As a physiotherapist and wellbeing consultant, I enthusiastically recommend somatic exercise for longevity, self-care, and overall health due to its unique focus on the mind-body connection and the profound impact it has on our nervous system and movement patterns. Somatic exercises are gentle, mindful movements that help release chronic tension, improve body awareness, and restore natural movement patterns. Unlike traditional fitness training, somatic work focuses on the internal experience of movement rather than just the external form.
It’s about tuning into how your body feels, not how it looks.
As a physiotherapist I Often use somatic exercises to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mobility. I explain to my clients that this kind of movement is ideal for all bodies – but especially helpful for those recovering from injury or dealing with tension and fatigue.
The Science Around Somatic Exercise: Why Somatic Exercise for Longevity, Self-Care, and Health?
The scientific basis of somatic exercise lies in its impact on the nervous system and the mind-body connection. Here’s why I recommend, prescribe and practice somatic exercises…Key neurological processes involved include:
Traditional exercise often focuses on external goals like strength, endurance, or weight loss. While these are valuable, somatic exercise shifts the paradigm to internal awareness, emphasizing how we move and how our body feels. This internal focus offers several key benefits:
* Proprioception:
Our sense of where our body parts are in space. Somatic exercises refine this sense, allowing for more precise and controlled movements.
* Improved Mobility and Flexibility:
Somatic exercises gently stretch and mobilize muscles and joints, releasing chronic tension and stiffness. This leads to increased range of motion and fluid movement, allowing for a more active and agile life as we age.
* Enhanced Posture and Alignment:
By increasing body awareness, somatic exercises help correct postural imbalances and promote proper alignment. This not only improves physical appearance but also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain, which can significantly impact quality of life in later years.
* Reduced Chronic Pain:
Many chronic pains stem from ingrained movement patterns and muscle tension. Somatic practices help individuals identify and release these patterns, often leading to significant pain relief.
* Injury Prevention:
When working with athletes and also those clients with active lifestyles I explain that …By addressing muscular imbalances and promoting better, more efficient movement patterns, somatic exercises reduce the risk of injuries related to muscle strains, joint issues, and overuse.
* Cultivating Proprioception and Interception:
Somatic movement enhances our body’s ability to sense its position in space (proprioception) and internal sensations (interception). This heightened awareness allows for better self-correction and adaptation, crucial for maintaining balance and coordination as we age.
* Stress Reduction and Nervous System Regulation:
Somatic exercises are incredibly effective at calming the nervous system. By engaging in slow, mindful movements and focusing on the internal experience, they help shift the body out of “fight-or-flight” (sympathetic) mode into a “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) state. This reduces cortisol levels, promotes relaxation, and leads to a sense of calm and presence.
* Emotional Release:
Emotions are often stored as physical tension in the body. Somatic movements provide a safe and gentle way to identify, process, and release these pent-up feelings, contributing to improved mental and emotional well-being.
* Increased Body Awareness and Self-Connection:
Somatic practices foster a deeper connection between the mind and body. This heightened self-awareness empowers individuals to listen to their body’s signals – whether it’s a need for rest, movement, or emotional processing
* Improved Sleep:
By regulating the nervous system and reducing stress, somatic exercises can significantly improve sleep quality.
* Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus:
The mindful nature of somatic practices can lead to greater mental clarity, focus, and improved emotional regulation.
In essence, somatic exercise is a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-regulation. By cultivating a deeper relationship with our bodies, we empower ourselves to proactively manage stress, alleviate pain, improve movement, and ultimately, enhance our longevity and overall well-being. It’s a fundamental aspect of truly holistic health.
See you on the mat,
Lisa x
