PubMed
Free access to biomedical and life sciences literature. Search terms: "somatic therapy," "interoception," "body awareness," "trauma therapy," "Feldenkrais," "Somatic Experiencing."
While somatic practices have ancient roots in lived experience, modern science more and more shows they work.
Note: This is not a complete list but a selected collection of Research Resources. For academic papers and detailed studies, check the original sources and databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO.
Additional Research Resources
Where to find more research on somatic practices.
Google Scholar
Complete index of academic writing across disciplines. Useful for finding full-text articles and tracking citations.
Somatic Experiencing Research
Somatic Experiencing International maintains a research page with studies on SE effectiveness for trauma.
Feldenkrais Guild Research
The Feldenkrais Guild maintains a bibliography of research studies on the Feldenkrais Method.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
Resources and research publications on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for trauma.
PsycINFO (APA)
The American Psychological Association's database of psychological writing. Excellent for finding research on somatic psychology, body psychotherapy, and body studies.
Trauma Research Foundation
Founded by Bessel van der Kolk, this organization supports research on trauma and body-based methods including yoga and mindfulness.
International Body Psychotherapy Journal
Reviewed journal publishing research and theory on somatic psychotherapy, body-oriented therapy, and being in your body.
US Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP)
Professional organization with research resources, articles, and publications on body psychotherapy and somatic approaches.
European Association for Body Psychotherapy (EABP)
Research section with studies, articles, and resources on body-oriented psychotherapy from European perspectives.
Mind & Life Institute
Research where contemplative practice, brain science, and body awareness meet. Supports studies on mindfulness, meditation, and being in your body.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
NIH center funding research on mind-body practices including yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation. Includes evidence-based summaries.
Polyvagal Institute
Research and resources on Polyvagal Theory, nervous system calming, and somatic methods developed by Dr. Stephen Porges.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Peer-reviewed journal publishing research on bodywork, movement therapies, manual therapy, and somatic education methods.
ResearchGate
Academic networking site where researchers share publications. Search for specific somatic practitioners, methods, or studies to find full-text papers.