Q&A about Somatic Stretching
Being with your body only connects you more with yourself and all that is around.
As we dive into somatic stretching, several questions often arise. In this section, we will address some of these frequently asked questions to provide you with a deeper understanding of this transformative practice.
How Often Should You Do Somatic Exercises?
Somatic exercises, due to their gentle nature, can be practised daily and with little to no side effects. Perhaps the most important side effects takes place over time, an increased wellbeing! 5-10 minutes each day for somatic exercises can bring about noticeable improvements, especially for beginners. Although, normally, a session can last from 30 minutes to an hour, the most important part is adopting a routine of taking time to be with your body - and listen.
The ideal timing can vary depending on your personal needs and goals. Morning practice can help wake up the muscles, preparing you for the day ahead. Alternatively, evening practice can release the day's tension in your muscles, promoting relaxation before sleep. If your job requires long periods of sitting, taking a break for a quick somatic session can alleviate the effects of sensory motor amnesia, especially in the arms and legs, key areas of the body that can suffer from a sedentary lifestyle.
Can Yoga Be Considered as Somatic Therapy?
Not entirely, though hybrid forms exists. While yoga and somatic therapy share similarities in promoting body awareness, a focus on breath and tension release, they are not the same. However, certain yoga practices can be considered somatic in nature. This is particularly true for yin yoga and what nowadays is called somatic yoga, a holistic approach to movement and well-being. It involves exploring movements slowly and with intention, similar to the teachings of Sadie Nardini, a respected figure in somatic yoga. In these practices, the focus is on tuning in with your internal body sensations and learning to release those areas of tension, much like body scans in somatic therapy.
Does somatic stretching help unwinding fascia?
The concept of Fascia is fortunately getting more and more space within the fields of movement and health. Fascia is recognized as the web that encases all our muscles, joints and sinews etc. and it is also sends (piezo)electric signals throughout the body from the nervous system and cerebellum. Shortly said, somatic stretch is one of the absolute best ways to help release tightened fascia, increase electric conductivity and help reduce inflammation and resolve stagnation!
Why Does Stretching Release Emotions?
Emotions are often held in the body, manifesting as physical tension. When we stretch, we not only release this physical tension but also the emotional tension that accompanies it. This is the basis of many mind-body practices, including somatic stretching. These practices activate the central nervous system, unlocking areas where emotions may have been stored. This release might even lead to emotional reactions such as tears. The knees bent position, for example, often used in these stretches, is a powerful pose for moving slowly into these releases.
As we conclude, we hope to have shed light on the numerous benefits and the transformative power of somatic stretching. From releasing physical and emotional tension to enhancing body awareness, this practice offers a holistic approach to well-being. It is a gentle yet powerful tool that everyone can incorporate into their daily routine, regardless of their fitness level or age. Embracing somatic stretching can lead to significant improvements in our health and overall quality of life.