Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that serves as a warning signal to the body of damage or that something may be wrong. As an essential mechanism for self-preservation, it is a fundamental aspect of human life.
That said, the burden of pain, both physically and mentally, can be heavy. Whether it’s chronic back pain, muscle tension, or the result of an injury or illness, finding effective ways to manage and alleviate pain is a priority for many.
Although many will look to drugs for pain relief, other options exist too, including somatics—a holistic approach to mind-body awareness and movement that offers valuable tools for pain management.
What Is Somatics?
Somatics is a discipline that focuses on the relationship between our physical sensations, emotions, and movements.
Derived from the Greek word “soma,” which means “the living body”, this holistic approach to understanding and working with the body emphasises the mind-body connection and views the body as a living, feeling, and conscious organism.
At the core of this practice, somatics teaches individuals to recognise patterns of muscle contraction and stress that may be stored in the body.
The Link between Somatics and Pain Management
The approach of using somatics to address pain emphasises self-awareness and mindful movement in order to discover ways to reduce tension, stress and pain in the body.
By paying attention to your body and sensations, you may be able to identify areas of tension or discomfort. This heightened awareness, also known as body awareness, is typically the first step in addressing the root causes of pain with somatics.
Next, somatic exercises are designed to release chronic muscle tension and improve flexibility. Many forms of pain such as chronic back pain, are often the result of muscle imbalances or tightness. Somatic exercises encourage the release of this tightness and the reduction of pain.
A positive benefit of this is also the restoration of normal muscle function, which allows for better mobility in day to day life, as well as during sport and exercise—having an added impact on overall health, fitness and resilience.
Improved Posture and Alignment with Somatics
Somatics places a strong emphasis on posture and alignment as poor posture can lead to a variety of aches and pains, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders. It is believed that achieving better bodily alignment can significantly aid in the reduction of pain.
Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection
Pain is a personal and individual experience that can vary greatly from person to person. This subjectivity is due to the fact that pain is not solely determined by physical stimuli but also influenced by a person’s emotions, psychological state, past experiences, and cultural background.
Somatics takes this reality into account and fosters a deeper connection between the mind and body. By understanding the psychological aspects of pain, individuals may be able to better manage it through relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
Try Our Somatics Online Course
Our somatics online course may help you by providing accessible guidance and instruction on how to develop body awareness, release tension, and improve physical well-being.
It is designed to empower participants to take control of their health, reduce pain, and enhance their overall quality of life. To learn more about this holistic treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Acubody.
