about awareness and gentle movement, not about achieving extreme flexibility.
4. How often should I practice Somatic Yoga Therapy?
Even a few minutes a day can make a difference! I always say something is better than nothing and a little goes a long way ! Aim for at least 3-5 times a week for the best results.
5. Can I do Somatic Yoga Therapy at home?
Yes! You can practice Somatic Yoga Therapy anywhere, with or without props. Online classes and guided sessions can also be helpful. Check out some of my On Demand classes on somatic practices for common problems like back pain here.
Experience Somatic Yoga Therapy with Waterfall Yoga Therapy
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Somatic Yoga Therapy for yourself, check out Waterfall Yoga Therapy. We offer on demand classes, workshops, one-on-one sessions, and retreats designed to help you move with ease, release tension, and find comfort in your body. You can also meditate for free with me on Insight Timer Meditation app.
Start your journey toward a pain-free, more balanced life today!
Have you tried Somatic Yoga Therapy? Share your experience in the comments below!
