When the Body Speaks: How Somatic Healing Sets You Free

Tenuto debuts with an empathetic guide to understanding how stress and trauma are stored in the body and how certain exercises can bring healing. A survivor of childhood sexual assault, Tenuto shares how somatic exercise—slow, mindful movements designed to regulate the nervous system—helped her release tension and reconnect with her body and emotions. She explains how constant stress and unresolved childhood trauma keep the body’s fight-or-flight response activated for long periods of time, resulting in health issues like insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety, muscle weakness, brain fog, and mood swings. To ease tension and relieve pain, Tenuto walks readers through exercises that target different parts of the body, including the hips, pelvis, back, neck, and jaw. For those feeling anxious or overwhelmed, she recommends a combination of hip rocking, heel rocking, and knee swaying. To release anger and frustration, she encourages exercises that involve slamming a pillow on the floor and stomping on the ground and swinging one’s arms. Step-by-step instructions, photos, and QR codes that lead to instructive videos elucidate the movements. Actionable and empowering, this will inspire those seeking to connect with their bodies and reclaim joy. (Apr.)