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What is SomatoEmotional Release?

By Rebecca Parker, B.A., D.R.M.

SomatoEmotional Release (aka "S E R"), is a Research-based therapeutic process that expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of Stored Trauma

SER can help you to release:
  • Pain
  • Tension
  • Holding Patterns (feeling like one is "trapped" in old behaviour)
  • Toxic Material contained within the tissues
  • Emotional Charge held within the tissues of the body or the matrix of the "energetic body"
Release is a Therapeutic Indicator
A release is a response given by the body being treated. It indicates a therapeutic change is occurring. Release is a useful indication to the therapist that what they are doing is having a positive effect. Therapists monitor any such releases during the course of a treatment session. Top of the page
Symptoms of Release
Photograph of Rebecca PArker with hands resting on the diaphragm of her clientA release can occur in the physical body where it will manifest in a change in the tissues. The tissues become softer, or give off heat or cold or moisture, tissues become more coherent and connected to the rest of the body. Skin colouration can change, breathing patterns shift or a deep sigh will indicate change in the body. REM, stomach rumblings (borborygmus) and the therapeutic pulse are more dramatic signs of a therapeutic change. For specific techniques in CST there are specific "classic" release signs that we look for. For example when doing the thoracic inlet diaphragm release a spreading of the collar bones would indicate this area releasing. Top of the page
The Therapeutic Pulse
The therapeutic pulse is something that arrives in the awareness of the therapist hands. It builds to a crescendo and then subsides from one's awareness, either just going away, or settling at a subliminal level. The emotional body can also indicate a therapeutic effect. The release will then be of an emotional nature. Anything from a silent tear, or a sigh, to a full burst of laughter, grief, rage or panic. It is quite common for an emotional release to occur with the physical release, but sometimes there can be a delayed reaction, and the emotional release may be more apparent after the hands-on treatment is concluded. Of course any of these releases may occur in unison or joined in ways significant to the client's journey toward health. Top of the page
Stored Trauma
The term "Stored Trauma" refers to the imprint of physical forces from accidents, injuries and emotional shock that are often unconciously retained in the physical body. Top of the page
SER is Research-based
Joint research conducted by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni led to the discovery that the body often retains the imprint of physical forces from accidents, injuries and emotional shock. The dysfunctional area is frequently isolated in what is called an energy cyst. Top of the page
For more information on SER...
Download an SER Flyer from the Upledger Institute Download an SER Flyer from the Upledger Institute

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