The word ‘somatic’ is rooted in the Greek ‘sōmatikos’, meaning ‘of the body” and simply the Somatic Nervous System SNS is a sub-division of the Peripheral Nervous System. The SNS is responsible for voluntary muscle movement and sensory information processing, specifically for smell, sound, taste, and touch. It allows us to consciously control our movements and relay sensory data from the environment to the brain. It consists of Afferent (Sensory) nerves that transmit sensory information, such as touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception (sense of body position), from the body to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Efferent (Motor) nerves thattransmit motor commands from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, causing them to contract and produce movement. Cranial Nerves = 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brain and carry sensory and motor information to and from the head and neck. Spinal Nerves= 31 pairs of nerves that originate from the spinal cord and carry sensory and motor information to and from the rest of the body. Reflex Arcs that are direct pathways that allow for rapid responses to stimuli without involving the brain. Briefly, the SNS includes all nerves that run to and from the spinal cord and send information to and from the muscles and senses carrying information about touch, deep pressure, pain, and temperature from the skin, joints and muscles. Disruption to the function of the SNS may be due to genetic factors, underlying health issues (medications), trauma physical or emotional, psychological factors including excessive stress. Symptoms can manifest as sensory issues such as loss of touch, sensations like pressure, temperature, or pain may be reduced or absent in specific areas. Tingling or numbness, Neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, or sharp). Or motor Issues such as muscle cramps, spasms, tremors, or twitches. Loss of movement control, voluntary movements, balance, or coordination. Muscle wasting (atrophy) due to disuse or nerve damage. SNS problems can also affect reflexes, leading to abnormal or absent reflex responses. Patients also report fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, digestive problems, or other physical complaints. The condition Somatic Symptom Disorder or Somatization disorder is recognised as a form of anxiety that is experienced physically as intense, often sudden nausea, a stomach-ache. Un-controllable shaking in the body, profuse sweating, a racing heart. Hyperventilation or intense breathing, tight muscles and tension in one or more muscle groups. Aching in one or more groups of muscle. A dizzying or painful headache. Differing from cognitive anxiety where symptoms are experienced as thoughts, feelings or emotions, however some patients may experience both cognitive and somatic symptoms. SNS is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning with excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviours relating to the physical symptoms. Research has shown that treating disorders of the SNS holistically with complementary therapies helpful in managing symptoms and improving QoL. Hypnotherapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques and acupuncture showing beneficial outcomes. Clinical Reflexology combines a deeply relaxing experience whilst focussing on balancing the body’s various nervous systems sharing a relationship with Acupuncture/Acupressure. During a Clinical Reflexology treatment, I may use specific trigger points to calm and re-set neural pathways and the “fight or flight” response. Working with the aim of reducing the physical effects of anxiety and stress( often experienced as pain) and moving the patient towards “rest and digest”. As a trained counsellor I offer time and space for patients to discuss their worries and will often provide strategies for the patient to take away and work with at their own pace. The combination of Clinical Reflexology and Counselling as a treatment has shown to be helpful for patients with a wide range of neurological conditions. Regular readers will be aware of my mantra…… that physical and emotional pain are symbiotic and with that thought …….a truly holistic treatment is the logical choice to provide relief. Reflexologists do not diagnose; however, some are qualified and experienced to work with condition specific patient groups. My work with cancer patients and patients with neurological disorders over many years has provided me with knowledge, skills and a deep understanding of the complexity the human nervous systems and how interconnected they are. If you think your nervous system may need a little support or re-balancing, get in touch.