What is somatic yoga

What is somatic yoga

In today’s busy world, more people are turning to wellness practices that help them slow down, relax, and reconnect with their bodies. Somatic Yoga is one of those practices—gentle, mindful, and deeply healing. Unlike traditional yoga styles that focus on flexibility or strength, Somatic Yoga takes you inward, helping you release tension and build a better connection with your body—especially in areas like the neck and shoulders.

👉 Be sure to check out our yoga mat collection to support your practice with comfort and stability.

💫 What Is Somatic Yoga?

The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "the living body." Somatic Yoga focuses on how movements feel from the inside—not how they look from the outside.

Rather than pushing your body to achieve big poses, Somatic Yoga encourages slow, gentle movements, allowing you to feel more, move better, and heal deeply. It’s perfect for those who want to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and feel more connected to themselves.

💆♀️ Relief for Neck and Shoulder Tension

If you hold a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders (like many of us do), Somatic Yoga can be a game-changer. A simple 20-minute daily routine can help:

  • Loosen stiff muscles

  • Improve posture

  • Ease tension headaches

  • Restore calm and comfort

By combining breath, gentle motion, and self-awareness, these targeted exercises bring noticeable relief and long-term results.

🌙 Combining Somatics with Yin Myofascial Release

Somatic Yoga can be paired beautifully with Yin Myofascial Release—a technique that targets deep layers of muscle and fascia (connective tissue). Together, they help:

  • Retrain the nervous system

  • Relax chronic muscle tension

  • Stimulate the vagus nerve (which helps you feel calm)

  • Deepen the mind-body connection

This combo isn’t just about stretching—it’s about rewiring patterns of stress and helping your body remember how to relax.

🌈 Why People Love Somatic Yoga

Somatic Yoga is for everyone—no matter your age, fitness level, or background. It’s gentle, accessible, and highly effective. Benefits include:

  • Reduced chronic pain

  • Improved posture and flexibility

  • Calmer mind and better sleep

  • Support for emotional healing

Whether you're managing stress, recovering from injury, or just want to feel better in your body, Somatic Yoga offers a safe, supportive way to get there.

💬 Real People, Real Stories

Many people with chronic pain, C-PTSD, or limited mobility find relief through Somatic Yoga. What makes it special is that you can often follow along at home, using online videos or short routines.

People describe the practice as:

“Gentle but powerful.”
“Easy to follow—even on tough days.”
“More helpful than traditional stretching.”

It’s not just exercise—it’s healing movement.

🧠 What Is Sensory-Motor Amnesia?

Somatic Yoga is based on the work of Thomas Hanna, who coined the term sensory-motor amnesia. It means your body “forgets” how to relax certain muscles due to stress or repetitive strain.

Through slow, conscious movements and a technique called pandiculation (kind of like a full-body yawn), you can teach your muscles how to relax again—releasing pain and restoring ease.

⏰ Making It Part of Your Daily Life

Even if you're short on time, a short daily practice can make a big difference. Try doing 10–20 minutes:

  • In the morning to start your day calmly

  • At night to release tension before bed

  • On your lunch break to reset and refocus

The key is consistency—not perfection. Over time, your body becomes more relaxed, responsive, and resilient.

👉 Want extra support? Browse our yoga bolster collection to enhance your Somatic sessions.

🌍 The Growing World of Somatic Yoga

Somatic Yoga is becoming more popular—and for good reason. It blends ancient wisdom with modern science, making it a powerful part of any wellness routine.

There’s also a growing community of people who practice Somatic Yoga and share their experiences. Whether you're new to yoga or a long-time yogi, there's always something new to explore and learn.

💖 Final Thoughts

Somatic Yoga is more than just movement—it’s a gentle journey inward. It helps you reconnect with your body, release tension, and feel more calm, mobile, and at peace.

Whether you're dealing with stiff shoulders, chronic pain, or everyday stress, Somatic Yoga offers a nurturing path toward healing and self-care.

🌿 Take a deep breath, roll out your mat, and give yourself permission to slow down. You might be surprised by how much your body can teach you when you truly listen.

Back to News