Forget the therapist’s couch — and shake your booty instead.
A body-based therapy called “Somatic Shaking” can help relieve emotional trauma and physical tension that’s been stored in the nervous system for years. All it takes is a few minutes a day — and the willingness to look like you have zero shame.
The jiggly practice has become all the rage on TikTok — and those who do the unorthodox workout say it may look and feel weird, but it really works.
“If you’re seeing this video, consider it a sign you should do this,” said TikToker tony.nagy while demonstrating the workout. “I promise something profound will happen.”
The brief bursts of chaotic movement helps with PTSD, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety disorder and low self esteem, according to experts.
“Humans can shake off stress like animals do,” explained Dr. Peter Levine, who pioneered the practice in the 1970s. “It’s an innate response. When animals have been pursued or threatened, their bodies shake and tremble with energy used to escape. And then they instinctually get rid of it.”
But that energy accumulates in humans, he added.
“So humans can get rid of the energy stored from 20, 30, 40, and even 50 years ago.”
It’s only takes a few minutes of wildly uncoordinated jumping, arm flapping and foot stomping. Anyone can do it with music or without — and it doesn’t require any special equipment.
Your physical health will get a boost, too, of course.
Chronic stress and trauma are linked to an array of negative effects on the body and mind. Studies by the American Heart Association say such conditions can lead to weight gain, headaches, sleep issues, memory and concentration problems, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Healthy stress management also can lead to a reduction in depression and anxiety.
