Somatic Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release
Somatic therapy refers to several different types of treatments, but all share the same basic philosophy. The mind and body are intimately connected. I was initially drawn to study visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapy while working with patients with chronic pelvic pain. I noticed that so many of these patients had physical tightness in their muscles and connective tissue, that kept returning especially when they were experiencing emotional stress.
As I became more skilled in these treatment modalities, many patients showed longer lasting improvements. But an interesting thing also happened. While I was performing some of these gentle manual therapies, patients frequently would recall past traumatic or emotional events or situations. I intuitively knew that in order for their physical symptoms to heal, the emotional part also needed to be addressed.
This lead me on the path of a deep dive into the body-mind connection. The work of Bessel Van Der Kolk, Stephen Porges, and Peter Levine were absolutely fascinating, and brought new light to the work I was already studying in Visceral Manipulation and Craniosacral Therapy. Although they use different terminology, and different approaches to treatment, their theories have much in common. The very brief version of their similarities is that when a person experiences a trauma, both the physical and emotional tension becomes trapped in the body, and is held there until the person is able to fully process the trauma.
Often, we are not even aware that we are continuing to hold onto this tension in our body. But, slowly over time, this persistent tension starts to create chronic issues….digestive problems, muscle pain, bladder symptoms, headaches, etc. From an anatomy perspective, this tension limits blood flow, causes nerve irritation, limits mobility. From an energy perspective it blocks the flow of Chi through the meridians and Vital energy through the chakras. From and emotional perspective, physical sensations, touch or movement in this area of tension can trigger huge, emotional responses that are not related to the present moment.
Somatic Therapy can help to bring awareness to this held tension, and the emotions linked with the physical symptoms. The type of Somatic Therapy that I offer at Natura Physical Therapy is a combination of SomatoEmotional Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and Myofascial Release. These are all very gentle manual therapies, and can be done fully clothed. These are not passive massage treatments. The intension is for the therapist to create a safe container and for the client to be fully present and connect with their own Inner Physician. Imagery and dialogue is often used to help explore and facilitate this connection. I recommend that clients take some time after each session to help their own inner wisdom integrate the new information
My experience as both a therapist and as a client is that this treatment approach can be deeply healing.
