Somatic massage
What is Somatic Massage?
Somatic massage combines remedial massage with biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST), working primarily with the musculoskeletal system, fascia, nervous system and the body’s patterns of physical holding. Rather than treating individual muscles in isolation, the work looks at how tension is organised through the body and how one area of restriction can influence another.
Particular attention is given to the diaphragm and sacrum — two central areas that can strongly influence breathing, movement, stability and the way tension is distributed throughout the body. Restriction through the diaphragm can affect the breath, ribcage, spine and surrounding muscular and fascial structures, while holding through the sacrum and pelvis can influence grounding, movement and support through the rest of the body.
Within an energetic framework, the sacrum and pelvic region can also be explored in relation to the root and patterns of energetic holding. Within an energetic framework, the sacrum and pelvic region can also be explored in relation to the root and patterns of energetic holding. By working with the relationships between muscular tension, fascia, the nervous system and energetic holding, the treatment aims to create greater space, movement and ease throughout the body.
How It Works & What It Can Do For You
Sessions combine targeted remedial massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy with gentler BCST techniques and breath awareness. This allows the work to address muscular and fascial restriction while also recognising the nervous system patterns that can contribute to persistent tension and guarding.
The diaphragm and sacrum often provide important points of focus. As restriction begins to soften, breathing can become more natural, the pelvis and spine can find greater mobility and support, and wider patterns of tension can begin to change. Rather than simply releasing an individual muscle, somatic massage works with the broader pattern in which that tension exists, supporting freer movement, improved breathing, greater body awareness and a deeper sense of grounding.
Somatic Massage Supports
Muscular Tension, Pain & Restricted Movement
Chronic muscular tension, localised pain and discomfort, restricted movement, recurring tightness, fascial restriction, postural strain, physical holding and guarding.
Somatic Massage works with the relationships between muscles, fascia and surrounding structures rather than treating an individual tight muscle in isolation. It is particularly suited to focused or partial-body work where one area or pattern needs greater attention.
Neck, Shoulders, Jaw & Upper Body Tension
Neck and shoulder tension, upper back tension, jaw and TMJ tension, clenching, chest and ribcage restriction, and tension associated with posture, prolonged sitting or stress.
These areas can influence one another. Working across the jaw, neck, shoulders, chest and surrounding tissues allows the treatment to explore the wider pattern rather than repeatedly focusing only on the area that feels tightest.
Diaphragm, Breath & Ribcage Restriction
Shallow or restricted breathing, diaphragm tension, ribcage restriction, chest tightness, breath holding, abdominal bracing and difficulty taking a full, comfortable breath.
The diaphragm is a central focus of Somatic Massage because of its relationship with breathing and the surrounding structures of the chest, abdomen, ribs and spine. Working with this area can also help explore patterns of tension and holding associated with the breath.
Pelvis, Sacrum, Hips & Grounding
Hip and pelvic tension, sacral restriction, lower-back holding, pelvic bracing, restricted movement through the pelvis, and difficulty feeling grounded or connected to the lower body.
The pelvis and sacrum can be explored in relation to movement, stability, physical holding and connection through the body. Where relevant, the work may also consider energetic patterns through this region, including its relationship with grounding and the lower chakras.
Stress, Burnout & Nervous System Holding
Chronic stress, burnout, nervous system overwhelm, difficulty relaxing, physical bracing, feeling constantly “on”, fatigue, exhaustion and stress-related muscular tension.
Prolonged stress can become reflected through breathing, muscle tone, posture and protective holding. Somatic Massage allows both the physical tension and the way the body is responding to stress to be considered within the session.
Emotional & Protective Holding
Emotional stress, physical guarding, chronic bracing, protective postures, difficulty letting go of tension, disconnection from particular areas of the body, and physical patterns associated with prolonged emotional stress.
Sometimes an area continues to feel tight even after repeated massage or stretching. Somatic Massage can explore the broader physical and nervous system patterns associated with that holding, without requiring an emotional release or particular response.
Body Awareness, Energy & Reconnection
Disconnection from the body, reduced body awareness, difficulty grounding, feeling physically or energetically stuck, and a desire for greater connection with breath and sensation.
Alongside the physical structures of the body, sessions can explore energetic patterns where relevant. This may include awareness of the chakras and how areas of physical holding relate to grounding, connection and the experience of being present within the body.
60 Minutes (Focused / Partial Body) — $150