The body as a resource
Somatics refers to a range of embodiment practices, therapies, teaching approaches, and movement methods that emphasize perceived bodily experience and use the body as a central starting point for learning and development. The term is derived from the Greek word “soma,” meaning “living body.”
Somatics focuses on exploring the interrelationships between body perception, feelings, and thoughts, as well as using body awareness as a means to increase self-efficacy, resource development, creativity, and agency. These practices promote a deeper “embodiment,” that is, a more intense and conscious experience and integration of one’s own body and one’s being-in-the-world.
Some established Somatic methods include, for example, the Feldenkrais Method, Alexander-Technique, Body-Mind Centering, Experienceable breath according to Middendorf or Continuum.
These methods can be used both therapeutically to treat specific mental or physical conditions and pedagogically to improve physical and mental health in general. They are widely applied in areas such as dance, acting, fitness, systemic work, conflict management, sexuality, health prevention, and general self-care.