Navigating Trauma: Understanding the Parts of the Somatic Nervous System
Welcome to the Aura Institute, where we offer advanced trauma-informed training so that you can have the tools to transform the lives of those affected by trauma.
Our curriculum is accredited for continuing education by prestigious organizations like the APA and Board of Nurses, ensuring practitioners receive top-notch training and credentials.
Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.
Journey Through Trauma: Exploring the Components of the Somatic Nervous System
Understanding the Inner Workings: Parts of the Somatic Nervous System
Our body is a wonderous complex machine. Through the journey of life, we could encounter numerous traumatic events affecting it, physically and emotionally. Understanding how our body reacts and heals from these adversities is essential for our well-being and mental health efficacy. In this context, one of the critical systems in our body we should shed light on is the somatic nervous system.
This article will examine the different components and functions of the somatic nervous system, giving insights into how our bodies apprehend, and react to our surroundings, and ultimately the role it plays in managing trauma.
Key Points
- An overview of the somatic nervous system and its functions
- The relation between trauma and the somatic nervous system
- The definitive parts of the somatic nervous system
- The role of somatic therapy in trauma healing
- Frequently asked questions about the somatic nervous system and trauma
The Somatic Nervous System: An Overview
The nervous system of the human body is primarily divided into two main categories; the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The Somatic Nervous System (SNS), a key component of the PNS, plays a crucial role in connecting the CNS to the body's skeletal muscles to facilitate voluntary movements. Beyond its conventional definition, the somatic nervous system shapes our interaction with the world around us and how we handle the effects of trauma.
The Somatic Nervous System and Trauma
The somatic nervous system is invariably tied to our body's response to traumatic incidents. Understanding our somatic responses to these events can provide us with the necessary tools to navigate post-traumatic stress and its results.
"Our bodies hold onto trauma, the somatic nervous system registers it and influences our emotional responses."
Parts of the Somatic Nervous System
The somatic nervous system incorporates two main components: motor neurons and sensory neurons. Motor neurons control voluntary muscle movement, while sensory neurons are responsible for conveying information from our sensory receptors towards the brain for further processing.
-
Motor Neurons: They control voluntary muscular activities by transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to the targeted muscles. Any voluntary muscular movement, like lifting an arm or speaking, relies on these signals.
-
Sensory Neurons: Responsible for transmitting sensory information from peripheral sensory organs (like skin, eyes, ears) towards the central nervous system. This information includes touch, temperature, pressure, pain, and spatial orientation.
Somatic Therapy and Trauma Healing
Somatic therapy is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the physical symptoms of trauma stored in the body. It focuses on the connection between mind and body to facilitate healing and recovery.
Therapists trained in such techniques at Aura Institute can help individuals work through their stored trauma using various interventions including mindfulness, body scanning, movement and touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How the somatic nervous system plays a role in trauma recovery?
The system plays a crucial role in both encoding trauma and healing from it. Through somatic therapy, individuals can learn to tune into their bodily sensations and understand the impact of trauma on their somatic experiences.
Q2: Does every person respond similarly to trauma?
No, everyone’s response to trauma is highly individual, and how the somatic nervous system responds can vary on a person-to-person basis.
Q3: Can understanding the somatic nervous system help control panic and anxiety?
Yes, through understanding and working with our somatic reactions, we can learn to manage panic and anxiety more effectively.
Q4: How can somatic therapy help with mental health?
Somatic therapy views the mind-body connection as key to mental health. By focusing on somatic experiences linked to emotional experiences, therapists can help individuals navigate their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Q5: Where can I get training to be a somatic therapist?
Aura Institute offers various courses for those interested in becoming trained somatic therapists.
The somatic nervous system plays a pivotal role in our bodily functions and our day-to-day life. By further understanding its parts and functions, we can shed light on curative practices and pave paths toward healing traumas and enhancing our mental well-being.
“In healing the wounds of trauma, we touch the essence of our being.”
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.