Somatic therapy, like yoga, works with the body to process unresolved trauma. “Somatic” simply means “relating to the body,” and these approaches are grounded in the idea that trauma doesn’t just reside in thoughts or emotions, it lives in the nervous system and physical body as well.
During traumatic events or experiences, the body may enter a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode. Even after the threat has passed, this stress response can remain “stuck,” leading to symptoms like hypervigilance, panic attacks, or chronic tension. Somatic practices, including mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness exercises, can help release this stored trauma.
By engaging the body in safe and intentional ways, somatic experiences allow people to move through sensations they may have been avoiding. Over time, this can restore a sense of safety, increase resilience, and create space for more ease in daily life.
