Stress and Anxiety Release: Somatic Yoga Therapy
Gita Research Foundation
Understanding Stress, Anxiety, and the Body
Stress and anxiety are deeply rooted in how we’ve been conditioned to live—cut off from the wisdom of our bodies. The body, unlike the mind, doesn’t lie. It holds the stories of our past, the pain we’ve ignored, and the emotions we’ve been taught to suppress.
The body is like a well-designed township. It has systems to circulate energy (like roads), digest and process nourishment (like factories), and eliminate waste (like drainage systems). When these systems run smoothly, the “township” is good. But when blockages occur—whether due to stress, trauma, or suppression—the balance is disrupted, and we experience emotional and physical discomfort.
Unfortunately, our modern culture pressure on the development of the mind while neglecting the body. From childhood, we are taught to suppress natural bodily expressions. For example, we’re told not to cry, not to shout, and to stay composed, even when our bodies are trying to release tension or pain. This disconnect begins early and creates a foundation for the stress and anxiety we carry as adults.
The Role of Childhood in Shaping Stress and Anxiety
Imagine a child crying. Their body is trying to release something—be it fear, frustration, or sadness. But instead of letting this natural process unfold, a parent might say, “Stop crying, be strong.” The child learns that expressing emotions is “wrong,” so the body stores that unexpressed emotion as tension.
Over time, these suppressed emotions accumulate. Children who are frequently told “don’t touch,” “don’t do this,” or “behave properly” internalize these restrictions. They begin to adapt to external expectations at the cost of their authentic self.
This creates a duality: the person they are (authentic self) versus the person they think they must be (social self). This conflict generates emotional disturbances, which trigger chemical reactions in the body. These reactions disrupt hormonal balance, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
The body remembers everything—the moments of suppression, the unspoken words, and the unmet needs. This is why many of us feel anxious or tense without even knowing the exact cause.
The Somatic Approach to Healing
Somatic Yoga Therapy is about returning to the body, reconnecting with its wisdom, and allowing it to release what has been held for too long. It’s not about “fixing” you but about creating a safe space for your body to do what it knows best: heal.
Key Practices in Somatic Yoga Therapy:
Somatic Movement: Gentle, intuitive movements help release tension stored in the muscles and tissues. This isn’t about “exercise” but about feeling into the body and allowing it to guide you.
Breathwork: The breath is a bridge between the mind and body. Conscious, deep breathing calms the nervous system, clears emotional blockages, and brings a sense of peace.
Body Awareness: Learning to tune into your body’s sensations—tightness, discomfort, or ease—helps you understand what your body is holding and where it needs attention.
Why This Approach Works
Stress and anxiety aren’t just “mental issues.” They are stored in the body as physical sensations, hormonal imbalances, and blocked energy. By addressing the body directly through somatic practices, you’re not just managing symptoms—you’re working at the root level.
When we allow the body to release what it has stored, we feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with ourselves. This therapy helps you reconnect with your natural state—a state of balance, strength, and authenticity.
Why This Approach Works
- A deeper connection to your body and its needs.
- Release of stored tension and emotions.
- Greater emotional balance and resilience.
- Improved overall health and well-being.
Somatic Yoga Therapy isn’t just a practice; it’s a journey back to yourself. Through gentle movement, mindful breathing, and compassionate awareness, you’ll learn to honor your body, release what no longer serves you, and step into a life of greater ease and authenticity.