what is 'somatic'?
SOMATIC {sōˈmadik} : of, relating to, or affecting the body (Merriam-webster)
The root word, SOMA refers to a neuron’s cell body: the central house of the cell that controls all metabolic activities. Thus psychosomatic processing relates to the mind-body connection: the processing of stored experiences, the stories they project, the emotions they hold, and their impact on the physical form’s ability to maintain homeostasis as it moves through life.
Somatic practices strengthen the neural networks that regulate the autonomic nervous system, finding balance between sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous system dominance so that we are able to activate one or the other with more ease in daily life. We use the body to build our experiences of interoception (internal awareness) and proprioception (spacial awareness) to come into a more intimate relationship with our selves, and therefore a more present relationship with our world.
an optimally functioning nervous system
A regulated nervous system means all parts work together to achieve a state of homeostasis: an internal balance so your body can function efficiently. The goal is not high productivity or an everyday state of zen. We do not demonize one part, ignore another, and place another on a pedestal. All are necessary to support the other biological systems’ capacity (internal health), and to respond to the world around us (external operating).
Light Body Somatics leverages the somatic nervous system to strengthen the autonomic trigger response: the toggle between sympathetic and parasympathetic activation, thereby affecting the enteric nervous system.
