Somatic Therapy

Body-based regulation

The body keeps the score — and it can also help unwind it.

Wellness tool — not medical care. In a crisis, call 911 or 988. More resources.

What somatic work helps with

•Release stress and tension stored in the body
•Regulate your nervous system
•Feel more present and grounded
•Improve body awareness
•Reduce physical symptoms caused by stress or trauma

Try a practice

Body inventory

Slowly scan from your feet to your head. Where is there tightness? Heat? Numbness? Don't fix it — just notice and name it.

Pendulation

Find one small spot in your body that feels okay (a hand, your breath). Rest your attention there for 30 seconds. Then briefly visit a tense spot. Return to the okay spot. This trains your system to move between states without getting stuck.

Self-touch with intention

Place a hand on your chest or belly. Press gently. Let the warmth land. Stay for 60 seconds and notice what shifts.

Shake it out

Stand up. Shake your hands, arms, legs for 60 seconds — like a dog after a swim. This discharges built-up activation. Pause. Feel the buzz settle.

Voo sound

Take a breath in. On the out-breath, make a long low "vooooo" sound that vibrates in your belly. Repeat 3 times. Stimulates the vagus nerve.