Somatic movement is the self-soothing practice you need in 2025, here’s why

Before the end of 2024, I decided I needed to tackle moments of sadness or feelings of stagnation as they occurred, instead of wallowing in them. But I needed the tools. I had been following several somatic healing guides and signed up for American coach, Jonathan Mead’s somatic healing bundle.

Somatics, referring to the body, isn’t a mainstream concept. “We live in an externally focused world, which can generate perpetual thoughts of keeping up, comparing, judging, worrying, etc. The results can get us ‘stuck in our heads’ and disconnected from our bodies, our true selves,” says Kristin Jackson, a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator and Founder of thinksomatics.com, based in North Carolina.

Somatic movement focuses on releasing emotions clinging to the body, anchored to our nervous systems. Sophia Ali, a Delhi-based psychotherapist, registered somatic movement therapist and educator, explains the origins, “Somatic therapy has evolved from multiple disciplines, including body psychotherapy and movement therapy.” Thomas Hanna coined the term “somatics” and developed Hanna Somatics, “a movement-based approach focused on sensory-motor awareness and neuromuscular re-education.”

This movement focuses on developing body awareness by exploring sensations, rhythms and patterns from within. “Gentle, intentional movements release stored tension and reconnect the body and mind, fostering a sense of balance and grounding. It helps calm the nervous system and brings awareness to the present moment,” says Ali.

A deeper self-awareness

A common misconception is that somatic movement is only for people with physical pain or trauma. “In reality, it’s beneficial for anyone who would like to explore a deeper connection with their body, whether they’re dealing with stress, emotional challenges or simply looking for greater self-awareness,” says Ali.

Pandiculations or involuntary movements practised in somatic movement can help one bring the body and mind to a more balanced state of being. “To do so, gently contract your body into certain tension patterns, then slowly release, sensing the muscles relax. Take a breath or two to allow the brain to integrate the changes.”

Beginners can ground through movement by engaging in gentle shaking of their body. “Start with your hands and arms, then your legs, and gradually involve your whole body. Let the movement be loose and natural, allowing any tension to release,” says Ali.

Letting go

Nidhi Jain, founder of wellness brand Nida’s Pure, has been practising somatic movement with Ali for the past year. “It has been an organic, grounding process, helping me reconnect with myself.”

Jackson encourages her clients to practice with their eyes closed. “If you are in a class, there is no comparing oneself to the teacher or other students, which can reduce self-consciousness or the feeling of being overwhelmed.” The practice is safe for just about everybody and the results are almost immediate, she says. You can practice sitting, lying down or standing.

For Jain, somatic movement has made a notable difference. “It has helped me release the past, live in the present and receive the future. I’m not stuck in a whirlpool of blame anymore,” she shares.

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