Mind-Body Exercises
Significant Differences:
Similarities
When life throws us curveballs—be it breakups, job losses, or the sickness or loss of loved ones—we might not develop a mental health disorder, but our bodies still respond. This response can disrupt our natural rhythms, affecting thoughts, feelings, and overall performance. In an effort to keep us safe, our subconscious initiates changes: muscles tense up, pupil dilation slightly increases, digestion slows, meridian points may become blocked, we might hold our breath more, and our heart rate variability can decrease. The physical manifestations can be varied and profound, from muscle aches and changes in body temperature to difficulty breathing, light sensitivity, migraines, indigestion, and weight fluctuations, while mentally, we may struggle to keep our thoughts quiet and find it hard to stay grounded in the present.
Health coaches certified in STARR Exercises are uniquely equipped to assist in response to these challenges. These exercises, developed through the Maryland University Integrative Health’s STARR certification program, are designed to address the physical and psychological effects of stress and trauma. Through a combination of techniques, these practitioners aim to release stored trauma and restore the nervous system’s balance.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is an alternative practice that — when done correctly by the patient and therapist — can help close the gap between the mind and body and how the two interact. It encourages building a stronger mind-body connection through physical exercises, activities, and traditional talk therapy.
Mind-Body Exercises and How They Work
Various physical activities can become part of the somatic therapy experience. Dance, meditation, and yoga are three physical options that can help with emotional distress and chronic pain. The physical aspect helps channel negative emotions into something positive.
In somatic therapy, practitioners often focus on the physical sensations and bodily experiences of clients to help process and release trauma and stress. This helps individuals understand the body’s hierarchy of responses to stress and trauma, fostering awareness of how their own body reacts and how they can begin to manage these responses. The practical techniques employed can include:
- Body Scans: Encouraging awareness of bodily sensations and identifying areas of tension or discomfort.
- Breathwork: Utilizing various breathing techniques to calm the mind and reduce stress.
- EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping: A form of counseling intervention that draws on various theories of alternative medicine, including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy.
- Havening Techniques: These are methods that use touch as a therapeutic tool to soothe and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Vibrational Therapies: For example, singing bowls create vibrations that promote inner harmony and relaxation.
- Meditation: Practices to quiet the mind, bring about mindfulness, and reduce stress.
- Yoga Therapy: Combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance overall well-being.
Utilizing these methods, health coaches can significantly mitigate the impact of life’s stressors, helping individuals not only recover their rhythm but thrive in spite of the challenges they face. This holistic approach offers a path toward healing that integrates the body and mind, acknowledging the intricate ways they influence each other.
Mind-Body Exercise Therapy Online
Your journey towards healing and resilience is unique, and with the right support, you can make meaningful strides towards recovery and growth. Reach out and set up your appointment today. Allow yourself the opportunity to thrive, not just despite life’s challenges but because of the strength you’ve gained through facing them.
Contact Regional Psychiatry Today for Mind-Body Therapy
Schedule a consultation now with Regional Psychiatry for online somatic therapy or one of our other telehealth therapy services. We offer telehealth therapy to residents in Florida, Maryland, and Colorado. If you have questions, call us today or send us a message using our contact form.
Independence. Resilience. Wellness.
We work with each patient to customize a personalized treatment plan. Our practice has the experience and training to improve your overall health and wellness.
