Movement as Medicine: Exploring Somatic Methods To Heal The Body, Mind, Spirit & Spaces
- Erin
- Apr 14, 2024
- 20 min read
Updated: Sep 1
"In every culture and in every medical tradition before ours, healing was accomplished by moving energy."
Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
In Chinese philosophy, MOVEMENT is a vital aspect of how life force energy—or Chi (Qi)—flows through a space, and our bodies to activate and transform. Like a meandering river in nature, the goal of energy is to flow freely.
Our ancestors understood trauma was stored in the body, and that movement was how stress completed it's cycle. That's why dance has been around long before language, long before other types of therapy. Somatic healing is a time-tested and powerful practice which emphasizes this mind-body connection and the role of movement in promoting healing and self-awareness.
In this blog, we'll explore the principles of somatic healing, its benefits, and some examples of how the tools of movement can serve as medicine for the body and soul.
"I am learning this more and more. Each book I wrote, each piece of art I make, each dance I do.... move the body, put pen to paper, brush to canvas, crochet hook to wool...engage the bodymind and soul creatively, authentically, put the psyche in motion and the rest takes care of itself."
.
Lucy Pearce
Your issues live in your tissues. Your body remembers everything you’ve lived through - from the pain, to the fear, to the joy, to the love. So rewrite the story well — for your health, your soul, and the generations after you.
Understanding the Nervous System
Generally your brain has two modes, and it can can only be in one state at any given moment
Thinking: analysis, rumination, worry, debate
Experiencing: attention, focus, presence, flow
When you experience something painful or overwhelming, your nervous system reacts before your mind can interpret what’s happening. Your body makes the first call—deciding if the situation feels safe or threatening. If safety isn’t sensed, survival instincts kick in: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.
Over time, these responses can solidify into patterns we label as personality traits, symptoms, or mental health challenges—but in reality, they often reflect a nervous system trapped in survival mode.
Bottom-up methods, such as somatic experiencing and polyvagal therapies, focus on restoring that mind-body connection. They help you process unresolved survival responses and gradually shift your nervous system from defense to safety—the foundation where true healing can occur.
In other words, we can interrupt the dysregulated thinking brain by shifting into experiencing mode. Engross all your attention to the body, and from there your nervous system's sense of safety and regulation returns.
You can’t think your way out of dysregulation. You have to feel your way through it.
Understanding Somatic Healing
The word emotion literally means energy in motion. We must move sensations in the body or else they will linger there.
Our emotions and experiences sit within the body Our bodies hold onto stress, and tension, which can manifest as physical discomfort or illness. Our patterns and beliefs register on a cellular level, and somatic practices help us heal at the foundation.
Regardless of who you are, what you do or what you have you'll encounter moments of low energy, feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, stagnation, imposter syndrome, or powerlessness.
We might be energetically blocked in certain areas of our spiritual body- our chakras and meridians. We may feel stuck, but we're not. We can MOVE.
By tuning into physical sensations and engaging in mindful movement practices, we can release stored emotions and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and well-being.
Somatic work focuses on the connection between body and mind, helping individuals become more aware of physical sensations, emotions, and tension held in the body. By gently tracking these sensations, somatic practices support trauma release, nervous system regulation, and emotional integration.
Through somatic healing, individuals can become their own empathetic witnesses, allowing for the gentle unraveling of tension, the restoration of balance and the cultivation of a sense of calm.
The Basics
The vagus nerve touches nearly every organ, so stimulating it gently can calm your whole system.
Pressure and vibration are safety signals, your brain listens more to your body than your thoughts.
Subtle posture changes (like palms up or chin tucked) shift your physiology in seconds.
Thermoreceptors in your hands and face play a huge role in nervous system regulation.
Humming, sighing, and touch activate built-in calming systems your brain evolved to trust.
"Your body's automatic responses were ingrained in us before we had a choice, but we have the responsibility and agency to change them. Regulation is a practiced skill and it begins with noticing. When you begin to move with intention, so will your nervous system"
Jennifer Vee
"Our bodies often speak before our minds can catch up. Learning to slow down to listen is such a powerful step toward healing and self-regulation."
Lenka Mina
Tuning In
Our body signals to us that we are dysregulated, we just have to pay attention. By attuning to subtle somatic cues, we can build our capacity to regulate and return to our window of tolerance.
Having self-awareness is a way to take back your power and reclaim our control through reconnecting with our bodies, rather than reacting out of fear.
Subtle Cues vs Simple Remedies
Pay attention to the tiniest changes in your body so you can know when you're moving into a state of dysregulation. There are some responses you will be able to control, and others you wont. To intervene, restore a sense a safety and calm your amygdyla, try to do the opposite of what your first or immediate response is.
If breath becomes rapid or shallow, start to breath slowly and deeply
If you feel tightness or tension in somewhere, rub or hold or hug it to release
If your posture becomes shrunken or collapsed, expand and straighten your stance
If you are fidgeting with nervousness, focus on being still
If your voice is raised, lower it to a whisper
If you are hyperfocused, scan your periphery
Mindful movement and touch are foundational approaches to healing the stored experiences in the body that the mind alone cannot access.
"The body keeps the score, and it always wins. If you don't pay attention to what's going on in your body, it will let you know in the form of physical symptoms or emotional distress."
Bessel van der Kolk
Benefits of Somatic Healing
The gentle flowing movement of a regular somatic practice can reap amazing benefits for one's physical , mental and emotional health.
MIND
develops a greater awareness of their physical selves, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body, thoughts and emotions, leading to greater self-understanding and self-compassion
encourages mental clarity
creates new neuropathways for confidence and
BODY
promotes relaxation
helps release tension and stress held in the body
helps improve posture, flexibility, circulation and mobility,
reduces the risk of illness or injury,
alleviates chronic pain
enhancing overall physical health
stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms
improves cardiovascular health by lowering or increasing heart rate
SPIRIT
promotes inner peace
supports in the processing and releasing of trapped emotions
increases emotional resilience and well-being.
balances the masculine/feminine energy,
balances the hemispheres of the brain
grounds us into our truth and authenticity
Movement is especially important for neurodivergent individuals with ADHD or anxiety. We can't meditate, rationalize or think our way out of a problem or worry. We must literally MOVE it out.
"I have found that moving the body and releasing emotional holdings is what brought me into a more naturally meditative and connected state. Not sitting on the cushion, passive like a sloth. The patriarchal spiritualists have been telling us that 'meditation' and 'contemplation' and 'witnessing’ are THE path to calm mind for centuries, and many of them are still unwell in their personal lives. Nothing changed. They dance in the witness- essentially a mind function- and addict to meditative practice, like a drug. And the moment they have to really deal with the world, their unresolved material re-emerges, always present. If you have to participate in a practice hours every day to calm yourself, that suggests that something is not working.
We are built for presence, so long as we activate our natural abilities to clear and re-open. And that's often a body alive path. It's been my experience that the monkey mind is transformed within the heart itself- not from within the mind. And that the heart is cleared through somatic activation and energized release. A great many people are walking around feeling 'inadequate' and 'unenlightened' because they don't like to meditate. Let that go. Meditation is a tool, but it is not the only path home. There are trillions of ways to touch the moment."
Jeff Brown
Rhythm as Rehabilitation
There are two fundamental types of rhythm we often experience in both life and creative work: linear rhythm and polyrhythm.
A linear rhythm is simple, structured, and predictable—like a steady beat or routine. It’s the kind of rhythm we follow when we’re moving through a to-do list, following a calendar, or adhering to a daily schedule. This type of rhythm brings order, clarity, and ease of execution. It helps us stay grounded and gives our nervous system a sense of safety through predictability.
Polyrhythm, on the other hand, is more complex. It refers to multiple rhythms happening at once—think of jazz improvisation, overlapping conversations, or the layered chaos of real life. In a polyrhythmic state, you’re holding multiple dynamics in tension: joy and grief, speed and stillness, action and reflection. It’s not about chaos for chaos’s sake, but about learning how to stay present and adaptive within complexity. When approached with awareness, polyrhythm becomes a form of embodied intelligence.
Training your system to move between linear and polyrhythmic rhythms builds capacity. Instead of shutting down in the face of complexity or overstimulation, you begin to hold more—more sensations, more inputs, more possibility—without defaulting to overwhelm.
This ability to flex between simplicity and complexity is a form of resilience. It mirrors how ecosystems function: structured enough to sustain life, fluid enough to evolve. When you can dance between these rhythms, you become more responsive, more grounded, and more capable of navigating change with ease.
"Rhythm is the mother tongue. It’s the first language of the human species. Rhythm is a force that can drive healing—connecting the brain, body, and spirit."
Mickey Hart
"When you're losing your mind, find your body"
Karden Rabin
The 5 Elements of Movement
When we think about movement, or exercise - we typically picture a gym, throwing a bunch of weights around, getting really sweaty, and pushing ourselves to uncomfortable places. The majority of us see exercise as some sort of punishment. Something we shame ourselves into "having to do."
The reality is that movement comes in so many different forms. There are literally infinite ways for you to move! And they're almost ALL good for you. There are movements that...
regulate the nervous system
release trauma
express emotion.
empower and motivate us
bring us closer to ourselves, and build a deeper more trusting relationship with our bodies.
When you're developing your personal movement practice, look to the five earth elements.. This means moving in a way that truly serves your nature: ever-changing but consistent, supporting harmony and balance in mind and body.
Let your feelings turn into movement. Release them. Stop holding onto them, possessing them, identifying with them, judging them, pathologizing them. Move in a way that discharges emotional trauma and let's the past go.
Each of the Five Elements in Feng Shui is associated with a different type of movement and energy expression:
FIRE needs passion, joy, rhythm, being lit up from within.
Movement: Fire: Radiating and rising
WATER needs flow, fluidity, calm, steady repetition, and intuition
Movement: Flowing and downward
WOOD needs flexibility, extension, expansion, direction.
Movement: Upward and outward
EARTH needs grounding, presence, stability, support, nourishment.
Movement: Centering and stabilizing
METAL needs precision, clarity, refinement.
Movement: Contracting and condensing
Which type of movement resonates most for you?
“Healing does not happen in the head. It happens in the body.”
Resmaa Menakem
FIRE
Ecstatic Dance – Free-form movement driven by rhythm and emotion
Zumba or Dance Cardio – High-energy, joyful expression
Capoeira – Combines martial arts with musical rhythm and play
Nia Technique (Staccato or Fire-inspired segments) – Joy-based movement blending martial arts, dance, and mindfulness
WATER
Tai Chi – Slow, flowing sequences with breath synchronization
Qigong (Water forms) – Gentle, rhythmic movements to support kidney and bladder meridians
Swimming – Repetitive, fluid motion through water
Somatic Movement – Internalized, intuitive motion for nervous system regulation
WOOD
Yoga (especially Vinyasa or Warrior sequences) – Emphasizes direction, reach, and flow
Aikido or Kung Fu – Intentional movement with force and direction
Dynamic Stretching or Mobility Work – Supports range of motion and flexibility
Parkour or Climbing – Embodying upward growth and freedom of movement
EARTH
Standing Qigong (Zhan Zhuang) – Builds internal strength and rootedness
Yin or Restorative Yoga – Long holds that ground and calm the body
Walking Meditation or Barefoot Walking – Mindful connection to the earth
Strength Training– Focused on grounding and core stability, (especially squats and deadlifts)
METAL
Pilates – Core-focused with precision, breath, control, and alignment
Ballet – Technical discipline and refined movements
Qigong or Tai Chi (Sword forms)– Elegance and clarity of intent in every motion
"Connective tissue is the body's living web. Dynamic, multi-plane choreography is the key to true depth in your physical health. Movement that is intentionally diverse yet instinctively primal hydrates the layers of your anatomy, creating strength and resilience that go far beyond beauty standards."
Tracy Anderson
Fascia Release
Fascia is the web of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and bones. When it becomes tight or restricted—often from injury, stress, or trauma—it can cause pain or reduced mobility. Fascia release techniques like myofascial release or foam rolling help restore elasticity and hydration, improving circulation, posture, and overall freedom of movement. It’s like untying the body's internal knots.
Lymphatic Drainage
Patting, tapping or "knocking" your body briskly, including your neck, arms, core and legs to release trapped lymph flud and improve circulation.
Infinity Walk
Walking in a figure-8 pattern just 5-10 minutes a day promotes intra-hemispheric and cross-hemispheric coordination—which means it helps both sides of your brain communicate more effectively.
This kind of movement activates the left and right brain simultaneously, improving:
Focus and concentration
Memory and learning
Motor coordination and balance
Done barefoot, it also stimulates reflex points on the feet, supports digestion (when done after meals), and gently mobilizes the spine and hips.
Walk slowly, mindfully—clockwise first, then counter-clockwise. It’s a quiet but powerful way to reset your system.
"Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right."
Søren Kierkegaard
Mobility Work/Stretching
Stretching lengthens muscles and soft tissues to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and increase blood flow. There are various types—static, dynamic, and active stretching—each with different benefits. Whether post-workout or part of a morning routine, stretching supports body awareness, injury prevention, and a more relaxed, open physical state.
Mobility work goes beyond stretching—it focuses on improving the functional range of motion in joints through controlled, intentional movements. By strengthening and stabilizing the tissues around a joint, mobility exercises support better performance, injury prevention, and daily ease in movement. This practice helps the body move more efficiently and adaptably in both exercise and life.
Acupressure
Acupressure uses gentle pressure on specific points along the body’s meridian lines to restore energy flow and balance in the body. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's like acupuncture without the needles. Acupressure can relieve pain, calm the nervous system, and promote self-healing by stimulating the body’s innate energy pathways.
Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, we’ve just never been told how.
Yoga
The ancient practice of Yoga combines breathwork, meditation, and physical postures to cultivate inner peace and balance. With many styles—from vigorous Vinyasa to restorative Yin—yoga can be tailored to support physical vitality, emotional clarity, and spiritual connection.
Sun Salutation Flow
Kundalini Yoga: Prayer Push, Paint Aura, Shaking
Asanas and Poses to activate each Chakra
Root: grounding Mountain Pose, Sufi Ground, Bridge, Chair, Warrior
Sacral: hip-opening Bound Angle Pose, Butterfly Wings, Triangle, Goddess
Solar Plexus: core-strengthening Boat Pose, Spine Rotations/Twists, Warrior, Crescent, Plank, Bow Pose, Downward Dog
Heart: heart-opening Camel Pose, Upright Cat-Cow, Camel,
Throat: expression opening Fish Pose, Neck Rolls, Cat Cow, Plow Pose, Shoulderstand
Third Eye: resting Child's Pose, Gyan Mudra Meditation, Downward Dog,
Crown: inversion Headstand or Legs Up, Lotus Pose, Tree Pose, Standing Backbend
Mudras
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to direct the flow of energy (prana) in the body. Each mudra corresponds to a specific intention, emotion, or healing purpose—like grounding, focus, or heart-opening. Though subtle, mudras are a powerful energetic tool to support inner balance and mental clarity.
"Don't practice yoga to get better at yoga. Practice yoga to get better at life."
Energy Work
Energy work encompasses practices like Reiki, Qi Gong, chakra healing, and intuitive healing methods that address imbalances in the body’s subtle energy systems. These techniques aim to remove energetic blockages, restore flow, and realign the body’s natural vibration. Energy work supports deep relaxation, emotional release, and holistic well-being.
Dance
Dance therapy utilizes movement and expression as a means of self-exploration and healing. By moving intuitively, freely and authentically, individuals can tap into their emotions, access states of flow and ecstasy, and connect with themselves and others on a deep, soulful level.
Ecstatic dance is a somatic healing practice that combines free-form movement, music, and self-expression to facilitate emotional release, catharsis, and connection with the body and spirit. Unlike traditional dance forms, ecstatic dance emphasizes spontaneity, authenticity, and non-judgmental movement, allowing individuals to express themselves freely without the constraints of choreography or technique. Participants are encouraged to follow the rhythm of the music and allow their bodies to respond organically to the present moment.
There's no choreography or right way to move—it's about finding your unique expression within the rhythms.
Listening to music with strong rhythmic structure improves motor coordination, focus, and emotional regulation.
The best dance DJs are able to craft journeys through time & space, creating the full arc of the human lifespan, the high highs and the low lows- simply through sound.
"In electronic music, the drop isn’t just dramatic, it’s a map. Tension → predictability → release. It mirrors the dysregulation-regulation arc. That’s why it feels like a reset. It’s your nervous system exhaling. .
In contrast, the loop is what lets the nervous system relax. Because you don't have to track what's coming next. You already know. You can drop in to your body, move without thinking. That's bottom-up therapy through tempo. "
Dr. Emma Marshall
“If you just set people in motion they'll heal themselves.”
Gabrielle Roth
The 5Rhythms Dance is a dynamic movement practice created by dancer, healthier and author Gabrielle Roth in the 1970s. It is both a meditation and an expressive dance modality that encourages participants to move freely through five distinct rhythms, each representing a different energy or state of being. The practice is designed to help people connect with their bodies, release emotional tension, and foster creativity, healing, and self-discovery.
The 5Rhythms are often danced as a "Wave," moving through each rhythm in sequence. Each rhythm builds on the previous one, allowing participants to explore their physical, emotional, and spiritual states in an intuitive and liberating way.
In your darkest moments, DANCE. Motion changes emotion.
1) Flowing
Energy: Receptive, grounded, continuous, and fluid.
Element: Water
Movement: Circular, soft, and wave-like.
Symbol: Feminine energy, connected to the earth and intuition.
Purpose: To cultivate grounding, presence, and a sense of letting energy flow freely without resistance.
2) Staccato
Energy: Focused, percussive, structured, and intentional.
Element: Metal
Movement: Sharp, clear, and rhythmic with defined edges.
Symbol: Masculine energy, associated with clarity, direction, and expression.
Purpose: To build boundaries, express emotions, and connect with purpose and clarity.
3) Chaos
Energy: Wild, untamed, unpredictable, and cathartic.
Element: Fire
Movement: Spiraling, swirling, shaking, and releasing.
Symbol: Letting go, surrendering to the unknown, and dissolving control.
Purpose: To release pent-up energy, shed old patterns, and embrace transformation.
4) Lyrical
Energy: Light, free, and expansive.
Element: Wood
Movement: Playful, fluid, and spontaneous.
Symbol: Rebirth and renewal, associated with creativity and joy.
Purpose: To reconnect with the joy of life, find ease, and tap into creative flow.
5) Stillness
Energy: Quiet, meditative, and profound.
Element: Earth
Movement: Slower, minimal, with pauses and internal awareness.
Symbol: Connection to the soul, spirit, and universal presence.
Purpose: To find inner peace, integrate the experience, and connect with the deeper self.
"Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself."
Moshe Feldenkrais
Meditative Martial Arts
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are effective somatic healing practices because they combine gentle movements, controlled breathing, and mindfulness to promote the flow of qi (life energy) throughout the body. By practicing meditative martial arts individuals can cultivate a sense of balance, harmony, and inner peace.
Martial arts regulates through structure- discipline, repetition, ground, impact. It helps the body feel safer and more contained amidst chaos, intensity or overwhelm.
These simple Qi Gong exercises are great for beginners and widely practiced to cultivate energy, calm the mind, and promote overall wellness: By opening and stretching the body they regulates the flow of Chi.
Connecting to Earth (Hands facing ground)
Lift the Sky (Raising Hands to the Sky)
Holding the Ball (Standing Meditation / Wuji Posture
Knocking on the Gates of Life (Twisting Waist)
The Fountain (Gathering Chi)
Shaking the Body (Whole Body Vibration)
Drawing Down Heaven (Centering the Energy)
With each movement, feel the energy between your hands, and solid beneath you.
Martial arts and dance have more in common than people think. Both use rhythm. Both demand presence. Both channel emotion through the body. Both are regulation tools.
Dr. Emma Marshall
Bouncing, Swinging or Rebounding
Bouncing gently on a trampoline or the ground (while sitting or standing) is a rhythmic movement method to help relieve stiffness, improve mobility, ground and relax the body and drain the lymphatic system by stimulating circulation and flow.
You can bounce our heels together, or alternating (to simulate a running movement). You can also practice "ape hands", swinging your arms above your hands and down to your feet over and over.
Breathwork
Breath work involves conscious breathing techniques that influence the nervous system, emotions, and energy levels. Practices help reduce stress, clear mental fog, and regulate mood. The breath is a direct pathway to calm or energize the body, making it a potent tool for physical and emotional reset.
4 count breath
8 count breath
Breath of Fire
Diaphragmatic breathing
Box breathing
Pranayama
Self-Massage
Self-massage is a somatic healing practice that involves applying gentle pressure and circular motions to parts of the body to boost circulation and release tension. These self-massage techniques can be easily incorporated into daily self-care routines and are effective for promoting overall well-being and relaxation.
Massaging the ears
Massaging the scalp
Massaging the hands
Here’s what each finger connects to in Chinese Medicine:
Thumb – Supports the lungs, eases cough, and helps release grief and sadness
Index Finger – Linked to the large intestine, helps with constipation and emotional letting go
Middle Finger – Connects to the pericardium, eases anxiety, and brings emotional stability
Ring Finger – Supports the triple warmer, helps balance water metabolism, and reduces fluid retention
Pinky Finger – Connected to the heart, nurtures your emotional center and offers inner protection
Massage each finger on each hand for 30 seconds and feel the shift. You can repeat this calming, simple routine anytime you feel off, blocked, or overwhelmed.
Take a Group Class
Take a movement class. Sychronized or choreographed movement like group dancing or drumming releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone. It's biochemical belonging.
Silent Scream
The Silent Scream is a trauma and fascia release technique where you mime a full-body scream without making a sound. It helps release repressed anger, fear, or grief stored in the body by supporting emotional release in a safe, contained way.
Find a private, safe space.
Clench your fist and place it under your chin
Open your mouth wide, tense your body, and silently scream using your face, core, and throat—no sound.
Repeat for 5-6 repetitions
Let yourself shake, cry, or tremble if needed.
Afterwards, breathe deeply, sit or lie down, and let your body rest.
Miscellaneous Somatic Tricks
Sometimes the weirdest calming tricks are often the fastest, because they speak your brain’s hidden language and biology.
Pressing your tongue on the roof of your mouth
Holding a pencil under your chin
Blowing air on your thumb
Facing Palms up and relaxing shoulders
Tracing figure8s on our chest
Squeezing your calf muscles
Humming with fingers in ears
"The body is the gateway to healing. Through somatic awareness and mindful movement practices, we can release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with our innate vitality."
Stanley Keleman
Movement is an anient part of our biology, history and humanity.
Developing Your Unique Movement Practice
We know we should move our bodies regularly and frequently, but in our busy lives, this is so much easier said than done. Enter the concept. of the "exercise snack" or "movement snack" - short, frequent bouts of physical activity throughout the day, often lasting just a few minutes,
These are beneficial because they help break up prolonged periods of sedentary behavior, helping to boost energy, improve mood, enhance focus, and contribute to overall physical fitness without requiring a significant time commitment or energy investment.
Think of self-regulation tools like the ultipate capsule wardrobe: mix and match what feels good depending on your mood or the occassion. Whether it’s a morning boost, a midday reset, or a calm evening winddown, these small practices help you shift from stress to safety, finding balance one choice at a time.
Movement At Home
We’ve been taught to think of movement as something we leave the house or office to go do… at the gym, at the studio, in the neighborhood.
But movement doesn't have to separate from your life, or your space.
Our environment shapes our behavior. So if movement is something you value, then let that be reflected in your everyday surroundings. Incorporate creative ideas like:
a balance beam in the living room.
a pull-up bar in the doorway.
rings to pull your body weight
boxes to jump on, or climb down from
mats to roll around and
cushions to sit in different positions.
These remedies invite play, exploration and the opportunity to challenge and nourish the body in different ways.
The right to migrate, to move, belongs to all living things. It is our deepest expression of resilience and hope.
Movement in Nature
Across the natural world, movement sustains life. Following pure instinct and the invisible maps etched in their genes,
Butterflies fly across continents
Whales cross oceans
Birds chase the sun.
All for food, for safety, for comfort, for connection
We are not separate from this rhythm. We, too, move to endure, to protect, to begin again.
Your body is a communication channel. Tune in... What does it need? What is it wanting to express?
For creativity: Hip circles and swirls
For power: Stomping, punching
For comfort: Brushing, opening
For grounding: Shaking, bouncing
CONSISTENCY and SUSTAINABLITY is the key to developing a successful movement habit to stick to longterm, It's about finding the right time, and the unique types of movement that you find most easy and enjoyable. By making small adjustments and prioritizing movement, you can seamlessly integrate physical activity into your day.
Schedule short, frequent breaks (5 minutes every hours) for movement. Examples: Stretching, Walking, Squats, Plank, Pushups, Burpees, Kettle Swings, Jumping Jacks.
Utilize standing or treadmill desks to stay active while working.
Incorporate movement into your daily tasks, such as doing squats while brushing your teeth or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Set reminders on your phone or computer to prompt you to move.
Overwhelmed? Depressed? Stressed? Stagnant? Agitated? Anxious? Angry? Then Move Your Body: the simple solution to it all.
Importance of Mindfulness
It's a problem when we're always moving, doing, rushing. Every once in a while (or more) SLOW DOWN and Shift your focus
Instead of "How productive can I be?" try "how relaxed can my body be while i work?"
Instead of “how fast can I possibly go” try “how mindfully can I move?”
Instead of “how many things can I multitask on right now” try “how can I keep a whole, calm, singular focus”
Instead of “what’s next?” try “how could I stay connected to my breath right in every moment of what I’m doing right now”
As humans, movement is in our nature. It's innate to our evolution how we stay strong, resilient, adaptable across lifestimes and generations.
Movement in our Spaces
In Feng Shui, movement is a vital aspect of how energy—or Chi (Qi)—flows through a space. While much of Feng Shui focuses on form, placement, and balance, movement brings life, activation, and transformation. Here are some key elements of movement in Feng Shui:
The practice of Feng Shui can help us assesses whether Chi is blocked, rushed, or stagnant.
Cluttered hallways, tight doorways, or blocked entrances disrupt Chi and create friction in our we move throughout our spaces. Remedy: Ensure clear, open paths between doors and around furniture—especially in entryways, bedrooms, and workspaces.
Wind and Water are elements that disperse stagnant energy and call in fresh Chi to represent the flow of wealth, luck and health
Decorate with wind-activated objects like chimes and flags
Decorate with fountains, aquariums, and waterfalls
Shift stagnant air and energy to refresh Chi, clearing out the old and making space for the new
Regular cleaning, sweeping, dusting, and decluttering
Changing linens or decor, plants
Open windows, use fans, or diffusing scents
It is interesting to note that MOVEMENT is also one of the 9 universal cures in feng shui. That is why wind chimes are a powerful tool for attracting and promoting harmony, health and wealth and enhancing good fortune in the home.
Wrapping It Up
Remember when we feel stuck it usually means we're on the edge of a MASSIVE LEAP!
Somatic healing offers a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of movement as medicine for the body and soul. Through mindful movement practices, individuals can release tension, promote relaxation, and cultivate a deeper connection between mind and body.
So, let us embrace the healing power of movement and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. YOU are your own healer. Everything you need is already inside you.
Daily movement should be a non-negotiable, but its also important to listen to your body and ebb and flow with its needs. Tune inward and ask 'Is today a day to push and grind, or to be gentle and soften?
I look forward to hearing what these practices can unlock for you.
The body holds the trauma the memory can't bear. You have to move your body to release the stuck emotions and heal from the past.
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach, and holistic growth strategist.
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