What is Somatic Shaking?

In the realm of holistic wellness and self-care practices, somatic shaking is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for healing.

While it may sound unconventional, this practice draws on the body's innate wisdom to release tension, trauma, and stress, promoting physical and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll delve into what somatic shaking is and how it can be used as a valuable tool for healing.

The healing power of shaking

In recent years, meditation and various somatic therapies (such as TRE, tapping, or even yoga) have established themselves as potent tools for achieving calm states of being. However, for many, especially during turbulent and overwhelming periods, fully immersing themselves in these practices can feel like an intimidating challenge. This is where the concept of somatic shaking comes into play.

'The beauty of somatic shaking lies in its inherent simplicity'

While certain somatic therapies demand precision, such as tapping, the beauty of somatic shaking lies in its inherent simplicity. It provides a means of connecting with our inner selves in a manner that feels instinctive and organic. The act of moving our bodies, whether through structured movements or intuitive dance, serves as a catalyst for breaking free from stagnant energy and propelling us into a fresh realm of thoughts and emotions.

Somatic shaking is a body-centered approach geared towards addressing sensations of stagnation, triggers, and the regulation of the nervous system. It's a way to use physical movement as a tool to deeper connect with our inner selves.

Shaking is Part of Our Nature

Shaking, as a bodily practice, has actually not been invented by humans; rather, it has been observed in the behavior of animals in the wild and has therefore found its way into our human experience. This practice empowers the body to release pent-up energy that may have remained trapped following traumatic events.

When confronted with a dangerous situation, we typically respond with one of three reactions: fight, flee, or freeze. Opting for the first two responses, fighting or fleeing, generally reduces the likelihood of experiencing lasting trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through this responds, we still allow the energy to move through our system as it needs to.

In contrast, the freeze response serves as a clever survival mechanism, numbing the entire body to shield us from pain. However, it leaves survival energy trapped within us, which somatic shaking helps us release.

The Freeze Response

Our lives often revolve around the freeze response. Trauma occurs, and we instinctively withdraw. We return to our day-to-day life, using our physical body and routine as a way to 'hold it all together.' This may manifest as physical tension, discomfort, or feelings of numbness and overwhelm.

When we become aware of our own coping methods in this freeze mode, our first step is to feel compassion to ourselves. These past responses we've had in situations that felt dangerous are automatic, coming from our autonomic nervous system. We were simply trying to survive.

‘Our first step is to feel compassion to ourselves‘

It's important to note that the experience of this freeze response doesn't always result from a disastrous life event. Sometimes, even the little day-to-day encounters can cause this amount of distress for our system.

How does this work? We see this world through our unique lenses of belief. Our belief system tells us how the world works, what our place is in it, and places specific receptors towards certain areas of life while not focusing as much on others. Therefore, our perception of reality is always subjective, limited and, in a way, untrue. The experience becomes colored in a certain way, depending on the meaning we give to it. This is why a breakup or conflict at work can feel liberating and exciting for some and devastating for others.

Our belief system is influenced by our upbringing, the environment we live in, and our own personal journey in life.

Returning to the freeze response from our nervous system, it is our internal translation in a specific situation that causes the type of response we have. Since these belief systems are so engrained, we are not often aware how they affect our responses and behavior. Let's say we believe we can't show our feelings of sadness at work when something is going on at home. We come to work and step into a frame of the person we believe we need to be in that situation. So we smile when we don't feel like smiling, make jokes, or fake laughter.

'We step into a frame of the person we believe we need to be in that situation'

In any moment when we're not fully allowing ourselves to flow with what is moving through us, we create resistance. If you imagine that there is energy flowing through our system constantly, this resistance causes a blockage. The energy that is flowing is not able to flow there, so we start to feel stuck. We freeze and hold it together until a more suitable moment for expression arises.

But what if this moment to release this energy never comes? This is when, overtime, symptoms like physical tension, superfysial breathing, anxiety, overwhelm or numbness rise to the surface.

Shaking our body can bring about this release, since the number one thing that happens, is enabling the energy in our bodies to move.

'In any moment when we're not fully allowing ourselves to flow with what is moving through us, we create resistance'

How to Practice Somatic Shaking

Somatic shaking is a practice you can do at home, although sometimes it might feel supportive to have someone guide you through the experience.

By grounding your feet on the floor and gently bending your knees up and down, you can start shaking. Feel into your body to find the accurate pace and rhythm that feels right. There are various ways of shaking you can implement, but even shaking in all its simplicity can bring great relief and healing.

Let yourself be guided by the intuitive nature of your body. Pay attention to deepening your breathe, any sensations you might be feeling and what happens mentally. We want to be curious and soft towards whatever arises.

'Even shaking in all its simplicity can bring great relief and healing'

During a somatic shaking practice, there are various approaches to consider. One method involves consciously bringing forth a specific thought, event, or emotion and allowing the shaking to help us move through it. In essence, we signal to our body that it is safe to confront these aspects, acknowledging that we can coexist with them while continuing to move forward. Through deeper breathing, we infuse space into these emotions, reminding ourselves of our capacity to cope with whatever comes our way.

Alternatively, we can choose an intuitive approach, where we simply connect with our bodies. Without the need to attach to any specific narrative, we permit the body to move in the way it naturally desires. This intuitive approach involves checking in with the body's pace, rhythm, and preferred method of shaking. Often, there is no requirement to rationalize or fully comprehend the mental or emotional aspects residing within our system as we release them through this practice. We can simply trust that whatever is ready to move out will do so.

If you want to try somatic shaking in a safe environment, we are offering somatic shaking sessions, as well as massage therapy where we incorporate somatic shaking. Learn more here.