Episode 479: Somatic Ways to Reduce Stress
Author: Ali Miller RD
January 26, 2026
Duration: 1:08:49
In this episode, we’re digging into a topic that underlies everything we do in functional medicine but rarely gets the airtime it deserves: somatic ways to reduce stress. We step outside the usual conversations about labs, supplements, pathophysiology, and food as medicine to talk about what it actually looks like to regulate your nervous system in real life. Because while “reduce your stress” is one of the most common recommendations in a healing protocol, very few people are ever taught how to do that in a tangible, embodied way.
This is a deeply practical episode focused on helping you release stored tension and trapped stress from the body using simple somatic tools. We explore why trauma and chronic stress don’t just live in your brain--they can show up as disease, pain, and symptoms in your body and can get in the way of healing. You’ll walk away with approachable techniques you can start using immediately to calm your nervous system, improve resilience, and support your body’s ability to heal.
Also in this episode:
Episode 447: Stress Management Tools to Reset your HPA-Axis
Episode: 438 Vagus Nerve
Episode 424: How Daily Walking Can Transform Your Health
Episode 171: Movement as Medicine
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Signs of a dysregulated nervous system
What is somatic therapy?
How breath can regulate stress responds
4-7-8 Breath
How scent can support stress response
Episode 455: Jodi Cohen of Vibrant Blue Oils
Tracing the scent of fear: Study identifies region of brain involved in fear response - Fred Hutch
Aromatherapy through the lens of trauma-informed care: Stress-reduction practices for healthcare professionals - ScienceDirect
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5-4-3-2-1 technique
Relaxing with Touch
Movement as Medicine
Walking Pad C2 Link https://collabs.shop/gzeqhw
Episode 322: Nature as Medicine
Sound and vibration
5 Reasons to Gargle Salt Water and How to Do it
Naturally Nourished Episode 394 The Human Electrical Force
Functional Medicine Support for stress
How To Use NutriSense CGM (Reviewing 14 Days of Data)
Labrix Neurohormone Panel
Heart Rate Variability
Adaptogen Boost
Calm and Clear
Adrenal Support
GABACalm
Relax and Regulate
Stress Manager Bundle
Anti-Anxiety Bundle
This episode is sponsored by:
This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Supplements providing: Purity, Potency, and Efficacy at a value you can’t beat! My goal with Naturally Nourished supplements is to provide you with products that will enhance and reclaim the quality of life for you and your loved ones!
We will always price formulas 2-5% below market industry standard and competitors. On top of this we offer subscription discounts at an additional 10% off, bundled discounts at an additional 12% off, and seasonal promotions to ensure quality formulas are accessible.
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