How to use somatic yoga for trauma healing and anxiety relief
In our Western society there is such a disconnect from psychology of the mind and the physical body.
It is seen as two separate entities and therefore requires two different sets of treatments. Therapists approach the mind and doctors approach the body.
And yet with more and more information and research available, we are SLOWLY beginning to embrace this idea that the mind and body are actually not separate, but more together. As Western therapists are gaining more insight and understanding around this connection, the therapy world is starting to shift to a more embodied approach. There is more and more acknowledgment of this type of treatment being successful and providing healing, where clients feel relief inside and begin to transform.
According to The Wisdom Of The Body by Hillary McBride:
Maybe you’ve been made to feel ashamed of your body or like it isn’t good enough. Maybe your body is riddled with stress, pain, or the effects of trauma. Maybe you think of your body as an accessory to what you believe you really are—your mind. Maybe your experiences with racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism, ageism, or sizeism have made you believe your body isn’t the right kind of body. Whatever the reason, many of us don’t feel at home in our bodies. But being disconnected from ourselves as bodies means being disconnected from truly living and from the interconnection that weaves us all together. -Hillary McBride
(I highly recommend her book!)
If you are looking for a coping mechanism and just want to feel better than typical talk therapy may work just fine for you. However, if you are ready for healing and a deeper connection then typical talk therapy will not get you there. If you desire to live into your fullest capacity and are ready to let go of the old traumas that have been holding you back, then I encourage you to read on.
As a therapist who addresses yoga for trauma recovery and somatic therapy for anxiety I look to other practitioners in the field as leaders in paving this new way of supporting clients. According to Nityda Gessel here are the 4 things she no longer does as an Embodied, Somatic Psychotherapist:
🌺 I DON’T prescribe treatments. Instead, I DO, let the client’s body and inner system lead the way.
I too adhere to these ways of being in a space with a client. In effortless somatic yoga we find easy and accessible ways to be in the body.
Why is this important? And can yoga help with trauma and PTSD?
When trauma lands on the body, it shows up. This can look like pain through migraines, physical limitations, tensions in certain areas, chronic fatigue, stomach issues, and autoimmune conditions. It can also show up with flashbacks, nightmares, feeling depressed, not wanting to get out of bed, restless, difficulty concentrating, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty connecting in relationships. This differs person by person.
In healing PTSD with yoga and through effortless somatic yoga, we find ways to safely come back to the body. This happens through supportive movements, breathing, and meditation. It is ADAPTABLE to each person and catered as you need since each person’s life and experiences are different. Therefore, so are the supports.
Here are some free tips to begin to use effortless somatic yoga for healing:
Tune into body sensations.
Before starting your day, ask yourself, “What do I feel in my muscles and bones?”. Take a moment to sit and listen and see what shows up. As you listen just notice it, no need to analyze or make sense of it.
Use simple movements that release tension.
Spend time moving your body in ways that feel kind to you. This could look like yoga poses, or it could also look like dancing, or curling up in a ball snuggled tight. Moving in ways that are comfortable with you will naturally tell parts of your body, “you are safe here”.
Find safe ways to be with your breath
Take a moment to turn your attention towards your breath. This can be with your eyes closed or open. This can be sitting or standing. Choose an option that is right for you. If it helps say, “I am aware I am breathing in. I am aware I am breathing out.”. Finding breathing techniques for anxiety can be difficult to do on your own so please reach out for more support regarding this area.
Using body-based therapy for emotional healing is the key to being able to access the healing source within you. It’s important to find a trained teacher and therapist who has personal and professional experience in this area.
I am here to support you, just reach out or sign up for a weekly drop in class. First one is on me ;)
If you are ready to begin your healing journey, click on yoga classes or sign up below. Online options available and if you live in Bluffton, South Carolina check out our in person options.
Sign up Yoga Classes click here
Warmly,
Leslie
