Did you know that I recently helped people with post Covid recovery ? Symptoms were shortness of breath and lack of energy. A few clients came to me to improve their situation. I used a combination of breathing techniques and Somatics. It worked wonders. The results were brilliant. Their breathing and energy dramatically improved.
I am a yoga teacher and Somatics Coach. I offer Somatics Rest & Restore classes in small groups or on a 1 to 1 basis. Want to de-stress ? Recover from Covid-19 ? Breathe better ? Boost your energy ? Feel more joy ? Read on to find out more...
I feel humble and am so honoured to be able to assist my clients: “I can breathe better and love the feeling of calmness and joy”. Beth «Thank you for welcoming me to this lovely restorative class which helped me to breathe properly again after Covid-19. I would recommend it to anyone in need to slow down and explore the benefits of proper breathing. » Karen
« I really enjoy the calming effect on my mind and the lengthening effect on my body. Pure bliss !« Gill.
« I have been doing the Somatic practice at home since you introduced me to it, and I really see the benefits. Thanks for making a difference to my life !! » Elisabeth Combining yoga breathing techniques with Somatics are a brilliant combination to assist the body heal & repair itself. It works wonders. It helped Karen, Nicola and others to breathe better & get some energy back when recovering from Covid-19.
Some came to me directly and some were referred by their osteopath. So how does this work and how can it truly benefit Covid-19 patients in their recovery?
A recent scientific paper reports: “The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causes severe acute respiratory syndrome - initially described as lung inflammation, However, we now know that it can cause a wide range of symptoms in people of all ages ranging from no symptoms at all to systemic inflammation.
An excessive inflammatory phase called “cytokine storm” can occur in severely infected patients affecting their immune system, leading to tissue damage, organ dysfunction, erratic cardiovascular response, and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response. Hence, excessive cytokine release increases the risk of mortality.
A new hypothesis and theory article has been published in the Frontiers in Medicine which focuses on the stimulation of the vagus nerve as a potential COVID-19 therapy.
Researchers are finding that the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in sustaining cardiovascular homeostasis and controlling inflammation. Scientists have found that vagus nerve stimulation by peripheral lipopolysaccharide lowers the inflammatory response in the central nervous system... They have explained that the autonomic nervous system controls the production of cytokines. This is done by regulating interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which causes the release of anti-inflammatory hormones, i.e., glucocorticoid.”
“As the virus gets into the nervous system and into the brain, it creates inflammation within the body. Some patients with COVID-19 have had neurological symptoms, including headache, loss of sense of smell and taste, hallucinations, vivid dreams, meningitis, and even seizures or stroke.”
So, what is the vagus nerve and why is it so important? As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, a higher vagal tone increases your health & happiness. Originating in the brain stem, it is one of the most important nerves in our body, and it’s the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system travelling right through the chest and abdomen. It plays a fundamental role in our overall health and parasympathetic nervous system. The so-called “wandering nerve” is responsible for our rest and digest capacities to calm and soothe when under attack from a virus or life’s daily pressures.
It is deeply embedded in our autonomic nervous system and is one of the longest nerves. It is so vital as it has direct links to our brain, heart, lungs, gut and all of our organs. Now can you see how it can help to soothe and restore your body?
In my blogs “Breathe, Time to Pause & Reset” and “Freedom & Space: The best kept secret”, I spoke about how Somatics teaches us to take notice, release, and repattern addressing neuro-muscular skeletal imbalances. A little bit like NLP for the body. It helps address issues where your body may need rehabilitation to rediscover ease.
Somatics works on a deep level, soothing your nervous system by engaging with the parasympathetic nervous system. It directly acts on your vagus nerve, sending messages to your body to rest and heal itself. Somatics is a non-invasive technique, which empowers you to be in control to restore yourself to health.
Interestingly enough, scientists are currently experimenting with stimulation of the vagus nerve with their Covid-19 patients. Here is a short extract from Journal reference: Azabou, E. et al. (2021). Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Potential Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19. Frontiers in Medicine:
“Recently, scientists have revealed that vagus nerve has shown significant results in COVID-19 patients. They believe it might reduce multi-organ dysfunction and have positive cardiovascular effects...At present, 2 studies are being conducted to assess the efficacity in COVID-19 patients, where scientists are using a device which is applied to the patient’s skin at the neck region over the vagus nerve to dispense periodic doses of VNS in a non-invasive manner. Researchers believe that this approach could minimise mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients.”
Click this link to read the full report
There are many ways to influence the vagus nerve. I have previously held a couple of workshops on the vagus nerve and am holding another one on 8th January 2022, when I will share tips, exercises and techniques with you, should you be interested to learn more. A healthy vagal tone will support you in having a balanced mental and emotional state, as well as improving your physical condition.
Stimulating this nerve leads to better mental health as it helps with stress reduction. It improves other ailments such as anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorder, heart disease, tinnitus, obesity, leaky gut, poor blood circulation, fibromyalgia, energy levels and more.
Somatics directly interacts with the vagus nerve. It invites us to relax, befriend ourselves, attune to the breath, and explore the subtle relationships between different parts of the body. We move slowly and mindfully turning our senses inward to connect to ourselves and feel what is happening within. As we learn to become quieter, we work to release tension, calm the nervous system and create more space in our body & mind. We start to experience ease, freedom and joy.
Somatics can not only ease backs, hips, shoulders, neck pain, tension headaches, sciatica… but it also restores your nervous system bringing balance back in the body.
So, whether you have suffered from Covid-19 or not, all in all, Somatics is an excellent antidote to the stresses of everyday life. It melts all physical and mental stresses away, leaving you feeling relaxed with a deep sense of wellbeing and renewed energy.
Somatics & some of the Key benefits:
Develop body awareness & mindfulness
Reduce anxiety & inflammation
Dissipate aches & muscular tension
Nurture & Soothe Body and Mind
Calm your body & nervous system
Assist your body to heal & rebalance
Lower heart rate & blood pressure
Improve sleep & digestion
Increase energy, focus and clarity
Enhance posture and ease of movement
Help to release trauma from within
Breathe, Move & Sleep better
Improve your mood & overall wellbeing
Feel healthier, calmer, happier!
I am holding a 2hr workshop on the vagus nerve on Saturday 8th January 2022 “Restoring health & joy”. This is open to all. No previous experience necessary. This will include theory, tips & practical exercises. Feel free to get in touch if interested.
In 2021, I am also holding a Somatics workshop on 21st November and a Restorative Yoga workshop on 4th December. I wrote a blog of Why Restorative Yoga is one of the best medicine. Feel free to join us in any of the workshops. Check details on the page Classes/Events.
To find out more about Somatics, check https://www.yogawithbelle.co.uk/why-somatics
To book a class or a workshop, simply email yogawithbelletw@gmail.com. You can also sign up for the newsletter to be kept informed of our yoga somatics classes and workshops and follow me on Instagram or Facebook for yoga tips, fun and wisdom.
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