Somatic Tools That Helps To Provide Relief
A handful of somatic tools and techniques I’ve used recently when going through major health anxiety and health issues.
When I was first experiencing major health issues and health anxiety last fall, I tried my best to use mindset tools to reframe my thought and anxieties. That didn’t work. So when I sought out somatic coaching, I was inspired when the somatic coach told me that somatic tools helps strengthen the mind-body connection and that by working on the body, I’d be able to find relief in the mind. I never even considered using the body to find relief, as I didn’t want to be in the body because of the symptoms I was experiencing. It sounded counterintuitive.
I am so glad I gave it an open mind though! Somatic tools are effective because they help you to listen to your body’s internal feedback. Your body is always listening. Somatic work can help to recreate new neural pathways, relax and release tension in the muscles, and calm the body down. While studying at the IWA Somatic Practitioner Certification program, I learned a lot of juicy somatic tools and techniques. I also learned other tools via my own studies and coaching, which I’m so glad to have in my toolkit for clients (and myself!)
Below are just a small sampling of somatic tools that I have found to be helpful and provide me with relief.
Body Scan - this is where you spend a few minutes scanning your entire body without judgement. You can notice where you hold tightness, where you feel sensations, or areas that feel neutral or even pleasurable.
Breathe Into It - this is a technique where you intentionally breathe into an area of your body that could use some relief. This is a great tool to use anytime! Energy flows where your intention goes.
Shaking - This helps to release charged energy that is trapped in your body. I love this technique and will sometimes incorporate music into it.
Tapping - There are many forms of tapping, but in a general sense, tapping helps to relieve stress and tension and brings you into a calmer state.
Try these out and see if they are helpful! Somatic tools are especially helpful when practiced when a practitioner as we can help facilitate deeper healing and release.