What is Somatic Work?
When people hear the word somatic, they often pause — it’s not a term you run into every day. Yet, somatic work is something deeply human and ancient. At its core, somatic simply means “of the body.” Somatic work is a body-based healing approach that helps us reconnect with the wisdom stored in our bodies — the sensations, movements, and rhythms that shape how we feel, heal, and show up in life.
Beyond Talking About It
Traditional approaches to healing often begin in the mind — talking through challenges, analyzing patterns, or seeking clarity through thought. Somatic healing takes a different path: it invites us into the body. That’s where our nervous system, emotions, and even past experiences are stored. By learning to notice and gently release what’s held there, we open the door to lasting change.
Why the Body Matters
Our bodies carry the imprints of stress, trauma, and daily life. Think of tight shoulders after a long day, a stomach ache during a stressful week, or the way your chest tightens when you’re afraid. These aren’t random — they’re the body’s language. Somatic practices for trauma healing teach us how to listen, respond, and create space for recovery right where these signals live.
Somatic Practices in Action
Somatic work isn’t about forcing or “fixing.” It’s about slowing down and exploring what the body already knows. Examples of somatic practices include:
Grounding & Awareness: body scans, orienting to the present moment, centering with a hand over the heart.
Movement & Release: shaking out tension, mindful stretching, or free-form movement to clear stuck energy.
Breath Practices: deep, conscious breathing, sighs, or humming to regulate the nervous system — often called breathwork and somatics.
Self-Regulation Tools: gentle self-holding, tapping, or massage to restore balance and safety.
Creative Expression: journaling sensations, drawing, or using sound and movement to express emotions.
Internal Parts Work: gently connecting with the “parts” of yourself that hold different emotions, stories, or protective roles. For example, you might notice a tense stomach and realize it belongs to a part of you that carries worry. This is known as parts work in somatic therapy, and by bringing curiosity and compassion to these parts, they can soften, integrate, and heal.
Somatic Work for Chronic Pain and Stress
Many people turn to somatic work for chronic pain or illness when other approaches haven’t helped. Because pain is often linked to nervous system dysregulation, embodied healing practices like somatic stretching, breathwork, and parts work can help release stored tension and restore balance. These methods don’t just manage symptoms — they address the root cause at a body and nervous system level.
A Path Back to Wholeness
Somatic work is more than a set of tools; it’s a way of coming home to yourself. By learning to trust the body’s wisdom, you create space for healing not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Whether you’re navigating trauma recovery, managing stress, or seeking deeper connection, somatic healing offers a compassionate, embodied path forward.
Ready to experience somatic work for yourself? Explore our Ways to Heal and begin your journey with Power to Heal Breathwork today.