Bloating is a common digestive issue that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives — but somatic exercises can be the long-term answer to this uncomfortable and frustrating pain.

While some turn to diets or medications to alleviate their bloating symptoms, these types of treatments are only healing the symptoms of the bloating. However, they aren't healing the cause. So a natural and effective solution worth exploring for bloating and digestive issues is a practice known as somatic exercises.

Bloating & Somatic Exercises

What causes bloating?

Bloating is a common condition characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen — but some people can be more debilitated with the symptoms of bloating than others. Overall, bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, with diet, digestive disorders, and hormonal changes being some of the primary culprits.

Some causes of bloating with relatively easy fixes include:

• Overeating or eating too quickly, which can lead to the accumulation of gas in the digestive system. The simple fix to this is to eat less and to eat slower.
• Consuming certain types of foods, such as those high in fiber, carbohydrates, or fats, can also cause bloating as they take longer to digest. You'd want to notice which foods cause you to bloat and then take action to reduce those foods or sub them out with something else.
• Intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, can result in bloating. So you'd want to avoid those foods all-together.

Other causes of bloating with less obvious fixes include:

• Medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastrointestinal infections can contribute to bloating by disrupting normal digestion and causing gas buildup 
• Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation or pregnancy, can lead to bloating
• Stress and anxiety may further exacerbate bloating by affecting digestion and causing gut discomfort

All of which can find a fix with somatic exercises though!

What are somatic exercises?

Somatic exercises are gentle movements that aim to restore balance and function to the body by releasing tension and promoting relaxation.

And it's important to note here that these exercises can be particularly beneficial for bloating, as they help to address the underlying causes of this uncomfortable condition.

How can somatic exercises help with bloating caused by medical conditions like IBS and constipation?

Somatic exercises are a beneficial approach to alleviating bloating caused by medical conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and constipation because these exercises focus on releasing tension and improving the function of the muscles involved in digestion itself.

Somatic exercises can aid in reducing muscle spasms and tension, improving bowel movements, and relieving gas buildup — all of which can trigger things like IBS and constipation.

Somatic exercises help to increase the awareness of body sensations and promote a sense of relaxation, which can help to regulate the digestive system in general, as well as inflammation in the digestive tract — which means it's harder for gas to build up in the first place.

By practicing specific movements and techniques like the ones found in our revolutionary trauma-release routines, you can target the affected areas like the abdomen and lower back, relieving bloating for good.

How can somatic exercises help with bloating caused by hormonal changes?

Somatic exercises don't just target the lower back and abdomen. They also can manage hormonal fluctuations like those experienced during the menstrual cycle or menopause. These hormonal fluctuations often lead to water retention, which further leads to bloating.

By engaging in these exercises, individuals can enhance lymphatic circulation and reduce fluid retention in the body. This can help alleviate bloating and discomfort. 

How can somatic exercises help with bloating caused by stress and anxiety?

While bloating is absolutely a symptom and sign of my "physical" situations, it can also be something that you can experience when you're overly stressed or chronically anxious.

Somatic exercises focus on releasing any and all tension stored in the body, promoting extreme relaxation throughout. This helps alleviate the symptoms of a stressed or anxious digestive system in the first place.

By engaging in somatic exercises, individuals can become more attuned to their body sensations and learn to identify areas of tension and discomfort. Through specific movements and techniques, somatic exercises can help relax tight muscles in the abdomen and allow for improved digestion and reduced bloating.

Furthermore, these exercises can help regulate breathing patterns, promote deeper relaxation, and reduce overall stress levels. By incorporating somatic exercises into a daily routine, individuals can manage bloating caused by stress and anxiety and foster a sense of balance and well-being.

Somatic Exercises To Try At Home 

If you're looking to heal your chronic bloating with somatic exercises, you can try them out at home first! OR you can go ahead and start a 30 day program to heal your bloating for good. 

One somatic exercise that targets the abdominal area is an abdominal release. To perform this exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place one hand on your belly and take a deep breath in, allowing your belly to rise and expand fully. As you exhale, gently press your hand into your belly, encouraging the muscles to relax and release any tension. Repeat this exercise several times, focusing on deep, slow breaths, and allowing your abdomen to soften with each exhale.

Another effective somatic exercise for bloating is a twist and release. Begin by sitting on the edge of a chair or yoga mat, with your feet flat on the floor. Place your right hand on the outside of your left knee and gently twist your torso to the left, looking over your left shoulder. As you twist, focus on keeping your spine tall and lengthened. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, imagine wringing out any tension or discomfort in your abdomen. Repeat this exercise on the other side, twisting to the right.

How Somatic Exercise Can Heal Your Bloating Naturally Without Dieting

Somatic exercises offer a natural and effective approach to alleviating bloating without relying on diets or medications. By releasing tension and promoting relaxation in the abdominal area, as well as lowering inflammation in the digestive tract, these exercises can help to restore balance and improve digestion. 

Heal your chronic bloating TODAY with a 30-day somatic release program.