What is Yoga-Based and Somatic Therapy?
Yoga-based and somatic therapy is an integrative approach that combines the principles of yoga with somatic (body-centred) practices to promote holistic healing. This therapy emphasises the connection between the mind and body, using movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to release stored tension, trauma, and stress. By incorporating yoga postures, meditation, and body awareness techniques, this approach helps individuals become more attuned to their physical and emotional states, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and well-being.
How Yoga-Based and Somatic Therapy Can Help You
Yoga-based and somatic therapy can offer numerous benefits, supported by a growing body of research. These therapies can help you by:
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Yoga and somatic practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Through mindful movement and breathwork, individuals learn to regulate their emotions more effectively, improving overall emotional health.
- Healing Trauma: Somatic therapy helps release trauma stored in the body, facilitating emotional and physical healing.
- Improving Physical Health: Regular yoga practice enhances flexibility, strength, and overall physical health, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
- Boosting Mental Clarity and Focus: Mindfulness practices and breathwork improve mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function.
- Increasing Body Awareness: By tuning into bodily sensations, individuals develop a greater understanding of their physical and emotional needs, leading to healthier lifestyle choices.
What a Yoga-Based and Somatic Therapy Session Might Look Like
In a typical yoga-based and somatic therapy session, your therapist will create a supportive and calming environment. The session usually begins with a grounding exercise, such as mindful breathing or a body scan, to help you become present and attuned to your body. You will then engage in a series of yoga postures and gentle movements tailored to your needs, focusing on areas of tension or discomfort. Throughout the session, the therapist will guide you in maintaining awareness of your breath and bodily sensations, encouraging a deeper connection between your mind and body. Somatic techniques, such as guided imagery and/or embodied movement, may be used to help release stored tension and trauma. The session concludes with a relaxation or meditation practice, leaving you feeling centred and rejuvenated. Research has shown that combining yoga and somatic therapy can significantly improve mental and physical health outcomes, making it a powerful tool for holistic healing.
Ready to get started & learn if this approach is best for you?