Somatic Exercises For Bilateral Stimulation | 11 Minutes

Welcome to Day 19 of Somatic Kickstart, my transformative 30-day series designed to enhance nervous system regulation and improve your overall well-being. In today's guided somatic routine, we are focusing on bilateral stimulation. WHAT IS BILATERAL STIMULATION? Bilateral stimulation involves engaging both hemispheres of the brain through rhythmic, alternating physical, sensory, or visual stimuli. This process fosters neural communication between the brain's left and right sides, promoting integration, balance, and harmony. Known for its applications in therapeutic practices like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), bilateral stimulation helps reduce the intensity of traumatic memories, enhances emotional regulation, and grounds the body in the present moment. BENEFITS OF BILATERAL STIMULATION -Emotional Regulation: Helps release stuck emotions and unprocessed trauma. -Stress Reduction: Calms the overactive sympathetic nervous system. -Improved Focus: Strengthens communication between brain hemispheres, supporting clarity and concentration. -Enhanced Relaxation: Encourages the release of calming neurochemicals like oxytocin and serotonin. -Increased Resilience: Builds a more adaptive and balanced nervous system over time. WHY IT WORKS Bilateral stimulation taps into the brain's innate mechanisms for processing information and achieving equilibrium. By stimulating both hemispheres, this technique replicates the natural integrative processes seen during REM sleep, when the brain sorts memories and emotions. This explains why bilateral stimulation is particularly effective for emotional healing and stress management. SOMATIC EXERCISES 1) Self-Havening: By gently stroking your arms in an alternating rhythm, self-havening engages sensory pathways that soothe the amygdala—the brain's fear center. This reduces emotional intensity and promotes a sense of safety. The repetitive motion increases oxytocin levels, encouraging a state of relaxation and connection. 2) Thumb Circles: Visual tracking exercises, like following a thumb moving in counterclockwise circles, activate both brain hemispheres by combining eye movement with cross-body coordination. This not only supports emotional regulation but also strengthens motor control and focus. 3) Bilateral Breathing: Coordinating breath and gaze creates harmony between the brain’s hemispheres. Inhaling while turning your gaze one way and exhaling while looking the other synchronizes neural activity, reduces stress, and improves proprioception (body awareness). 4) Butterfly Hug: Alternating taps on the chest mimic the rhythmic input that signals safety to the brain. This simple yet profound technique shifts the body from a stress response into relaxation, promoting healing and emotional balance. - Whether you’re new to somatics or looking to deepen your practice, this guided somatic practice offers a gentle introduction to connecting with your body, mind and soul. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your experience. Reminder: If you sigh, yawn, shiver, swallow or have an emotional release, this is a sign your nervous system is starting to regulate and feel safer. - YouTube:    / @shebreath_teresa   Instagram: shebreath_official TikTok: sheBREATH Website: www.shebreath.com - As a certified trauma-centered somatic practitioner and breath therapist, I help you regulate your nervous system. My journey included transforming personal challenges into wisdom. I´ve evolved through my own trauma, trials and errors, which now empower me to offer guidance and support to others navigating their own transformations. - Disclaimer: The content provided on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Teresa Trieb is not responsible for any liabilities, injuries, or damages that may occur from following the information or advice in these videos. By voluntarily participating in these somatic exercises, you agree to do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for any potential damage. You may consult a healthcare professional before beginning somatic exercises. These exercises are intended as a general guide; always pay attention to your body's signals and discontinue if you feel unwell. If you experience sensations such as tingling, ear ringing, dizziness, light-headedness or similar symptoms, please remain calm, as they are completely normal #bilateralstimulation #emdr #emdrtherapy #emotionalregulation #emotionalresilience #emotionalwellbeing #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystem #somaticmovement #somatichealing #somatictherapy