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Many people find somatic exercises beneficial in addressing trauma.

About Somatic Exercises

Somatic exercises focus on the body's physical responses to trauma. This approach, known as a bottom-up method, starts with the body's reactions rather than emotional or cognitive processes. By understanding and influencing how the body deals with trauma, patients can indirectly impact the brain's responses. Traumatized patients often experience a disconnection from their bodies, leading to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Somatic exercises aim to help people regulate their nervous system and reconnect with their bodies.

Coping with Trauma

Trauma can significantly impact both the mind and the body. The brain and body are interconnected, and trauma affects this connection. The sympathetic nervous system often goes into overdrive in response to trauma, making it difficult for people to regain a state of calm. Somatic exercises help patients calm their nervous systems, providing a sense of grounding and bodily awareness. These exercises are beneficial not only for trauma survivors but also for anyone seeking to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

Somatic Exercises for Trauma

There are various somatic exercises that can assist in coping with trauma. These exercises are simple and can be easily incorporated into daily routines. They help in grounding and calming the nervous system, making them useful tools for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Heel Drops

Heel drops are a basic somatic exercise. Begin by standing and relaxing your eyes. Slowly raise yourself onto your toes, then drop back onto your heels. Develop a slow rhythm and focus on the sensations in your hips and lower back. Continue this exercise for at least one minute, paying attention to how it feels.

Wave Breathing

Wave breathing is another effective exercise. Stand still with your hands resting on your thighs. Inhale and lift your chin upwards while sliding your hips backward, creating an arch in your back. Pause, then move your head towards your chest and bring your tailbone forward. Focus on the movement of your spine with each breath.

Swaying

Swaying is a simple yet effective exercise. Allow yourself to sway back and forth, like a reed in the wind. You can close your eyes to enhance the experience. This gentle rocking motion helps release tension and promotes relaxation.