A Body-Centered Approach to Healing

We are very excited to be offering Somatic Yoga Therapy at Optimal Movement in Rochester, Minnesota. Somatic yoga therapy is a type of yoga practice that combines traditional yoga poses with the principles of somatic therapy. Somatic therapy is a type of body-centered therapy that focuses on the physical sensations and movements of the body to help alleviate emotional and psychological issues. Somatic yoga therapy aims to help individuals become more aware of their physical sensations and  use movement and breath to release tension and promote relaxation. It treats the mind and the body!

What is Somatic Yoga Therapy?

Somatic yoga therapy is a mind-body approach to healing that combines the principles of yoga with the principles of somatic therapy. The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” which means “the living body in its wholeness.” Somatic therapy emphasizes the importance of tuning into the physical sensations and movements of the body to help alleviate emotional and psychological pain.

Somatic yoga therapy incorporates traditional yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices to help individuals become more aware of their physical sensations and to use movement and breath to release tension and promote relaxation. The practice emphasizes slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, and mindfulness. The practitioner, Rick Fulton,  teaches his clients to tune into their body and to explore the sensations and emotions that arise during their practice.

How does Somatic Yoga Therapy Help with Pain?

Somatic yoga therapy can be an effective approach to alleviate pain in the body. Here are some ways in which somatic yoga can help with pain:

Enhances body awareness:

Somatic yoga encourages individuals to tune into the sensations in their body and develop a deeper understanding of their physical experience. This heightened awareness can help individuals identify areas of tension and pain in their body and learn to release it through specific movements and guided breath work.

Relaxes tense muscles:

Chronic pain often results in muscle tension, which can further exacerbate the pain. Somatic yoga incorporates gentle, flowing movements that can help release muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Reduces stress and anxiety:

Pain can be stressful and can lead to anxiety and tension. Somatic yoga incorporates mindful breathing and relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Promotes natural pain relief:

Somatic yoga can help stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms by promoting the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers.

Improves overall physical function:

Somatic yoga helps to improve flexibility, mobility, and overall physical function. This can help reduce pain by increasing the body’s range of motion and reducing stiffness.

1. Schedule an initial session: Go to our booking site and book your initial session with Rick Fulton, RYT.  Feel free to read his biography. Rick is incredibly knowledgable and compassionate therapist. Your initial session will include medical history, concerns, and goals. After that, Rick will tailor a program for your specific needs. with
2. Attend regular sessions: Somatic yoga therapy typically involves attending regular sessions with a therapist, either in-person or online. During these sessions, you will learn specific yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices to help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall physical and emotional well-being.
3. Practice at home: To get the most benefit from somatic yoga therapy, it’s important to practice the techniques you learn during sessions at home. Your therapist may provide you with a customized home practice plan that includes specific yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices to practice on your own.
4. Be patient and persistent: Somatic yoga therapy is a gradual process that takes time and patience. It may take several sessions to notice significant improvements in pain and other symptoms. Consistency is key, so try to practice regularly and be patient with yourself.

Conclusion

Somatic yoga therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that can be an effective way to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall physical and emotional well-being. By incorporating traditional yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices, somatic yoga therapy helps individuals become more aware of their physical sensations and learn to use movement and breath to release tension and promote relaxation. If you’re interested in exploring somatic yoga therapy, be sure to work with a qualified somatic yoga therapist and practice regularly to experience the full benefits.