What Does Somatic Release Feel Like?
The autonomic nervous system is comprised of a bundle of nerves that run along the spine from the brain stem and spans down towards the base of the pelvis.
Our nervous systems are constantly gathering information about safety and threat. This information is communicated digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and endocrine systems and our brains. All systems work together to ensure survival and smooth functioning of body systems.
When fight flight energy causes overwhelm, the body goes into a freeze state. When freeze energy can’t resolve, the flow of energy becomes stuck. Stuck energy manifests as unwanted behaviors, syndromes, disorders, even pain.
The work of Somatic Experiencing helps to resolve these stress responses and allows for greater ease and flow to occur. The release of energy releasing can feel as unique as the person who is experiencing them.
The biggest surprise in my own body was how normal somatic release felt. It mostly felt physical, though sometimes it was more emotional. Often there was a deep inhale as well as an exhale and even softness.
It’s not uncommon for warmth, coolness, vibration, tingling, crying, burping, passing gas, digestion noises, or yawning to occur. Sometimes I felt lightness and relief. Other times, I felt a little confused and vulnerable.
Once, I noticed a lot of shaking in my entire body that lasted 45 minutes or so. All of these releases seemed to lead to more energy moving throughout my body and a greater sense of space in me.
It is not uncommon to feel tired, softer, angry, sad, afraid, or even fragile after a somatic session. Some clients notice being more thirsty and hungry. New places that have been asleep for awhile are beginning to wake again, and it can take some time for integration to occur.
I always tell clients to go gently with their day, and their social interactions, take a nap if possible, go to bed early, and notice their dreams as there can be rich offerings in them for further reflection.
