The Neuroscience of Somatic Techniques: How the Body and Mind Work Together

The mind/body connection is like a telephone line - many telephone lines, in fact, teeming with information. Small things like drinking an orange juice with pulp or eating an apple is being received like a telephone call to your genes. Every thought, everything you eat, every single little thing can tweak your genes' activity towards healing.

-Deepak Chopra

The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.

-Harry Johnson

The field of somatic psychology has gained significant attention in recent years, as more people become interested in understanding the connection between the body and mind in healing modalities, health and wellness, trauma, and other areas of personal growth.

But if there is one thing people do not get about it, it is that the science behind it is not a “black box.” On the contrary, scientific research has shown that there are definite brain-body connections through somatic techniques that can positively affect our psychological and emotional states.

This article will explore the neuroscience behind somatic techniques, examining how the body and mind work together to promote healing and well-being.

The Impact of Trauma on the Brain and Body

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People can experience trauma in various ways. It can be as subtle as the guilt of saying no to something as extreme as physical or sexual abuse. Regardless of how it is experienced, trauma has a profound effect on the brain and body.

For example, children who grew up in neglectful homes or were diagnosed with complex trauma are more likely to complain of recurrent illnesses, such as headaches.

It is because the harm in the mind can manifest in the body and vice versa. In particular, trauma has a profound effect on a person's nervous system:

• The stress response system becomes dysregulated, leading to heightened anxiety, anger, depression, and other emotional disturbances.
• The amygdala, a key component of the brain's limbic system responsible for processing emotions and detecting threats, becomes hyperactive, resulting in an exaggerated fear response.
• The neural connectivity and executive functioning are impaired, making it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions, make decisions, and engage in healthy relationships.

The polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, also offers valuable insights into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in trauma. According to it, the ANS operates in three distinct states:

1. Ventral Vagal State

The ventral vagal state is associated with the social engagement system, which is mediated by the myelinated vagus nerve originating from the nucleus ambiguus.

This state is characterized by feelings of safety, connection, and calmness. When the ventral vagal state is dominant, an individual's physiological functions are optimized for social interaction, including facial expression, vocalization, and active listening.

In the ventral vagal state, heart rate variability is high, indicating a healthy balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the ANS. This state promotes emotional regulation, stress resilience, and prosocial behaviors, such as empathy, cooperation, and bonding.

2. Sympathetic State

The sympathetic state is related to the “fight or flight” response, which prepares the body to respond to perceived threats or challenges.

When the sympathetic state is triggered, an individual may experience heightened arousal, vigilance, and anxiety. This state can be beneficial in situations requiring quick responses or increased alertness, such as during competitive sports or emergencies.

However, chronic activation of the sympathetic state can lead to negative effects on physical and mental health. These include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and anxiety disorders.

3. Dorsal Vagal State

The dorsal vagal state is associated with the "freeze" or "shutdown" response, which is mediated by the unmyelinated vagus nerve originating from the dorsal motor nucleus. It is characterized by a significant decrease in metabolic activity and energy conservation, often as a last-resort response to overwhelming stress or perceived life-threatening situations.

In the dorsal vagal state, an individual may experience dissociation, numbness, or a sense of helplessness. This state can be adaptive in extreme situations, as it conserves energy and reduces pain perception.

But when the dorsal vagal state becomes a chronic pattern, it can also result in depression, chronic fatigue, and difficulties in emotional regulation.

Somatic Techniques: Bridging the Gap between Body and Mind

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Somatic experiencing is a transformative tool for trauma resolution that focuses on the body's response to distressing events. By bringing awareness to physical sensations, emotions, and beliefs held within the body, individuals can begin to:

• Release stored tension
• Process unresolved emotions
• Restore balance to their nervous system

Mindfulness and interoception, the ability to sense one's internal bodily states, play a crucial role in somatic practices, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and develop a deeper understanding of their emotional experiences.

For one, somatic psychology can help regulate the ANS by promoting a shift from reactive states (sympathetic or dorsal vagal) to a more balanced and socially engaged state (ventral vagal), fostering feelings of safety, connection, and well-being.

It also promotes:

1. Embodied Resilience and Attachment

Early attachment experiences significantly influence an individual's somatic patterns and neurobiology, shaping their capacity for resilience and healthy relationships later in life.

Somatic techniques can help promote secure attachment and build resilience by addressing unresolved relational trauma and fostering greater self-awareness and self-regulation.

Touch, movement, and body-based interventions can be particularly effective in restoring relational health, as they engage the nonverbal aspects of communication and connection that are often disrupted by trauma.

2. Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and stimuli, plays a critical role in the healing process.

Somatic techniques help rewire the neural pathways associated with trauma. In the process, people develop healthier and newer responses to stressors and emotional challenges.

By integrating body-based practices with talk therapy, therapists can enhance treatment outcomes and support lasting change.

3. Better Health and Wellness

While somatic techniques are often associated with trauma recovery, they can also be applied to improve overall health and wellness.

By incorporating somatic practices into daily life, individuals can reduce stress, regulate their emotions, and engage in self-care more effectively.

Additionally, somatic approaches can complement traditional medical interventions, offering a holistic approach to healing and well-being that addresses the interconnected nature of the body and mind.

Conclusion

The neuroscience behind somatic techniques highlights the inseparable connection between the body and mind in healing and personal growth.

By understanding the impact of trauma on the brain and body, incorporating the polyvagal theory and the autonomic nervous system into treatment, and embracing the transformative power of somatic practices, therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, and individuals interested in health and wellness can support lasting change and foster greater well-being.

The body and mind are powerful allies in the journey toward healing, and through somatic techniques, we can harness their combined strengths to overcome challenges and embrace our full potential.

Photo credit: Alina Grubnyak @Unsplash