What Does a Somatic Release Feel Like? Exploring the Emotional Journey
Understanding Somatic Release: What It Is and Why It Happens
When you hear the term somatic release, you might wonder what exactly it means. Simply put, it refers to the process of releasing physical tension, emotional blockages, or trauma that’s been stored in the body. I first came across the concept when a close friend mentioned that they had been doing somatic therapy. They described it as a deeply emotional experience, but I was curious—what does a somatic release really feel like?
Well, after looking deeper into it, I can tell you it’s not just about the physical sensations you might feel, but the profound emotional shifts that occur too. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not always pretty, and it’s not always easy.
The Physical Sensations During a Somatic Release
The Body's Reaction: Tension, Heat, or Sudden Relaxation
During a somatic release, your body goes through a variety of sensations. It’s like the body remembers something it wasn’t even aware of holding onto. You may feel your muscles tense up, almost as if they’re involuntarily reacting to something. But here’s the kicker—sometimes, you may feel heat spreading through your body, a warmth that feels like something is literally being “let go.”
I remember my first experience with somatic therapy. The therapist had me focus on a specific part of my body, and suddenly, my jaw clenched so tightly I thought it was going to lock. It wasn’t painful, but the tightness was unmistakable. It felt as though I was holding onto something I wasn’t fully conscious of. And then, after some guided breathwork, it was like a wave of heat washed through me, and my body released it. It was liberating but, honestly, a bit unsettling at first.
Muscle Tremors and Shaking: A Common Release
If you’ve ever heard of people shaking or trembling during certain therapeutic practices, it’s a normal part of somatic release. Your body may react physically in ways that feel like involuntary shaking or trembling. It's your body’s natural mechanism for letting go of held-up tension. Trust me, when I saw someone next to me in a session begin to shake during a release, I was surprised. But after a few minutes, I realized this was just the body doing what it needed to do.
The Emotional Journey of Somatic Release
Deep Emotional Shifts and Release of Old Trauma
Emotionally, a somatic release can be intense. You might feel sadness, anger, or even joy that seems to come from nowhere. For many, these emotions are tied to past trauma that the body has been holding on to. I spoke with a friend who did somatic therapy after experiencing childhood trauma. She described how, during one session, she felt an overwhelming wave of grief that seemed to pour out of her, followed by an immense feeling of relief. It was like finally acknowledging something that had been buried for years.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience the same intensity. But whether it’s a subtle emotional shift or a deep, raw release, the body and mind are interconnected, and sometimes releasing physical tension allows emotional release too.
Emotional Blockages: Can You Feel the Change?
Sometimes, you may not even realize the emotional blockages you’ve been carrying around. A somatic release helps bring these to the surface, often in ways that feel completely new or unexpected. For example, one of my colleagues had been struggling with self-worth issues for years, but didn’t realize how much her body was holding onto it until she felt a physical “unclenching” during a somatic therapy session. Afterward, she felt a deep sense of freedom and was even able to express emotions she hadn’t been able to articulate before.
The Aftereffects: How Does It Feel After a Somatic Release?
Relief and Lightness: A Sense of Freedom
After a somatic release, many people describe feeling lighter, both physically and emotionally. It’s like a burden has been lifted from your body, and your mind feels clearer. This was exactly what I experienced after a particularly intense session—everything felt easier, and I had more energy. It was as if I had unlocked something that had been weighing me down for far too long.
Possible Fatigue or Emotional Aftershocks
While the relief is often immediate, it’s also normal to feel a little tired or emotionally drained after a somatic release. Your body and mind have just gone through a significant transformation, and like any form of deep healing, it can take some time to fully integrate the changes. One of my close friends went through a release that left her feeling exhausted for a couple of days, but the emotional clarity she had afterward made it all worth it.
Is Somatic Release Right for You?
Finding the Right Therapist for You
If you’re curious about experiencing somatic release, it’s important to find a therapist who is trained and experienced in the process. In my own journey, I found that having someone guide me through it made all the difference. They helped me stay grounded during the intense moments, which made the entire experience feel safer and more productive. So, take your time, do your research, and find someone you trust.
Embracing the Process of Healing
Somatic release isn’t something that always happens quickly, and it’s not always comfortable. But if you’re willing to face the discomfort, it can lead to powerful healing and emotional freedom. Don’t expect everything to change overnight, but trust the process.
Conclusion: What Does a Somatic Release Feel Like?
In conclusion, a somatic release feels like a deep, emotional, and physical journey. It’s not just about the body letting go of tension—it’s about releasing old emotional blockages, facing the hidden traumas, and allowing the body to heal. The sensations range from warmth and trembling to emotional waves that can be overwhelming but ultimately freeing. If you’re considering trying somatic therapy, be prepared for an experience that’s both intense and profoundly rewarding. It might not always be easy, but it could be exactly what your mind and body need.
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.