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SomatoEmotional Release® (SER) emerges as a profound therapeutic process, deeply rooted in CranioSacral Therapy. It serves as a remarkable method to liberate the emotional energy trapped within us due to past traumas that have been retained, suppressed, and isolated within our bodies.

The concept of SER was pioneered by Dr. John Upledger, the developer of CranioSacral Therapy, during his extensive work and research, particularly alongside Dr. Zvi Karni, a biophysicist and bioengineer at Michigan State University. Through their collaboration, they discovered that the body often retains, suppresses, and isolates the negative emotional energy and physical force of an injury or trauma, rather than dissipating it. Dr. Upledger termed this localized and concentrated energy an "Energy Cyst," which, when unresolved, disrupts the body's various systems and overall function.

Energy Cysts do not manifest their full effect immediately; the body initially adapts to their presence. However, this adaptation comes at a cost over time, leading to pain, physical dysfunction, and emotional disturbances. These effects may range from chronic physical illnesses to conditions affecting mental and psychological well-being, such as anxiety, fatigue, or even social and mental dysfunction.

Scientists have found that for the body to process a traumatic event, the nervous system has to relearn safety and take cues from the body via the brainstem and periferal nervous system. This is called bottom up processing in the brain. We know that one of the primary influences on the nervous system is touch. Pairing cranialsacral therapy with methods such as Somato Emotional Release can greatly impact the nervous system and tissues involved. This creates significant and lasting changes in someone, greatly reducing symptoms and helping someone heal from trauma. SER's primary objective is to uncover and release the adverse effects of past physical and emotional traumas.

The process for opening up the fascia takes time for both Craniosacral therapy and Myofascial Release, so both the therapist and client can tune into the body and track what’s going on, while simultaneously releasing held tension patterns in the tissue, cranium, or spinal cord. Many people who suffer from PTSD find tremendous relief from the gentleness and slower process of craniosacral massage, because their nervous systems are typically in such high arousal states. This can also help people process both the physical and emotional trauma they may have endured. SomatoEmotional Release® provides a gentle and creative framework and toolkit for working with the tissues of the body and the emotions simultaneously, allowing a release of adverse energy or memory of retained traumas.

So what does this actually look like? A therapist is still using Craniosacral principles and techniques to facilitate tissue release. However, they are adding an additional layer of attunment and care to the session. They then bring in therapeutic dialogue and imagery to help facilitate the release of the energy cyst (stored energetic, emotional or psychological energy). The therapist engages the tension pattern through the fascia, facilitating healing in the tissue, then the memory or emotion of original trauma can be brought to the surface slowly and in a titrated way. Once the person becomes mindful of the memory or emotional content as it emerges, the person can then release the energy cyst and relate to their experience in a new way, reworking the story and freeing themselves from the energetic residue bund in their tissue and nervous system..

Overall, SomatoEmotional Release® (SER) stands as a powerful therapeutic approach that bridges the gap between body and mind. By uncovering and releasing stored emotions, SER promotes healing, enhances self-awareness, and reduces stress. Its holistic approach to healing makes it a valuable tool for those seeking emotional resolution, physical relief, and overall well-being. SER invites individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery, emotional release, and profound healing, paving the way for a brighter and more balanced future.