Have You Tried the Healing Power of Shaking? Exploring This Somatic Therapy Practice

“Cause the stress ain’t worth it anymore, I’m gonna shake it off.” Mariah Carey may have been onto something more profound than a breakup anthem. While her catchy lyrics refer to letting go of emotional baggage, the act of literally shaking it off—through therapeutic shaking—is an ancient practice that modern science now recognizes as a powerful tool for healing.

Shaking, often overlooked in today’s wellness trends, is one of the body’s most natural ways to release tension and reset. Animals in the wild shake after a stressful encounter, allowing them to discharge pent-up energy and return to a state of calm. Humans, however, have learned to suppress this instinct. Through the practice of therapeutic shaking, we can reconnect with this innate ability, offering our bodies and minds an outlet to release, refresh, and heal.

The Ancient Wisdom of Shaking

Shaking as a healing practice has been around for thousands of years, rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions across the globe. Tibetan Buddhism, Chi Gong, and yoga all incorporate shaking as a way to cleanse the mind and body of stuck energy. African tribes, such as the Kalahari Bushmen, use shaking in rituals to connect with the divine and release emotional blockages. Even Western religious movements like the Shakers embraced it as a form of physical expression and spiritual awakening.

Modern somatic therapy builds on this ancient wisdom, supported by research into how the body stores and processes trauma. As Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., explains, “You can be fully in charge of your life only if you can acknowledge the reality of your body in all its visceral dimensions.” Shaking embodies this principle, helping us reconnect with our bodies as a vital part of healing.

How Shaking Heals

When life’s challenges build up—stress, anxiety, or chronic health struggles—our nervous system can get stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Shaking helps break this cycle by gently activating the body’s natural mechanisms for release. It brings us out of survival mode and into a state of regulation, where healing can occur. Beyond its physical effects, therapeutic shaking can foster emotional growth. It helps us reconnect with the sensations of joy and lightness that stress and overwhelm often overshadow. For those managing the long-term effects of chronic stress, shaking can be a way to process daily stresses and rekindle a sense of confidence and vitality.

How to Get Started

To begin your own shaking practice, find a quiet space where you can move freely. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and let your body guide the movement. You might start with a gentle bounce or sway, allowing the vibrations to build naturally. Let go of judgment and focus on how your body feels in the moment. Music can add a playful element to the practice—yes, even Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off” could be the perfect track to set the mood!

Shaking is a simple yet transformative practice that invites us to release what no longer serves us and embrace what does. With both ancient wisdom and modern science to back it up, perhaps it’s time to shake things up—literally.