“Somatic esthetics” is receiving plenty of attention right now, but what does it actually mean, and is it really something new?
The word somatic simply means relating to the body. In the treatment room, somatic awareness involves bringing a client’s attention away from busy thoughts and back to what is happening physically. That might mean encouraging them to become aware of their breathing, release tension in the jaw or shoulders, or allow the weight of the head to rest fully into the pillow.
You may also hear the term somatic anchoring. This means using a physical sensation or area of the body to bring someone’s attention back to the present moment.
The terminology may be current, but the practice itself is not new. Experienced estheticians have long used skilled touch, warmth, rhythm, stillness and a calm environment to help clients settle into a treatment. Many of us already encourage a deeper breath or remind a client to release an area where they may be unknowingly holding tension.
Perhaps the useful part of this current interest is that it encourages us to use these familiar practices more deliberately. It does not mean turning a facial into a guided meditation or continually telling clients what they should be feeling.
A few natural words may be all that is needed:
“Take a nice, slow breath in, and breathe out.”
“Let your teeth part slightly and allow your jaw to soften.”
“Allow your head to become heavy in the pillow.”
If this is new to you, it may feel a little awkward at first. Start gradually, use words that feel natural and ask whether the client would enjoy a few gentle relaxation prompts or would prefer uninterrupted quiet.
We should also be cautious about some of the larger claims being attached to somatic treatments. A facial can help create conditions that support relaxation, but that is not the same as promising to “reset the nervous system” or “reset the vagus nerve.” The autonomic nervous system is continually responding to many different influences. It is not a switch that we can simply turn from stressed to calm.
Relaxation practices may encourage changes such as slower breathing, a reduced heart rate and less physical tension. These are worthwhile effects without needing to make exaggerated claims about how they occurred. You can read more about relaxation techniques from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Somatic esthetics may be a current name, but much of its foundation is already familiar: helping clients become more aware of their bodies and release unnecessary tension through skilled, thoughtful touch.
Are you already using simple prompts like these during your treatments? Share what feels natural to you in the comments, or send this to a fellow esthetician who may be wondering what “somatic esthetics” actually means.