Body Mapping: A Somatic Approach to Self-Discovery
Explore the transformative power of body mapping, a Somatic Experiencing technique that delves deep into the connection between physical discomfort and underlying emotional trauma, offering a path to healing and self-discovery.
Table of Contents:
What is Body Mapping? • The Process • Body Mapping Practice •
Have you ever experienced physical pain or discomfort that seems to have no explanation? Maybe you’ve tried various treatments and remedies, but nothing seems to provide lasting relief.
If so, body mapping is one route I begin working with clients that experience any chronic pain or physical ailments.
What is Body Mapping?
Body mapping is a Somatic Experiencing technique that involves a contemplative way of exploring physical sensations in the body. By drawing the body, and paying close attention to these sensations, we can begin to uncover the emotional and psychological issues that may be contributing to our physical discomfort.
What is the process like?
Body mapping begins with a few deep breaths to calm the mind and center the body.
Then we begin by leading you through a process of drawing an outline of your body on the paper. Whether it is a basic stick figure, or a more detailed representation of your body, results come in unique forms. Once the basic outline is made, we will fill in the different areas with colors or patterns that represent the physical sensations or emotions you experience related to these drawings.
For example, if you have tension in your shoulders, you may be inclined to use dark, heavy lines or shading to represent that area. If you had pain in your stomach, you could use swirling or chaotic lines to represent the emotional turmoil that may be contributing to the physical discomfort.
As you continue to draw, a conversation about the sensations and emotions that arise help us address areas of need.
For example, one client experiencing severe physical tightness in her legs, began uncovering the feeling of wanting to run away as she spoke about the red lines that filled this part of her legs in her drawing. As we addressed the sensation in the body, the energy began to move and we talked through building her a plan of recovery. A lot of recovery involved addressing what was missing at the time of her trauma, and creating safety for her in the present moment.
While the clients shift into renewed perspectives of their safety within traumatic thoughts and patterns, they reclaim their feelings of safety and protection in the present moment and allow the body mapping to shed light and teach them about areas of need in their physical body.
This process can be repeated multiple times, producing new results as the mind and body evolve through the healing process.
Begin your journey with body mapping…
If you are new to body mapping, it can be helpful to work with a trained professional who can guide you through the process and offer support and guidance along the way. As some charged sensations in the body are available to access at any point, a trained facilitator can help you slowly discharge the energy helping to integrate lost words or needed actions needed at the time of a traumatic incident.
But with time and practice, body mapping can become a powerful tool for self-exploration and healing.
Book your session today, and learn more about how you can integrate this technique into your every day life.
Happy Creating ✨
~Hayley
