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Blog 68 Somatic Healing

Jenni Berman |

Somatic Healing

By Stacey Behm Justiniano, RDN, LDN

In a world that feels faster, louder, and more chaotic than ever, it’s no surprise that many are turning inward—and downward, into the body—for healing. Enter somatic healing, a rapidly growing wellness trend that’s more than a fad: it’s a revolution in how we manage stress, process trauma, and even extend our quality of life.

What Is Somatic Healing?

“Somatic” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning body. Somatic healing focuses on the body’s role in storing and releasing stress and emotional tension. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which works through cognitive reflection, somatic practices aim to regulate the nervous system from the bottom up—by using physical sensation to shift mental states.

The Nervous System Connection

At the heart of somatic healing is the autonomic nervous system, which governs your fight-or-flight (sympathetic) and rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) responses. Chronic stress traps the body in a heightened alert state, leading to inflammation, anxiety, poor gut health, and burnout. Somatic practices help rewire this circuitry, promoting calm, resilience, and longevity.

Tools of Somatic Practice

Here are some of the most effective—and increasingly popular—somatic tools:

Breathwork

By consciously altering your breath, you can shift your nervous state within minutes. Try:

  • Box breathing: Inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again—all for 4 seconds each.
  • Extended exhales: Make your exhale longer than your inhale to stimulate the parasympathetic system.

Cold Plunges

Cold exposure trains your body to remain calm under stress. Beginners can:

  • End showers with 30 seconds of cold water.
  • Combine with steady nasal breathing to keep the body regulated. Bonus: Cold plunges trigger dopamine release and improve circulation.

Sound Baths

Sound therapy uses vibration and frequency to encourage deep relaxation and energetic balance.

  • Use crystal bowls, gongs, or guided playlists.
  • Allow your body to rest passively while sound “washes” over your nervous system.

Why This Matters for Health & Longevity

Science supports what ancient wisdom long knew: unprocessed stress accumulates in the body and contributes to chronic illness. Nervous system regulation is tied to:

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Improved immune function
  • Better sleep and digestion, better gut health and vitamin/mineral absorption
  • Enhanced mental clarity
  • Slower cellular aging via improved vagal tone

The longevity benefit isn’t just about adding years—it’s about increasing vital years filled with energy, presence, and peace.

Everyday Integration Tips

  • Shake it off: Literally shake your limbs to discharge stress like animals do.
  • Body scans: Tune into areas of tension and breathe into them.
  • Micro-regulation: Take 60-second pauses to stretch, yawn, or breathe slowly.

Somatic healing teaches us that the body isn’t just a vessel—it’s a storyteller, a healer, and a compass. When we learn to listen and regulate, we don’t just feel better—we unlock the kind of well-being that lasts a lifetime.

Ready to try a few of these? We here at Berman Health and Wellness can help you build a custom somatic routine based on your schedule and energy needs. Let’s tune in!

Jenni Berman

Jenni Berman

Jenni, owner of Berman Health and Wellness, works alongside Berman Physical Therapy to help individuals get back in shape, improve their gut health, and to stay feeling young so they can stay in the game! After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, she went on to obtain a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. She has a passion for helping individuals to feel better than they thought imaginable through natural approaches, nutrition, and whole body treatment. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. When she is not working with patients or with clients, you can find Jenni on the boat, in the sun, enjoying time with her husband, Jake,her daughter Stella June, spending time in Jacksonville with her family, or playing with her [CUTE!] pups!!