The Power of Somatic Healing Techniques: A Guide to Emotional Healing and Wellness with Karena Neukirchner - Episode 28
In the world of emotional wellness and personal growth, somatic healing has emerged as a transformative approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. This method recognizes that our emotions are not just abstract feelings but are deeply rooted in our physical experiences. Karena Neukirchner, a trauma-informed emotional healing coach, specializes in helping individuals identify and heal subconscious blocks, old emotional wounds, and self-sabotaging beliefs.
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This episode covers:
(10:19 - 11:01) Discussion about the emotional dysregulation many women experience during perimenopause and how it can feel like an unraveling of life.
(16:08 - 16:19) Emphasis on the importance of tuning into the body and recognizing that it communicates what is going on internally.
(40:14 - 40:55) Introduction of the continuous glucose monitor as a tool to understand how food affects emotions and energy levels, highlighting the importance of being mindful of what we eat.
(49:14 - 49:55) Reflection on the need to slow down and check in with oneself, including basic self-care practices like hydration and emotional awareness.
What is Somatic Healing
Somatic healing is a body-centered approach to emotional healing. The term "soma" means body in Latin, and somatic therapy integrates the body into the healing process. This method acknowledges that our emotions are held in our bodies and that many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors originate from our subconscious.
Karena explains that traditional therapy often focuses on cognitive understanding, which can overlook the deeper emotional and physical aspects of our experiences. Somatic healing aims to reconnect individuals with their bodies, allowing them to process emotions in a holistic way. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, as it helps to release stuck emotions and promote healing.
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The Importance of Feeling to Heal
Karena emphasizes the mantra "Feel it to Heal it," which encapsulates the essence of somatic healing. Many people have been conditioned to avoid their emotions, leading to a buildup of unprocessed feelings that can manifest as anxiety, depression, or physical discomfort. By learning to feel and acknowledge these emotions, individuals can begin to release them and promote healing.
The process of feeling emotions involves:
Regulation: Establishing a sense of safety and calm before diving into emotional processing.
Connection: Tuning into the body and recognizing where emotions are held physically.
Acknowledgment: Validating feelings and allowing them to be expressed without judgment.
Emotional Blocks and Implicit Narratives
Emotional blocks are often the result of past experiences, particularly those from childhood. These blocks manifest as implicit narratives—unconscious beliefs about ourselves and the world that shape our perceptions and behaviors. Karena explains that these narratives answer fundamental questions such as "Who am I?" and "What do I deserve?" When these beliefs hinder our ability to express our true selves, they become emotional blocks.
Understanding and addressing these blocks is crucial for personal growth. By exploring the roots of these beliefs, individuals can begin to rewrite their stories and move forward in their lives.
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The Havening Technique
One of the techniques that Corinna incorporates into her somatic healing practice is Havening. Havening is a gentle, somatic technique that utilizes the soothing power of touch to help regulate the nervous system and process emotions. The technique is designed to downregulate the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in the stress response, thereby promoting a sense of calm and safety.
How Havening Works
Havening involves simple self-soothing techniques that can be performed anywhere. The process typically includes:
Gentle Touch: Participants use their hands to gently stroke their arms, face, or hands. This touch is calming and helps to create a sense of safety.
Focused Attention: While engaging in the gentle touch, individuals are guided to focus on specific thoughts, feelings, or memories that may be causing distress.
Emotional Processing: As individuals engage in Havening, they are encouraged to acknowledge and process their emotions. This can lead to a release of pent-up feelings and a greater understanding of their emotional landscape.
Havening is particularly effective because it combines physical touch with emotional awareness, allowing individuals to process their feelings in a supportive and nurturing way.
Final Thoughts
Somatic healing, particularly through techniques like Havening, offers a powerful pathway for emotional healing and personal growth. By reconnecting with our bodies and learning to feel our emotions, we can uncover the wisdom that lies within us. This journey not only helps to heal past wounds but also empowers us to live more authentically and joyfully.
For those interested in exploring somatic healing further, Karena Neukirchner’s podcast, "Somatic Healing Meditations," provides valuable insights and guided experiences that can facilitate this transformative process. Additionally, her free mini-course, "Feel It to Heal It," offers practical exercises to help individuals learn how to reconnect with their emotions in a safe and supportive manner.
Favorite Resources For Emotional Wellness for Midlife Women
Hello Inner Light Feel It to Heal It Mini Course: Learn a body centered approach to feeling your feelings and use your deepening connection with you body and emotions as a tool for healing and authentic living!
The Mindful Muscle Book Bundle is 365 days of meditations and a journal to help you set a positive tone for your day, cultivate mental calm in a chaotic world, stabilize your thoughts, reduce overwhelm and fear and build consistency in developing your mindful muscle.
The Adult Chair: A Guide to Loving Yourself is a straightforward how-to guide on identifying what “chair” you are in emotionally so you learn to navigate and manage your feelings as an emotionally healthy adult.
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