Movement is more than just physical exercise it’s a vital tool for emotional and mental wellbeing. The connection between the body and mind is profound, and understanding how movement impacts both can unlock powerful healing potential. Whether it’s through gentle stretching, dancing, or even shaking, moving the body allows us to release stress, heal trauma, and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level.
The Science of Movement and Its Benefits
Research has consistently shown that movement is essential for maintaining not only physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing. Regular physical activity has been linked to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that just one hour of exercise per week can prevent future cases of depression. Movement increases the production of endorphins—often called the body’s "feel-good" chemicals—and decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This biochemical shift can have profound effects on mood, energy levels, and even cognitive function.
In addition to these mental health benefits, movement also supports the body in processing and releasing stored trauma. Research suggests that the body holds onto memories and emotions much like the mind does. This is often referred to as "somatic memory." The idea is that trauma, stress, and negative experiences can become lodged in the body’s tissues, creating physical and emotional blockages. This is where movement becomes a powerful healing tool.
The Body Remembers: Trauma, Memory, and Movement
The concept of the body storing trauma is not new. Experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, have extensively documented how the body can hold onto past experiences, sometimes long after the mind has moved on. These stored memories can manifest as chronic pain, tension, or even emotional numbness. However, movement offers a way to release these trapped energies.
When we engage in natural, instinctive movements—like jumping, shaking, dancing, or stretching—we allow the body to process and release stored trauma. Simple practices like tapping the body along the meridian lines, gently slapping the skin, or even swaying back and forth can activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These movements don’t have to be perfect, in fact, they often work best when they’re intuitive and free-flowing. The key is to let the body move in the way it needs to, without overthinking or trying to control the process.
Movement as a Healing Tool: Practical Techniques
Incorporating movement into your daily routine doesn’t require a gym membership or a strict regimen. Here are some simple ways to use movement as a tool for stress relief and emotional healing:
1. Tapping and Meridian Work: Tapping specific points along the body’s meridian lines (used in practices like acupuncture) can stimulate energy flow and release tension. This practice, often referred to as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety significantly.
2. Shaking and Jumping: These primal movements are excellent for releasing pent-up energy and emotions. Shaking the body for a few minutes can help to "reset" the nervous system, while jumping gets the blood flowing and releases endorphins.
3. Dancing: Dance is one of the most natural ways to move the body. Whether you’re following a rhythm or simply moving to your own beat, dancing allows for a full-body release of stress and a connection to joy.
4. Stretching: Stretching helps to release tension stored in the muscles, you can integrate breath with movement, creating a harmonious flow that calms the mind and energises the body.
5. Pushing, Pulling, Kicking, and Striking: These dynamic movements can be particularly cathartic. They allow you to release frustration, anger, or anxiety in a controlled way. Think of them as a way to give your body a voice.
6. Gentle Slapping or Patting: Lightly slapping or patting different areas of the body can stimulate circulation and awaken parts of the body that feel tense or numb.
7. Flowing with Imperfection: It’s important to remember that movement doesn’t need to be perfect. Sometimes the most healing movements are those that come naturally, without structure or form. Allow your body to lead and follow where it takes you, embracing the perfectly imperfect nature of your movement.
Embrace the Flow: Moving with Intention and Compassion
Movement should be a joyful, freeing experience. Whether you’re dancing around the living room, stretching in the morning, or shaking off the day’s stress, the goal is to let your body move in the way it wants and needs to. Listen to what your body is asking for—sometimes it might crave structure, and other times it might just want to flow freely.
Strive to do the best you can, but remember that perfection isn’t the goal. The most important thing is to move with intention, compassion, and an openness to whatever your body needs in the moment. By embracing movement as a healing tool, you can support not only your physical health but also your emotional and mental wellbeing.
So, let your body move—whether it’s shaking, tapping, running, dancing, or stretching—and experience the profound benefits that come from honoring this natural, powerful connection between body and mind.