Somatic Shaking: TikTok’s Stress Relief Trend – Does It Work?
The relentless pace of modern life often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, searching for accessible ways to manage daily stress. While consistent exercise is a well-established stress reliever, finding the time and energy for structured workouts can be a challenge. This has led to a surge in interest in “somatic shaking,” a practice gaining traction on TikTok as a quick and unconventional method for releasing tension. But can these brief bursts of chaotic movement truly alleviate stress and anxiety, or is it just another fleeting social media trend?
What Exactly *Is* Somatic Shaking?
Somatic shaking, at its core, involves a few minutes of uncoordinated movements – jumping, arm flapping, and foot stomping – often done barefoot in a private space. It’s not about achieving a specific form; the idea is to allow the body to move freely and release pent-up energy. As one TikTok creator, @natelkhouri, put it, it can feel “weird…until it starts working and your body finally starts releasing everything it’s been holding onto for years.” Another creator, @theworkoutwitch, suggests it “calms down your nervous system, lowering the stress level in your body.”
The practice is rooted in somatic therapy, an approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, somatic therapy aims to increase awareness of bodily sensations and foster a sense of safety within the body, allowing individuals to explore thoughts, emotions, and memories more effectively. The underlying principle is that stress and trauma can become “trapped” in the body’s tissues, manifesting as tension and discomfort. Gentle shaking and postural changes are thought to help the body recognize and release this stored tension, regulating the nervous system.
The Science Behind the Shakes: What Does the Evidence Say?
While the concept of somatic shaking aligns with principles of somatic therapy, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is currently limited. Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, notes, “You’ll see no studies or research to support the use of rapid shaking movements to affect mood or anxiety levels.” She points to research supporting the benefits of slow, rhythmic movements like those found in tai chi or yoga, but emphasizes that there’s little clinical backing for the idea of rapid flailing movements, “except maybe TikTok.”
Per Erez, a certified yoga therapist and somatic educator, agrees that somatic shaking isn’t a standalone solution. “It can help, but it’s not a full replacement for deeper work,” he says. He recommends incorporating it as part of a broader approach that includes regular aerobic exercise and mindfulness-based practices like yoga and tai chi. Consistency, he adds, is key for long-term mood benefits.
How Somatic Shaking Interacts with the Nervous System
The potential benefits of somatic shaking may lie in its ability to influence the nervous system. According to Erez, we often act as “memory hoarders” when it comes to stress, with tension and fear becoming lodged in our body’s tissues after stressful or traumatic events. Somatic shaking aims to interrupt these patterns by prompting the body to notice and release the stored tension. This process can help to complete physical responses to stress that may have been interrupted, and ultimately regulate the nervous system.
However, it’s crucial to note that somatic shaking is unlikely to resolve complex trauma or chronic stress on its own. It’s best viewed as a tool for managing mild, everyday stress and potentially opening the door to other, more comprehensive stress management techniques.
Who Should Consider – and Who Should Avoid – Somatic Shaking?
For healthy individuals seeking to manage mild stress, experimenting with somatic shaking is generally considered safe. Erez suggests starting with one or two minutes and gradually increasing to five minutes, two to four times a week, while paying attention to any feelings of dizziness or overwhelm. He recommends standing with soft knees, initiating a gentle bounce through the heels, and allowing the movement to flow naturally, keeping arms loose and the jaw relaxed.
However, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid somatic shaking altogether. Those with a history of severe trauma or post-traumatic stress, as well as those dealing with injuries, joint problems, seizures, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, should consult with a healthcare professional before trying it. Somatic shaking could potentially trigger flashbacks, intensify panic, or overwhelm someone’s ability to self-regulate.
Scott Langenecker, PhD, a psychiatry and behavioral health professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, adds that individuals with back or lower limb injuries should be careful not to exacerbate existing conditions and may benefit from working with a physical therapist to strengthen muscle groups beforehand. He also emphasizes that those using somatic shaking as a form of trauma release may benefit from guided sessions with a therapist.
Beyond the TikTok Trend: Integrating Somatic Shaking into a Holistic Approach
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the recent surge in popularity of somatic shaking is its potential to make stress management more approachable. Langenecker suggests that trying somatic shaking could be a starting point for incorporating other stress-busting activities into a daily routine, such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise. It may serve as a gateway to a more holistic approach to mental and physical well-being.
somatic shaking should be viewed as one tool among many in the pursuit of stress management. While the scientific evidence is still emerging, its roots in somatic therapy and its potential to influence the nervous system suggest it may offer a valuable, albeit temporary, benefit for those seeking relief from everyday stress.
What’s next? Further research is needed to investigate the specific mechanisms by which somatic shaking affects the nervous system and to determine its long-term effectiveness for managing stress and anxiety. For now, individuals interested in exploring somatic practices are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine the best approach for their individual needs.