What is Somatic Movement?
A Nervous‑System‑Based Approach to Pain Relief, Mobility & Ease of Movement
Somatic movement is a gentle, effective mind‑body approach that retrains the nervous system to release chronic muscle tension, restore natural movement patterns, and support long‑lasting pain relief.
At Dwell Somatic Studio, we offer Clinical Somatic Exercise in our Charleston, SC studio and through our online somatic movement studio, making this work accessible wherever you are.
What does somatic mean?
The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the body experienced from within.”
Unlike traditional exercise or fitness methods that focus on how movement looks from the outside, somatic movement emphasizes internal awareness, sensory feedback, and conscious control of movement.
Rather than pushing, forcing, or stretching the body, somatic movement teaches you to listen to your nervous system and gently guide it toward greater ease and efficiency.
How Somatic Movement Works
Over time, stress, injury, repetitive movement, and posture can cause the nervous system to develop habitual muscle tension patterns — often referred to as muscle memory. These unconscious patterns can lead to:
Chronic pain
Stiffness or reduced mobility
Postural imbalance
Repetitive strain injuries
Clinical Somatic Exercise works by retraining the brain and nervous system through slow, intentional movements that re‑educate muscles and restore voluntary control. Instead of stretching tight muscles or strengthening around pain, somatic movement:
Improves communication between brain and muscles
Reduces unnecessary muscular contraction
Restores natural range of motion
Supports long‑term change, not temporary relief
Why Somatic Movement Is Different
Many common bodywork and movement approaches are passive — something is done to your body.
Somatic movement is active learning.
You participate fully in the process, which allows your nervous system to:
Learn new movement patterns
Release chronic tension at the source
Retain the benefits beyond the session
This is why somatic movement often creates long‑lasting results, rather than short‑term relief.
People who practice somatic movement regularly often experience:
Reduced chronic pain and muscle tension
Improved posture and alignment
Greater flexibility and mobility
Increased coordination and balance
Reduced stress and nervous system overload
Improved breathing and body awareness
More ease and confidence in daily movement
Somatic movement is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels and can be adapted to meet your unique needs.
Benefits of Somatic Movement
Clinical Somatic Exercise at Dwell Somatic Studio
Science based; Heart centered
Sessions are guided by Beth Cosi, Certified Clinical Somatic Exercise Practitioner, Level Two; with a background in gentle, therapeutic Yoga, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, Tensegrity Medicine and almost two decades of teaching experience. Beth is known for an innate gift for deep care and Presencing.
Accessible options for Practice
• Private Somatic Sessions
Tailored to your body, goals, and pain patterns.
• Group Somatic Classes
Supportive, slow‑paced classes that build awareness and nervous system resilience.
• Online Somatic Studio
On‑demand and live classes you can access from anywhere.
Longevity is our top priority
Whether you visit us in Charleston, South Carolina, or join through our online somatic movement studio, somatic movement offers a powerful way to reconnect with your body and move with greater ease. You don’t have to live in pain. You can keep moving forward. You can release tension, grief, worry.
Is Somatic Movement Right for You?
Somatic movement may be especially supportive if you experience:
Chronic neck, back, or hip pain
Muscle tightness that stretching doesn’t resolve
Stress‑related tension or burnout
Limited mobility or stiffness
Repetitive strain injuries
A desire for gentle, intelligent movement that feels sustainable