{"id":83881,"date":"2025-12-17T17:16:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T17:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=83881"},"modified":"2025-12-17T17:17:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T17:17:10","slug":"does-somatic-yoga-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Somatic Yoga Work? Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Is_Somatic_Yoga_Legit_for_Beginners\" >Is Somatic Yoga Legit for Beginners?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#How_Is_Somatic_Yoga_Different_from_Regular_Yoga\" >How Is Somatic Yoga Different from Regular Yoga?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Does_Somatic_Yoga_Really_Release_Trauma\" >Does Somatic Yoga Really Release Trauma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Can_You_Lose_Weight_with_Somatic_Yoga\" >Can You Lose Weight with Somatic Yoga?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#What_Are_Other_Benefits_of_Somatic_Yoga\" >What Are Other Benefits of Somatic Yoga?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#How_Long_Does_Somatic_Yoga_Take_to_Work\" >How Long Does Somatic Yoga Take to Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Is_somatic_yoga_new\" >Is somatic yoga new?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Is_there_touching_in_somatic_therapy\" >Is there touching in somatic therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#Does_somatic_yoga_heal_trauma\" >Does somatic yoga heal trauma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#What_is_the_most_healing_type_of_yoga\" >What is the most healing type of yoga?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever heard the saying &#8220;the body keeps the score?&#8221; Pent-up emotions, such as distress, anxiety, and sadness, can affect your physical health. Emotional turmoil, particularly chronic stress, can lead to physical reactions, including immune dysfunction and impaired peripheral function (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5308597\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/somatic1-ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-converter.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is a very gentle type of yoga that helps increase <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness-activities\/\">body awareness<\/a>, which can support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and help release stored tension or trauma. It\u2019s an internal experience that is designed to achieve a calmer mental state and regain healthy, fluid movement. But does somatic yoga work?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s take a closer look at the benefits, the primary difference between somatic and regular yoga, and whether you can use somatic movement to shed some pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Somatic_Yoga_Legit_for_Beginners\"><\/span><b>Is Somatic Yoga Legit for Beginners?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is a gentle, mindful approach for beginners that blends traditional yoga with somatic movement principles. It\u2019s a legit practice that uses interoception and proprioception as core elements. Interoception helps you tune into how you feel in a pose, and proprioception enables you to sense where you are in that pose (2).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has shown that repressed or unprocessed emotions can weaken the immune system, impair peripheral function, and cause cognitive decline, which affects focus, memory, and decision-making (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5137920\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2352289524000663\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, does somatic yoga work? The answer is &#8211; it can. When you practice somatic yoga, you focus on how the movement makes you feel. You study your own movements through neurological and physiological mechanisms, creating a mind-body connection that can help process stored emotions and reduce perceived distress, thus improving physiological symptoms (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3892034\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72619\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health-21.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_Somatic_Yoga_Different_from_Regular_Yoga\"><\/span><b>How Is Somatic Yoga Different from Regular Yoga?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic and regular yoga are quite similar in terms of meditation, breathwork, and focus on posture. However, they use a different approach, technique, and goal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga exercises involve full-body awareness, focusing more on how you feel rather than whether you&#8217;ve achieved a specific asana. They are an internal experience that re-establishes movement control through mindful breathwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional yoga is performance-driven. You practice poses and focus on accomplishing a specific goal, like boosting flexibility, mobility, or balance. Many different types of yoga require physical exertion and specific mindful movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises are easy, repetitive, and guided by individual needs. You\u2019re more connected with the internal landscape and focus on emotional release. The movements are non-linear and activate your innate healing capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wpsm_comptable_shortcode_echo\"><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><em><b>Read more:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-yoga\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Yoga: A Journey to Self-Discovery.<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Somatic_Yoga_Really_Release_Trauma\"><\/span><b>Does Somatic Yoga Really Release Trauma?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, somatic yoga can release stored energies and unprocessed emotions. But how does somatic yoga work for trauma?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga can create a safe space for the body to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Release tension as a result of distress or experiencing a disruptive event<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve nervous system regulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce dissociation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage a sense of self-trust<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While direct research on somatic yoga is still in its early phases, several studies on related practices, such as somatic therapies and trauma-sensitive yoga, have highlighted potential benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72614\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-mental-health1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study using mindfulness-based intervention of hatha yoga found that using the practice as a complementary treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder helped release some of that tension from past experiences. When paired with mindfulness-based meditation, participants developed feelings of empowerment, centeredness, gratitude, and acceptance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5404814\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study found similar results. After a 20-week trauma-sensitive yoga treatment, clients experienced a slightly more regulated nervous system and reduced dissociation symptoms. Yoga provided positive outcomes, such as lower depression and inflammatory hormones, and improved overall wellness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5393408\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2020 report found that somatic yoga and meditation can boost quality of life and affect fear of falling. Patients received a weekly program with additional home exercises. After 8 weeks, patients noticed improved stability, balance, and self-confidence (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31483689\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">If you&#8217;re curious about <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly<\/span><\/a>, check out our earlier article.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re a workout beast or just a beginner making your first foray into the world of fitness and dieting \u2013 BetterMe has a lot to offer to both newbies and experts! <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Install the app and experience the versatility first-hand!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Lose_Weight_with_Somatic_Yoga\"><\/span><b>Can You Lose Weight with Somatic Yoga?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga isn&#8217;t specifically designed for weight loss. However, it can address the root causes of patterns that lead to weight gain, such as distress. As chronic stress can contribute to weight gain, somatic yoga can come in handy for adequate weight loss maintenance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic stress can lead to physiological changes in the human body. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to high cortisol can increase appetite, particularly the need for high-fat and high-sugar foods. Cortisol can reduce metabolism and increase fat storage (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10241186\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best somatic exercise program can be a tool for distress reduction, particularly with stress-related habits such as emotional eating. The gentle and slow movements calm the nervous system, potentially reducing the output of cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4784068\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/1534735419850627\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re stressed, you may feel tight shoulders, stiff hips, and a clenched jaw. Somatic yoga helps locate and unwind these areas with calming movements, which can lower overall tension levels. So, while somatic yoga can&#8217;t cause notable weight reduction, it can be a valuable practice for maintaining a healthy body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">For more details about <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-yoga-for-weight-loss\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic Yoga for Weight Loss<\/span><\/a>, take a look at our prior publication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72622\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Other_Benefits_of_Somatic_Yoga\"><\/span><b>What Are Other Benefits of Somatic Yoga?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is a holistic approach that can offer various advantages. It works deeply with the mind and body to create lasting results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s why it stands out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexibility and fluid movement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Somatic yoga encourages slow and conscious movements that stretch the body without strain. Each movement releases tension and allows the joints and tissues to move freely (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/1534735419850627\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bodily awareness and emotional regulation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Somatic awareness, which includes sensing internal feelings (interoception) and body position (proprioception), creates a subtle shift in the body. This can help you respond to fatigue, discomfort, or tension before these emotions become overwhelming (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatryinvestigation.org\/m\/journal\/view.php?number=1576&amp;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pain relief:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Studies have found that different somatic forms may help patients who are living with chronic pain. Physical benefits, such as better balance, flexibility, and increased mobility, could help reduce pain perception (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7868595\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Distress reduction:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Somatic yoga is slower-paced, which can lower cortisol levels and counteract the stress response. It uses various techniques to improve the mind-body connection, such as controlled breathing, meditation, and mindful movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mobility:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Somatic movements can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness. The poses can feel engaging, balanced, and natural (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9555036\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They don&#8217;t require any fitness experience or bending abilities, which makes them incredibly beginner-friendly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Better posture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Since somatic yoga makes you more aware of your body and stationary movements, you may be less likely to slouch or sit with bad posture. The practice can assess the underlying influences on your posture and relieve some of the tension in the neck and shoulders.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-relaxation-techniques\/\">What are Restorative Somatic Relaxation Techniques?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_Somatic_Yoga_Take_to_Work\"><\/span><b><\/b><b>How Long Does Somatic Yoga Take to Work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga requires consistent practice, which can take a while to work. The movements are slow, and their impact can vary from person to person. Some feel more centered and relaxed after three days of somatic yoga exercises. However, others need more time to adapt and practice. As long as you dedicate time and effort to every session, you can experience positive results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remaining motivated and reconnecting with your body through conscious movement is essential. Pick whatever schedule works for you and practice regularly. If you don&#8217;t know where to start, the BetterMe app can keep you on track. It\u2019s equipped with many somatic yoga poses and dietary regimens so you can schedule your meals and workouts every single time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Our previous post goes into great detail about the <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-yoga-program\/\">somatic yoga poses<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72621\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_somatic_yoga_new\"><\/span><strong>Is somatic yoga new?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga may seem like the latest trend, but it&#8217;s nothing new. This distinct practice emerged in the mid-20<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> century as a blend of yoga and somatics. It was inspired by the work of pioneers such as Dr. Thomas Hanna, who created clinical somatic education in 1990. Dr. Thomas was a philosophy professor, writer, and theologian (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/somatics.org\/library\/htl-cse\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_touching_in_somatic_therapy\"><\/span><strong>Is there touching in somatic therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, some therapists use touch, but not always. For example, somatic touch therapy is reliant explicitly on the touch-based modalities to ease emotional distress. Somatic experiencing often uses a combination of verbal processing and touch work. However, some therapists don&#8217;t touch their clients at all. When touch is considered, it\u2019s always discussed beforehand, and explicit consent is sought to ensure the client\u2019s comfort and safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_somatic_yoga_heal_trauma\"><\/span><strong>Does somatic yoga heal trauma?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga can support trauma recovery by helping regulate the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and ease physical tension. Through gentle movement and increased body awareness, it encourages emotional reconnection and the processing of sensations. However, somatic yoga alone isn\u2019t a treatment for trauma. If you&#8217;re considering a somatic approach to healing, it\u2019s important to work with a qualified mental health professional, such as a trained somatic experiencing practitioner, and always consult a licensed clinician before you start any trauma-related practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_most_healing_type_of_yoga\"><\/span><strong>What is the most healing type of yoga?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t a clear-cut answer, as the most healing type of yoga can vary from person to person depending on their needs and goals. That being said, restorative yoga is often praised for its calming effects. It uses comfortable poses for extended periods, which allows you to slow down and gain mental and physical relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Does_Somatic_Yoga_Work\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practice of somatic yoga can help you regain a healthy, fluid movement and achieve a calmer state of mind. When you\u2019re dominated by your feelings and emotions, your mood can determine how you interact with people, your eating habits, and how you deal with challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga can improve your mind-body connection by helping you become more attuned to internal sensations. Through gentle, mindful movement, it creates a stable foundation for processing emotional tension and releasing stored distress. It\u2019s a unique internal experience with the potential to ease pain, distress, and discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever heard the saying &#8220;the body keeps the score?&#8221; Pent-up emotions, such as distress, anxiety, and sadness, can affect your physical health. Emotional turmoil, particularly chronic stress, can lead to physical reactions, including immune dysfunction and impaired peripheral function (1). Somatic yoga is a very gentle type of yoga that helps increase body [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":83882,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[45],"class_list":["post-83881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Does Somatic Yoga Work? Everything You Need to Know - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 DOES SOMATIC YOGA WORK \u27a4? Yes, this practice can release pent-up emotions, tension, and stress. But there\u2019s more to it than meets the eye. Here&#039;s why.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Does Somatic Yoga Work? Everything You Need to Know\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 DOES SOMATIC YOGA WORK \u27a4? Yes, this practice can release pent-up emotions, tension, and stress. But there\u2019s more to it than meets the eye. Here&#039;s why.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-17T17:17:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BP-146-does-somatic-yoga-work-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/46a2559fa95a734cb81f6fc6a2c3f404\"},\"headline\":\"Does Somatic Yoga Work? Everything You Need to Know\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-17T17:17:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/\"},\"wordCount\":1482,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BP-146-does-somatic-yoga-work.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Have you ever heard the saying \\\"the body keeps the score?\\\" Pent-up emotions, such as distress, anxiety, and sadness, can affect your physical health. Emotional turmoil, particularly chronic stress, can lead to physical reactions, including immune dysfunction and impaired peripheral function (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5308597\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic yoga is a very gentle type of yoga that helps increase <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness-activities\/\\\">body awareness<\/a>, which can support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and help release stored tension or trauma. It\u2019s an internal experience that is designed to achieve a calmer mental state and regain healthy, fluid movement. But does somatic yoga work?<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Let's take a closer look at the benefits, the primary difference between somatic and regular yoga, and whether you can use somatic movement to shed some pounds.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Is Somatic Yoga Legit for Beginners?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic yoga is a gentle, mindful approach for beginners that blends traditional yoga with somatic movement principles. It\u2019s a legit practice that uses interoception and proprioception as core elements. Interoception helps you tune into how you feel in a pose, and proprioception enables you to sense where you are in that pose (2).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Research has shown that repressed or unprocessed emotions can weaken the immune system, impair peripheral function, and cause cognitive decline, which affects focus, memory, and decision-making (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5137920\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">,<\/span><a hr ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/\",\"name\":\"Does Somatic Yoga Work? 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Here's why.","og_url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2025-12-17T17:17:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BP-146-does-somatic-yoga-work-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"BetterMe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"BetterMe","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/46a2559fa95a734cb81f6fc6a2c3f404"},"headline":"Does Somatic Yoga Work? Everything You Need to Know","dateModified":"2025-12-17T17:17:10+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/"},"wordCount":1482,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/BP-146-does-somatic-yoga-work.png","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever heard the saying \"the body keeps the score?\" Pent-up emotions, such as distress, anxiety, and sadness, can affect your physical health. Emotional turmoil, particularly chronic stress, can lead to physical reactions, including immune dysfunction and impaired peripheral function (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5308597\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is a very gentle type of yoga that helps increase <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/body-awareness-activities\/\">body awareness<\/a>, which can support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and help release stored tension or trauma. It\u2019s an internal experience that is designed to achieve a calmer mental state and regain healthy, fluid movement. But does somatic yoga work?<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let's take a closer look at the benefits, the primary difference between somatic and regular yoga, and whether you can use somatic movement to shed some pounds.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Is Somatic Yoga Legit for Beginners?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic yoga is a gentle, mindful approach for beginners that blends traditional yoga with somatic movement principles. It\u2019s a legit practice that uses interoception and proprioception as core elements. Interoception helps you tune into how you feel in a pose, and proprioception enables you to sense where you are in that pose (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has shown that repressed or unprocessed emotions can weaken the immune system, impair peripheral function, and cause cognitive decline, which affects focus, memory, and decision-making (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5137920\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a hr ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/does-somatic-yoga-work\/","name":"Does Somatic Yoga Work? 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