The Science Behind Somatic Healing and Why It Works

Somatic healing has gained attention as an effective approach to processing trauma, stress, and chronic tension stored in the body.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the mind, somatic healing addresses the physiological responses that remain trapped in the nervous system after distressing events. Many people experiencing unresolved trauma find that no matter how much they analyze their past, their bodies continue to react as if they are still in danger.

Somatic healing works to bridge this gap, helping individuals regulate their nervous systems, release stored survival energy, and restore a sense of safety in their bodies.

How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma is not just a psychological experience; it has a profound impact on the nervous system. When an individual goes through a traumatic event, the body instinctively responds with a fight, flight, or freeze reaction.

In cases where the body is unable to complete these responses, the residual energy remains trapped, leading to symptoms such as chronic muscle tension, dissociation, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Over time, this unresolved energy manifests as physical ailments, emotional distress, and behavioral patterns that seem difficult to change.

In one case, a woman involved in a severe car accident experienced debilitating pain and anxiety for years after the event. Despite seeking physical therapy and counseling, she continued to struggle with unrelenting muscle tension, panic attacks, and an overwhelming sense of fear. It wasn’t until she discovered somatic experiencing—a method developed by Dr. Peter Levine—that she began to see improvement.

By working through bodily sensations rather than focusing solely on the cognitive aspect of trauma, she was able to release the stored energy and regain a sense of normalcy.

Everyday Practices for Somatic Healing

While structured sessions with a practitioner are beneficial, there are daily practices individuals can integrate into their lives to support ongoing somatic healing.

• Breathwork: Slow, intentional breathing signals to the nervous system that it is safe. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and extending exhalations can help regulate stress responses.
• Gentle Movement: Activities like yoga, tai chi, and stretching encourage the release of tension and promote body awareness.
• Body Scanning: Taking a few minutes each day to scan the body for areas of tension and consciously relaxing them can improve nervous system regulation.
• Grounding Techniques: Walking barefoot, holding a warm object, or engaging in self-massage can create a sense of stability and presence.

How Somatic Healing Works

Somatic healing involves various techniques that help individuals reconnect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems. These methods are designed to gently guide people through their trauma responses without overwhelming them, allowing for gradual integration and healing.

1. Becoming Comfortable with Trembling

Trembling or shaking is the body’s natural way of releasing excess survival energy. Many animals instinctively shake after experiencing stress or fear, yet humans often suppress this response due to societal conditioning. Suppressing this natural discharge can lead to a buildup of tension and anxiety. Those practicing somatic healing are encouraged to allow shaking to happen, as it is a sign that the body is completing the trauma response cycle.

For example, a trauma survivor who was unaware of this mechanism initially saw her trembling as a sign of weakness. However, after learning about somatic healing, she allowed her body to shake freely during sessions. Over time, she noticed a significant reduction in her anxiety levels and an increased ability to feel present and grounded.

2. Reconnecting With the Present Through Sensory Awareness

Trauma often causes individuals to disconnect from their surroundings, creating a feeling of numbness or detachment. One of the key aspects of somatic healing is reestablishing a connection to the present moment through sensory awareness. This can be done by engaging the five senses—looking at a specific object, inhaling a calming scent, or touching a textured surface. These small actions help signal to the nervous system that it is safe, shifting it out of a heightened state of alertness.

One individual who had experienced prolonged workplace stress found that simply holding a warm cup of tea and focusing on the sensation helped her regain a sense of calm. Another trauma survivor used eye contact with a trusted person to bring themselves back into the present. These small but significant actions serve as anchors, grounding individuals when overwhelming emotions arise.

3. Finding a Safe Place in the Body

For those who have endured long-term trauma, the body may no longer feel like a safe space. Somatic healing involves identifying an area of the body that feels neutral or comfortable and using it as a focal point. This technique, known as pendulation, allows individuals to shift their attention between discomfort and a place of ease, creating a sense of control and balance.

A trauma survivor who had been physically attacked struggled with chronic pain and muscle tightness. During somatic healing sessions, she discovered that focusing on the warmth of her hands helped her feel more connected and safe. By alternating her attention between areas of pain and her hands, she gradually reduced the intensity of her physical symptoms.

The Role of a Somatic Healing Practitioner

While somatic healing can be practiced independently, working with a trained practitioner can provide deeper insights and guidance. Practitioners use gentle interventions such as guided body awareness, breathwork, and light movement to facilitate the release of stored trauma. The goal is not to force the body into a specific reaction but to create conditions where natural healing can unfold at its own pace.

During a session, a practitioner might guide an individual to notice subtle sensations in their body and track changes as they occur. Instead of diving directly into painful memories, they encourage clients to approach these sensations with curiosity and patience. This process allows individuals to slowly reintroduce safety and regulation into their nervous systems without becoming overwhelmed.

Somatic Healing vs. Traditional Therapy

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on analyzing thoughts and emotions, somatic healing emphasizes the body’s physiological responses. Many people who have undergone years of therapy without significant progress find that incorporating somatic techniques leads to breakthroughs they hadn’t experienced before. The body holds onto trauma in ways the mind cannot always process, making somatic approaches an essential complement to cognitive therapy.

For example, someone with unresolved childhood trauma may intellectually understand their past experiences but still experience intense bodily reactions when triggered. Somatic healing helps address these ingrained patterns at their root, allowing for a more complete resolution.