In the rush of everyday life, our nervous system is always “on.” Without realizing it, we carry layers of stored tension and stress in our bodies. Neuro-Somatic Yoga helps you gently let go of that. It’s a deeply restorative, body-focused practice that softly and intuitively reconnects your body, mind, and nervous system.
What Is Neuro-Somatic Yoga?
Neuro-Somatic Yoga blends gentle, mindful movement with techniques that soothe and regulate your nervous system. Rooted in modern neuroscience and guided by a trauma-sensitive approach, it’s not about how flexible or strong you are—but about how your body feels from the inside.
You can think of it as yoga for your nervous system. It invites you to slow down, feel more deeply, and lovingly release old patterns of stress, pain, or tension. So your body and mind can soften, and you can move, breathe, and be—with more ease.
The Benefits of Neuro-Somatic Yoga
1. Calm your nervous system
Gentle, conscious movements help activate your parasympathetic nervous system—the one that says “rest & digest.” You begin to feel calmer, safer, and more grounded in your body.
2. Release tension & build emotional resilience
Through slow, repetitive movements and breath, your body learns to release stored stress and emotions—gently and safely. Over time, you build inner strength and resilience.
3. Breathe deeper, live lighter
Your breath is directly connected to your nervous system. This practice helps you return to a more natural, nourishing breath—just what your body needs to relax and reset.
4. Deepen your body awareness
You’ll start to feel subtle sensations, develop greater body wisdom, and rebuild a kind, compassionate relationship with yourself—from the inside out.
5. Move softer, feel more spacious
By softly re-patterning your nervous system, tension and pain can ease. Movement becomes more fluid, more free—without force or strain.
Simple Neuro-Somatic Practices to Try
You don’t need to be a yoga pro—or have the perfect setup—to begin.
Just find a quiet spot, slip into your softest Urban Goddess layers (we adore bamboo for this), and give yourself permission to feel. Try one or two of these simple exercises:
1. Somatic Cat-Cow (Seated or on All Fours)
- Slow this familiar movement right down.
- Inhale: Gently arch your back, lift your chest and tailbone.
- Exhale: Round your spine, chin to chest, pelvis tucks.
Close your eyes and move like you’re flowing through honey. Let your body guide you.
- Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
- Inhale: Tilt the pelvis forward—feel a small curve in your lower back.
- Exhale: Gently press your lower back into the mat.
Repeat slowly for 2–3 minutes. Let your hips and spine begin to soften.
3. Orienting & Grounding
- Sit or lie down in a way that feels easy.
- Gently turn your head left and right.
- Let your eyes rest on something that feels pleasant or safe.
This gentle practice helps bring you into the present moment by activating your vagus nerve.
4. Somatic Shoulder Rolls
- Sitting or standing, link movement with breath.
- Inhale: Slowly roll your shoulders forward and up.
- Exhale: Roll them back and down with ease.
Notice what shifts in your body—maybe more space, maybe more softness.
Final Thoughts: Come Home to Yourself
Neuro-Somatic Yoga doesn’t ask for perfect poses—it simply invites you to show up, soften, and listen. It’s a loving complement to your more active practice or your full, busy life. Whether you’re navigating change, carrying stress, or simply longing to feel more at home in your body, this gentle approach leads you back to ease—one breath at a time.
So next time you roll out your mat… let go of expectations. Breathe. And feel yourself coming home.
