Frequently Asked Questions

Many methods use the breath to heal. Just as The Wim Hof method connects us to the man, Wim Hof, and Pranayama, invites us into the exceptional philosophy of Yoga science, Somatic connects us directly to the path of body-based psychotherapy. By entering into this breathwork modality, we open to the profound knowledge of William Reich, Carl Yung, Stanislav Graf, Alexander Lowen, Moshe Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf, Ron Kurtz, Thomas Hanna, Eugene Gendlin, Thomas Hueble, Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Dan Seidel, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr. Deb Dana, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, Dr. Gabor Mate and many more. This method invites us into a life of conscious practice, and the experience of our embodied, fullest expression.
Soma is an ancient Greek word meaning: through the inner experience of the body, or “the living body known from within”. The Soma is the expression of all the functions of the bodied state, that permit us to have the experience of our human life. Through somatic practices we become intimately connected with the experience of living in our bodies, and the feelings/sensations that arise within.
We define trauma as any circumstance that happens too much, too fast, and/or too soon for the nervous system to process. When that happens it enters into a fight-or-flight state, and shuts down the processing of that energy, to protect you. That unprocessed energy gets buried in the body. The body however, continues to find a way to process it. As we don’t have many healthy ways to do that in the modern day, that energy becomes suppressed, repressed and eventually depressed energy. This causes dis-ease, and many times shows up as a cyclical pattern in a person’s actions, thoughts, and feelings which minimize their experience of their own expansiveness.
It was the nervous system that was over-loaded in the traumatic experience, it will be the nervous system that we activate to help clear it. The breath is the quickest way to consciously access the nervous system. Through the 6-step process of a somatic breathwork session, long held energetic content can be brought up from an activated nervous system and safely expressed. This releases the depressed energy, and allows life-force to move freely again.
Yes.
During a Somatic Breathwork session, you can expect to lie down comfortably and be guided through a specific breathing pattern while receiving gentle touch and support from a trained practitioner. The experience can be intense, but also deeply transformative and healing.
Yes, Somatic Breathwork is generally considered safe and can be practiced by people of all ages and physical abilities. However, it's important to work with a trained practitioner who can guide you through the process and address any concerns or issues that may arise during the session.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some people may benefit from just one session, while others may choose to engage in ongoing Somatic Breathwork as part of a regular self-care routine.
People who have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, or a history of heart problems, may need to consult with their doctor before trying Somatic Breathwork. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid Somatic Breathwork, as it can cause intense physical and emotional experiences.
Yes, Somatic Breathwork has been shown to be effective in helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by releasing stored emotions and tension in the body.