Medicine Cabinet in the Body

Medicine Cabinet
in the Body

How somatic work creates conditions for change

Eileen
Dickinson
We respond to the system & create the conditions for these to work
Chemical System
Action
Available When
How to Create Conditions

Endo­cannabinoids

Anandamide 2-AG
Action
  • Decreases reactivity to threat
  • Improves tolerance for touch & movement
  • Prevents escalation of pain and stress
Available
  • Client feels safer
  • Input is predictable
  • Overwhelm decreases
Create Conditions
  • Provide safety cues & reduce threat with your presence
  • Focus on pathic touch
  • Use predictable, soothing pacing
  • Emphasize easy, slow, rhythmical, pleasurable movement

Endogenous Opioids

Endorphins Enkephalins Dynorphins
Action
  • Reduces nociceptive transmission
  • Reduces pain intensity
  • Shifts pain quality
  • Increases tolerance for movement
Available
  • Movement becomes tolerable
  • Threat decreases
  • Client has agency
  • Relief is expected & experienced
Create Conditions
  • Provide safety cues & reduce threat with presence
  • Assist client with the expectation of relief
  • Give client agency
  • Emphasize meaningful, pleasurable movement within comfort zone

Mono­amines

Norepinephrine Serotonin Dopamine
Action
  • Focuses attention
  • Reduces spread of nociceptive information
  • Reinforces success
  • Increases motivation & confidence so change lasts
Available
  • System is regulated
  • Attention is available
  • Success is noticed
Create Conditions Norepinephrine
  • Assist client with attention & focus
Serotonin
  • Rhythmic movement
Dopamine
  • Celebrate full engagement
  • Novel touch, pacing & movement
  • Become even more curious
  • Point out meaningful change
Eileen Dickinson  ·  Medicine Cabinet in the Body