The body goes through a lot of stress due to hectic modern schedules, so it needs ways to release this stress to achieve wellness and energy for the future. Somatic Yoga is a proven and effective method towards this end, adopted by many across the world.
What is Somatic Yoga?
Somatic Yoga features slow, mindful movements, complemented by awareness of deep breathing and sensory perception. It was developed by Peter Levine, an academic and consultant, in the 1970s.
“Soma” is a Latin word meaning “living body,” and “somatic” refers to sensory experiences that the body undertakes in this type of yoga. By paying attention to the flow of air during breathing, as well as sensory experiences in the body, practitioners focus deeply on physical awareness.
This form of yoga involves many flowing sequences, stretches, and a strong focus on breathing.
Poses in Somatic Yoga
Some common poses in Somatic Yoga include Cat-Cow Pose, Knee Rock with Cactus Arms, Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose), Wall Butterfly Pose, Seated Torso Circles, Seated Side Body Stretch, Wide Leg Fold, Supine Spine Twist, Moving Bridge, and Slow Spinal Flex.
Benefits for Both Physical and Mental Health
Physical Benefits
- Improved Joint Movement: Slow movements in Somatic Yoga aid the natural fluids around joints, increasing circulation, enhancing flexibility, easing muscular tension, and promoting greater mobility.
- Spine Elasticity: Working on core muscles helps make the spine supple and elastic, releasing spinal tension and improving overall functioning.
- Increased Stamina: Fluid movements build stamina, allowing the body to endure longer periods of physical activity, which can diminish with age.
- Leg Health: Somatic Yoga promotes flexibility in all body parts while also supporting knee stability.
Mental Benefits
- Stress Management: The mindful movements relax the mind, making it easier to handle or ward off stress and tension.
- Release of Stored Emotions: Repressed emotions can cause mental issues. Somatic Yoga helps release stored emotions, especially in areas like the psoas muscle, where emotions are believed to be held.
- Pain Relief: Chronic pain often has mental and emotional components, such as trauma or self-criticism. Somatic Yoga helps relax the senses and body, releasing endorphins and oxytocin, which can reduce pain and promote feelings of joy.
The Science Behind Somatic Yoga
The main aim of Somatic Yoga is to be aware of your senses, which taps into neural connections and engages the nervous system. This causes the brain to signal the release of chronic tension.
How Somatic Yoga Taps into Neuroplasticity and Trauma Release
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt to changes and develop new skills to recover from injuries and trauma. The slow, deliberate movements of Somatic Yoga tap into the brain’s ability to reorganize its functions and form new connections. This helps shift the brain from a hyper-vigilant state after trauma to one of relaxation and balance, leading to a sense of safety and calm.
Health Benefits of Somatic Yoga
Somatic Yoga offers several health benefits, including stress and chronic pain management, trauma alleviation, anxiety reduction, calming of the senses, and improved nervous system functioning. It also serves as a form of fitness training.
Real-Life Case Study
A study published by the National Library of Medicine, “Impact of Somatic Yoga and Meditation on Fall Risk, Function, and Quality of Life for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) Syndrome in Cancer Survivors” (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6537287/), found significant improvements in physical function, perceived relaxation, and social engagement among participants aged 47-81. The study concluded that Somatic Yoga improved quality of life, flexibility, and balance in cancer patients with CIPN syndrome.
Differences Between Somatic Yoga and Other Forms of Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, etc.)
Yoga is a globally popular workout, with various forms such as Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Somatic Yoga, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga. However, they differ in several ways:
- Focus: Traditional yoga forms emphasize physical postures, while Somatic Yoga focuses on sensory awareness and mindfulness.
- Origins: Traditional yoga is over 5,000 years old, whereas Somatic Yoga was developed in the mid-20th century.
- Philosophy: Yoga is rooted in ancient spirituality, aiming for spiritual liberation (moksha), while Somatic Yoga focuses on human psychology and body awareness.
- Goal: Yoga fosters discipline in physical and mental aspects, while Somatic Yoga aims to release stress from the body and promote relaxation.
Practitioners of Somatic Yoga benefit from muscle relaxation, improved mental well-being, and the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to trauma. Regular practice leads to comfort and an enhanced quality of life.
