The marriage of two bodies of knowledge
Somatic Release Technique (SRT)
is a body-focused form of inquiry wherein through gentle tracking and observation of sensation we have an opportunity to illuminate and release stuck energy in the body woven with memories, emotions, trauma, and belief systems. The language of the nervous system is sensation. Spontaneous discharge in sessions may arise as shaking, yawning, trembling, crying, laughing, sweating, and deep relaxation, and is a positive indicator of the nervous system returning to its natural state of balance.
Psychoneuroenergetics (PNE)
Through sustained pressure primarily on acupuncture point GB 20 where the vagus nerve exits the skull, we’re able to work deeply and safely, with the unconscious origins of belief systems, unravel granthis*, and reveal the cohesive easeful tapestry beneath. Vagus nerve stimulation alone is known to provide immense stress relief, but through extended pressure we access and stimulate heightened functional processing and awareness. Holding the points deeply stabilizes the body so healing can take place without retraumatization. The work is holographic in that it simultaneously engages physical sensation, emotional feeling, mental perception, and opening to spiritual dimensions of experience. Limiting thought patterns and long-buried feelings now have the safety they need to finally resolve. This harmonizing of the neocortex, amygdala, and the brain stem can bring about a profound shift in consciousness.
This method of untangling the nervous system is influenced by my studies with Judith Johnson, Dr. Peter Levine, the study and research of Dr. Steven Porges’s Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stanley Rosenberg’s vagal regulation techniques as taught by his protègè, Thor Philipsen, the psychology of Transactional Analysis and ultimately Non-duality.
* “The Sanskrit word granthi means “knot” or “doubt” and also means “an especially difficult knot to untie.” Granthi in spiritual practice are psychological or psychic barriers to total freedom. Granthis prevent prana from moving freely up sushumna nadi. Granthi bind the soul; they lock us to our misperception of reality (avidya) and self (asmita). They hold us to our preferences (raga and dvesha) and root us in fear of death (abhinivesha). Knowledge (jnana) is a key component to transcend fear, and together with action (karma) they give wings to our spiritual desires – the rise of Kundalini.”