Somatic comes from the Greek word “soma” which means “body”. The main idea of this is to let the breath connect in a deep relationship with your own body, in order to help move blocked energy and piled emotions. It not only calms the mind but along with that it also helps clear out physical and emotional mess that weighs us down.
What is Somatic Breathwork
Somatic breathing is a process where you are connected to your body through the power of breath. Somatic breathing is the center of attention to know how your breath helps you interact with your body and emotions, however, it’s slightly different from taking long, relaxing deep breaths. While we go through our daily lives we carry with us stress, tension, and even past trauma experiences quite often without even realizing it. It invigorates us to be aware that such physical feelings, such feelings in my opinion have a deep effect and these feelings are tightness in the chest, knots in the stomach, or shallow breathing and these can be dealt with with focused and effective breath work. Somatic breathing leads to results such as a sense of relief, presence, and clarity. It enables you to process emotions and release tension.
The Science Behind Somatic Breathwork
Somatic breathwork focuses on improving emotional and mental well-being that influences the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through intentional breathing exercises. How Somatic breathwork achieves this is through several factors stated below:
Sympathetic nervous system (SNS):
SNS is mostly referred to “fight or flight” system. It is accountable for leading the body to respond to perceived threats or stressors by activating different physiological responses and some of these main features include:
- Increased heart rate and respiratory rate
- Dilation of airways for increased oxygen intake
- Release of stress hormones like cortisol
- Diverting blood flow away from non-essential functions such as digestion to muscles and vital organs
- Heightened alertness and focused attention.
SNS is important, as quick reactions are necessary in order to deal with threatening dangers. However, SNS due to toxic stress, trauma, and anxiety can lead to health issues physically as well as mentally.
Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS):
PNS also referred to as the “rest and digest” system is the body’s counterbalance to SNS. Relaxation, recovery, and energy conservation are what it encourages and its key factors include: –
- Slowing of heart rate and respiratory rate
- Constriction of airways to conserve energy
- Improved digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Promotion of a calm and restful state
PNS maintains equilibrium during non-stressful times and helps the body recover after stressful situations. Somatic breathwork (Proponents of somatic therapeutic practices) believe that many people suffer from emotional, mental, and physical problems as their mind and body stay stuck in a “fight or flight” response for a longer period of time.
In different means “for somatic practitioners, the body’s inability to complete the natural cycle of its survival instinct and return to a parasympathetic state is the root cause of various mental, emotional, and physical challenges. That’s why somatic practices, like somatic breathwork, work by engaging the ANS to return the body to a place of calm, with the greater objective of helping people process anxiety, stress, and trauma”.
Key Benefits of Somatic Breathwork
There are many key benefits of somatic breathwork for instance stress relief, Emotional release, Increased self-awareness, improved mental clarity, Calming of the nervous system, Greater emotional resilience, and trauma release:
- Stress relief: It helps relieve stress and tension built in our bodies.
- Emotional release: It helps you let go of stuck emotions and makes you feel relieved.
- Increased self-awareness: Increases your connection with your body along with inner feelings.
- Improved mental clarity: Clears mental fog which further gives a sense of the present mind and ability to focus.
- Calming the nervous system: This brings a sense of calm to the body and mind.
- Greater emotional resilience: Gives ease and emotional strength in order to face challenges.
- Trauma release: It leads to overcoming past hurtful experiences.
It is a very simple way but on the other hand a very powerful way to bring life into your daily life and gives a sense of willpower to face anything and everything.
What to Expect in a Somatic Breathwork Session
- Guided breathing: This is a process in which you’ll be led through specific breathing techniques so you can focus on your body and emotions.
- Emotional release: Emotions side as we release piled tension —crying, laughing, or shaking (occurs mainly due to nervousness and anxiety) is natural.
- Body awareness: Humans become more adapted to physical sensations such as tightness, and warmth as the breath moves through them.
- Safe space: the provider of this breath working creates a supportive, non-judgmental environment so you to explore absolutely whatever comes up.
- Deep relaxation: Many people feel a sense of relief like the weight is them when they treat themselves with this medication (somatic breathing).
Each session would feel unique but every time you leave, you’ll get more connected.
Integrating Somatic Breathwork into Your Life
Bringing Somatic breath into your daily routine can be highly effective and powerful. You can always start with taking small steps for instance doing a few minutes every day of mindful breathing while tuning in to how your body feels this can be done in the morning every day when you’re the most fresh and energetic or in the evening if you have built-up any kind of stress throughout the day and overtime passes you’ll notice that it has become easier to connect your breath to your body, helping you feel more present, grounded, and resilient in everyday situations. To my understanding of this topic, I feel that Somatic breathwork is a really easy, helpful, and effective way to keep a check and balance on your body and mental health leading to only positivity reaching you.
FAQs
How is somatic breathing different from other types of breathwork?
Somatic breathing differs from other types of breathwork as it not only calms your mind but also connects you with your body and emotions. Somatic breathing focuses deeply on physical sensations and emotional release, helping you let go of tension or stress accumulated in the body.
What are the potential risks or side effects of somatic breathwork?
It does have some potential risks or Side Effects which include:
- Emotional intensity: This might cause you to experience strong emotions or past traumas.
- Physical discomfort: Some feel temporary aches and discomfort.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Breathing deeply and rapidly can occasionally cause these feelings.
It’s always good to listen to your body and go at your own pace. If you have any concerns, discussing them with a trained facilitator can help ensure a safe experience.
How often should I practice somatic breathwork?
It’s suggested to do it a few times a week to get a start — however, you should listen to your body not exert it too much, and do what feels right.
How do I find a qualified somatic breathing practitioner?
You should look for certified practitioners who are qualified and have good reviews and recommendations, referrals, or some quick small research that would help you find someone qualified.
