Does anyone know anything about "somatic" release?

[thomasgoode]

My Instagram algorithm knows that I am perimenopausal, a bit depressed, and overweight and also interested in adhd content (I am self diagnosed but am quite convinced this is accurate: haven't pursued a Diagnosis as not sure I want to medicate and have no money to jump the long waitlist)

It keeps offering somatic work outs to release blocks
Is this pseudo science?

I keep reading/seeing stuff
About the vagus nerve too

Would be interested in what people have to say
Thanks

Are you me??? I keep wondering about this. I've looked up some on you tube and keep meaning to try.

Also get use motion app ads as well!!

Ive not heard of it before but I can say that Pilates keeps my mental health in pretty good nick despite suffering a catastrophic bereavement a year ago. My instructor focuses a lot on body scanning and finding areas of tension, and I always leave feeling amazing. (i have raging adhd btw and am probably peri although erratic periods are my only sign.)

so I can see why it might work? Why not try Pilates anyway?

Hahah yes
I am over motion!!
SKIP!!!!

@FaiIureToLunch love your name!
Sorry about your bereavement

Do you do Pilates at a class?

Same stage of life here, and I was skeptical about this, but, after adding this to my gym workouts 5 days a week, my mental health has improved to the point of quitting counselling. Obviously I can’t be 100% sure that’s why, but all I know is ai won’t stop doing it now!

I get the same ads. I get loads of ADHD things even though I don't have it.

Join a gym that has Pilates classes and go to them. Specialised Pilates studios are really expensive, but I go to so many that I probably pay £1 a class.

I’m going to look into this somatic release thing too though!

One problem with these things is that there are things which are legitimately helpful e.g. understanding the nervous system and activation of it or not, sensory processing, executive function, and then all the scammy advertisers jump on it and use these same keywords but what they are selling is pseudoscience.

In general googling "is somatic release pseudoscience" will get you a good amount of info.

For general ADHD management tips and factual info I find Russell Barkley good, though he is very pro medication, and the ADHD adults podcast which is UK based.

I love Pilates, and going twice a week absolutely helps me cope with stress. It is also the only exercise I’ve ever found which stretches out my back properly, including in between my shoulder blades

It's just the latest buzzword for physical exercise, particularly yoga based.

In all fairness, I do yoga and I've noticed a subtle difference, improvement in my general emotional/mental wellbeing so I wouldn't discount it as woo or BS.

"I do yoga and I've noticed a subtle difference, improvement in my general emotional/mental wellbeing so I wouldn't discount it as woo or BS."

Isn't that the case for any physical exercise?

@Gwenhwyfar yes in a short-term sense because of the endorphins. When I was a gym goer I'd be buzzing after a session but it wore off quickly. It seems more long lasting and subtle somehow with yoga.

It's hard to explain the difference.

There's been a similar thread last week
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4990398-somatic-exercises-for-anxiety-the-workout-witch-anyone?page=2&reply=132872474

Exercise of any kind is beneficial for ADHD so there might be something in it.

Probably like most things, give it a go and if it helps then crack on. It’s not really any different to people swearing by supplements, exercises, religion, cold showers, etc for helping with an issue or health problem.

@CabbageStew thank you that is helpful.

I see.
People who exercise aerobically do feel a difference in their general mood if they go a long time without so I think even with aerobic exercise there is some kind of long-term benefit to moods.

This is free on kindle at the moment.

www.amazon.co.uk/Somatic-Yoga-Transformative-Exercises-Management-ebook/dp/B0CTS6TYQD