What is Somatics and Where Does It Come From?

Most often, when we encounter the term "somatics," it is in reference to modern Western interpretation and research regarding the mind-body connection. Coined by Thomas Hanna in 1974, the concept of somatics has since evolved into a multidisciplinary field that integrates principles from neuroscience, psychology, physiology, and movement therapy. 

Somatics delves into the intricate relationship between our subjective experiences, emotions, and cognitive processes, and our bodily sensations, movements, and patterns. In its simplest form, is the study and practice of understanding the connection between the mind and the body. 

It involves techniques and approaches aimed at increasing awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and patterns, and using this awareness to promote healing, well-being, and personal growth. Through somatic practices, individuals learn to listen to their bodies, release tension and stress, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence and self-awareness in their daily lives.

But somatics is not new — and it was not born in the western world. How old is somatics? These principles have been around since humans have been on this planet — for as long as we have been embodied — or in a body. The body is the birthplace of experience. It is where all our perception begins — through sensation and psychological impulse. The body is wise — and it is speaking to us all the time.  

Throughout history, and continuing today, many indigenous cultures have recognized the inherent wisdom of the body and integrated it into their customs and belief systems. It is to these diverse cultures that we owe gratitude and respect, as they form the foundational roots of somatics.

Here are just a few examples, among many, of somatics across various times and cultures:

Buddhism & Mindfulness Meditation
Dating back over two millennia, Buddhism offers a rich tradition of somatic practices, with mindfulness meditation at its core. Emerging from ancient Indian contemplative traditions, mindfulness meditation emphasizes present-moment awareness, breathwork, and bodily sensations as pathways to insight and liberation. Through practices such as vipassana and metta, practitioners cultivate a deep connection with the body, fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual growth.

Chinese Qigong
Rooted in Chinese philosophy and traditional medicine, Qigong has been practiced for thousands of years as a means to cultivate vitality, balance, and harmony in body and mind. Combining gentle movements, breath control, and mental focus, Qigong promotes the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body's meridian system. With origins in ancient Daoist and Confucian practices, Qigong encompasses a diverse range of forms, from dynamic martial arts-based exercises to gentle, meditative routines, all aimed at optimizing health, longevity, and spiritual development.

Andean Tradition of "Saminchakuy" among the Quechua People:
Among the Quechua people of the Andes Mountains, the practice of "saminchakuy" is a deeply ingrained somatic tradition that involves deep breathing exercises for cleansing and revitalizing the energy body. Drawing from the indigenous wisdom of the Andean cosmovision, "saminchakuy" focuses on harmonizing the individual with the natural world and the cosmic forces known as "pachamama" (Mother Earth) and "wiracocha" (the divine creator). Through rhythmic breathwork and intentional movement, practitioners attune themselves to the subtle energies of the land, fostering a deep sense of interconnectedness and spiritual well-being.

This is just a glimpse into the many diverse ways in which non-western cultures have long explored the intimate connection between body, mind, and spirit and they point to the universal human quest for wholeness and transformation. The body has long been revered as the vessel through which we experience life, connect with others, and engage with the world around us. This intuitive understanding of our embodied selves is as old as humanity itself and points to the significance of somatic awareness and its role in fostering inner peace, resilience, and well-being.

In today's fast-paced, digitized world, the importance of returning to the long-standing wisdom of the body has never been more essential. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, somatics offers a pathway back to our innate somatic nature—a reminder of the deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. In a society often marked by disconnection and stress, somatic practices provide a sanctuary where individuals can re-establish their bond with themselves and the world around them.