For a long time, I believed healing was mostly a mental process. If I could talk through it, understand it, or rationalize it, I thought I could let it go. But then came a moment—unexpected and deeply physical—that changed everything. My body trembled, my breath caught, and tears came from a place so deep I didn’t even know I was holding them. That was my first somatic release.
So, what exactly does it mean to have a somatic release?
Understanding Somatic Release
At its core, somatic release is the process of releasing stored emotions, trauma, or stress from the body. “Soma” is a Greek word meaning “the body,” and the somatic approach to healing recognizes that our physical bodies carry emotional pain—even long after our minds have “moved on.”
Sometimes this release shows up as:
- Trembling or shaking
- Sudden crying or laughter
- Deep yawns or sighs
- A flood of emotion that feels freeing, not overwhelming
- A feeling of lightness, relief, or openness afterward
These aren’t random reactions—they’re your nervous system letting go.
Why Emotions Live in the Body
Think back to a moment when you were really scared or stressed. Did your shoulders tense? Did your jaw tighten? Did your breath get shallow?
Now imagine those patterns repeating—day after day, month after month—without ever fully discharging the energy. Over time, the body learns to hold on. To protect. To suppress.
According to somatic therapists like Peter Levine and Bessel van der Kolk, when we go through intense experiences (like trauma, grief, heartbreak, or chronic stress), our body often doesn’t get the chance to fully process them. That’s where somatic release comes in—it’s the body’s way of completing the cycle that was interrupted.
My Personal Somatic Experience
The first time I experienced a somatic release was during a breathwork session. I didn’t go in expecting anything big—I just wanted to relax. But halfway through, something shifted.
My hands clenched involuntarily. My throat felt tight. Then, a memory from childhood surfaced—something I hadn’t thought about in years. And with it, a surge of sadness and fear. I started to cry. Not from my mind, but from somewhere far deeper. My whole body was shaking.
It lasted about 10 minutes. When it was over, I felt empty in the best way. Like something heavy had finally been put down.
That night, I slept better than I had in months.
Ways to Invite Somatic Release
Somatic release can happen spontaneously, but there are also practices that help facilitate it safely and intentionally:
1. Breathwork
Conscious, rhythmic breathing (especially circular breath) can help regulate the nervous system and unlock stored tension. This was the gateway for me.
2. Somatic Experiencing
Developed by Peter Levine, this is a therapeutic modality that focuses on body sensations rather than just talking. It’s often used for trauma recovery.
3. Tremoring (Neurogenic Release)
Techniques like TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) trigger natural body tremors, helping to shake off stress. It may sound strange, but it’s incredibly grounding.
4. Yoga & Movement
Certain poses or sequences, especially hip openers, can trigger emotional releases. Yin yoga and trauma-informed practices are particularly powerful.
5. Bodywork (Massage, Craniosacral, Reiki)
A skilled practitioner can help you identify and gently release tension you didn’t even know was there.
What It Feels Like Afterward
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people feel euphoric, others deeply calm, and some feel tender or vulnerable. After my first release, I felt a strange mix of fatigue and relief—like I had run an emotional marathon.
Over the next few days, I had more clarity, more patience, and less reactivity. It wasn’t a “miracle cure,” but it was a turning point.
A Gentle Reminder
Somatic release is not about forcing emotions out of your body. It’s about listening to what your body has been holding—and giving it permission to let go, in its own time, in its own way.
You don’t need to be broken to benefit from it. We all carry something. And when we offer the body space, kindness, and presence—it often surprises us with what it’s ready to release.
If you’ve ever experienced a somatic release, or are curious but nervous, know this: it’s not about being dramatic or spiritual or perfect. It’s about being honest—with yourself,https://www.pinterest.com/vibehivelifeonline/ your history, and your body. And from that honesty, healing begins.