SomatoEmotional Release is a concept, and a group of techniques, developed by the founder of Craniosacral Therapy, Dr. John Upledger. He found that accessing a person's soft tissue would often initiate involuntary body movements. With gentle, hands-on touch on the body, the client would sometimes begin to move a limb or other part of their body. The energy that was trapped in that part of the body was allowed to come out of the body exactly as it went in. So many patients finally get pain relief, once and for all when they are assisted in this profound release technique. 
When you are allowed to move, the result is spontaneous tissue release, accompanied by expression of emotion. These emotions can range from deep breaths, quiet sounds or more intense reactions. Dr. John taught Mya if she followed the client's movements without any agenda, the client would recall past emotional experiences. Once there was recall the trauma could be totally resolved. This frequently cleared up deep tensions in the body that would finally let that part of the body release. 
Add to these body releases a sensitive and open-ended dialoguing, about an incident or situation that was in some way traumatic and connected to these movements and you will let go of the entire unwanted experience in a safe, non-judgmental way. You will often find greater understanding and clarity about a memory that is linked to that particular position. With the release of the emotion the entire body will relax completely. This technique promotes greater functionality in both mind and body. 
SomatoEmotional Release is the expression of emotion that, for reasons deemed appropriate by some part of the patient's non-conscious, has been retained, suppressed and isolated within the body.

 

Physical and emotional responses experienced with SER are many: