Somatic Release
Blending myofascial release, acupressure and vagus nerve techniques.
- Treatment time
- 60 or 90 minutes
- Results
- Immediate
- Longevity
- Several days to weeks; builds with a course
- Downtime
- None
- Price
- £160 (60min) · £220 (90min)
About Somatic Release
Somatic Release blends myofascial release, acupressure, massage and vagus-nerve techniques into one treatment aimed at releasing tension stored in the body — not just in the muscles, but held in the nervous system. It takes a more mindful approach than a standard massage, paying attention to breath, to how and where you hold yourself, and to the way the body responds as tension lets go.
It's for people who feel that stress lives in their body, and who want a treatment that addresses that directly. Available in sixty or ninety minutes.
Key Benefits
- 01Releases tension held in the body and nervous system
- 02Combines myofascial release, acupressure and vagus-nerve techniques
- 03Calms the stress response and supports breathing
- 04A mindful, whole-person approach
- 05Can ease chronic tightness that resists ordinary massage
- 06Sixty or ninety-minute sessions
Is this treatment right for me?
Somatic Release suits people who carry stress physically — a tight jaw, held breath, a body that won't relax — and those for whom standard massage helps only briefly. It's gentle in pressure but deep in effect, and some people find it emotional; that's a normal part of release.
You may be suitable if…
- You feel stress in your body — tight chest, jaw, shoulders or held breath
- Ordinary massage helps but doesn't last
- You'd like a more mindful, whole-body approach
- You have no condition that rules out massage
Your consultation will consider…
- Where and how you hold tension, and what tends to trigger it
- Breathing patterns and nervous-system signs of stress
- Any trauma history you're comfortable sharing, so the session is paced for you
- Sixty or ninety minutes — the longer session allows a slower, deeper process
What to expect
Before treatment
Your therapist talks with you about how stress shows up in your body and what you'd like from the session. There's no need to prepare; simply arrive with a little time to settle.
During treatment
A slow, attentive session that moves between sustained myofascial holds, acupressure points, gentle massage and techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve — the body's main calming pathway. You'll be guided to notice your breath and the sensations as tension releases. Pressure is generally gentle; the depth comes from time and attention.
After treatment
Take your time getting up. People often feel unusually calm, spacious or tired, and occasionally emotional; give yourself a quiet evening if you can.
Results & longevity
Most people feel a marked shift in how their body holds itself straight after the session — easier breathing, a softer jaw, dropped shoulders — and a calmer mood that lasts several days. Because it works with patterns rather than single knots, a short series of sessions tends to bring the deepest, most lasting change.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
There's no physical downtime. Some people feel tired, very calm or emotional afterwards as the nervous system settles; a quiet evening, water and an early night support the process.
Side effects
Mild soreness or tenderness for a day or so after firmer work is normal, as is feeling tired or very relaxed. Occasionally people notice a mild headache or feel emotional afterwards, which passes. Bruising is uncommon. Massage is avoided over injuries, infections, recent surgery, blood clots and certain medical conditions — please tell your therapist about anything relevant.
Aftercare
Drink water, avoid alcohol for the rest of the day and keep the treated muscles warm. Gentle movement and stretching help; a hot bath or shower that evening is welcome. If an area feels tender after deep work, a warm compress or a gentle walk helps it settle.
Please get in touch if soreness lasts more than a couple of days, or if you have any concern after your treatment.
- Downtime
- None
- Redness
- Some pinkness where the skin has been worked, fades within an hour
- Swelling
- None
- Bruising
- Uncommon; occasionally after firm or deep work
- Normal activities
- Immediately; take it easy after deep work if you can
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a normal massage?
A massage works muscle; Somatic Release works the patterns that keep muscle tense — breath, nervous-system arousal and held stress — using slower holds, acupressure and vagus-nerve techniques alongside massage.
What are vagus-nerve techniques?
Gentle work around the neck, ears, chest and diaphragm that stimulates the vagus nerve, the body's main 'rest and digest' pathway, helping the whole system shift out of stress mode.
Is it firm?
Mostly gentle — sustained holds rather than deep pressure. The effect is deep, but it isn't a deep tissue massage.
Might I feel emotional?
Some people do, as held tension releases. It's a normal part of the process and your therapist will hold the space for it without any pressure to talk.
60 or 90 minutes?
Sixty minutes is a complete session. Ninety allows a slower pace and more time with the areas that need it — many people find the longer session more profound.
Is there anything that means I shouldn't have a massage?
Fever, infection, recent surgery or injury, blood clots and certain medical conditions can rule out or modify treatment. Please mention anything relevant when you book or at the start of your session.
How do I book?
Online, by phone or WhatsApp. Sessions are available across the week; let us know your preferred therapist if you have one.
Your Practitioners
Leta
Massage Therapist
Leta is a massage therapist at Banana Beauty Lab, delivering the treatments in this section.
Roberta
Massage Therapist
Roberta is a massage therapist at Banana Beauty Lab, delivering the treatments in this section.