By Stephanie Bucklin
Self-healing has been an integral part of my life since my twenties. It was a pivotal moment—the experience of undergoing carpal tunnel surgery—that first made me question the value of seeking healing solely outside of myself. This moment planted the seed that would later grow into a deeply personal practice of self-awareness and healing from within.
I have lived with a mild form of scoliosis for as long as I can remember. The subtle twist in my spine led to chronic pain in my right hip and left shoulder throughout my adult life. For years, I sought relief from external sources, believing that doctors, therapists, and specialists held the key to my healing. But everything shifted in my mid-thirties when a chiropractor challenged me to reconsider my dependence on external interventions. That challenge marked the beginning of my journey toward self-healing.
Somatic Awareness: Listening to My Body
My self-healing practice has evolved through deep awareness—listening to my body, using my hands for self-massage and minor biomechanical adjustments, and engaging in somatic movement to release tension and pain.
I first learned about somatic awareness from Thomas Hanna’s book, Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health. In it, he explores how we can retrain our nervous system and movement patterns to relieve chronic tension and pain. Inspired by his insights, I began allowing my body to guide me. When discomfort arises—especially in my neck or back—I slow down my breath, place my hands near the area of tension, and listen. Through deep breathing, I tune into the subtle dialogue between my hands and the muscles beneath them.
Healing Through Intuitive Movement
My practice often begins with gentle self-massage, incorporating techniques I learned from a Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) chiropractor. NSA is an extremely gentle form of chiropractic therapy developed by Dr. Donald Epstein. This method emphasizes the connection between breath, spinal tension patterns, and the body’s ability to self-correct. By applying these principles, I have found ways to facilitate my own healing.
In the process, I listen for cues—my body whispers, “move this way” or “stretch that way.” I honor these internal prompts, allowing somatic movement to guide me into relaxation and release. This practice does not erase my scoliosis, but it does help me manage pain and discomfort through mindfulness and self-compassion.
The Emotional Layers of Healing
Self-healing is not only a physical practice but an emotional one as well. One of the most profound experiences I had was during a yoga session when I unexpectedly released a deep-seated feeling of shame about my body—an emotion that had been with me since I was twelve years old. That day, I realized that movement could be a powerful tool for releasing stored emotional trauma.
Over the years, I have faced chronic pain, deeply ingrained tension patterns, and an ongoing pursuit of relief. The past seven years have been particularly challenging, as daily pain began to dictate my life. My struggle led me to pursue Social Security Disability, recognizing the severity of my condition. However, a few months ago, during a physical therapy session, I made a declaration: I am no longer going to let pain control me.
Resilience Through Persistence
That moment reignited my commitment to healing. The journey has been long and filled with obstacles, but through persistence, I have found strength. I believe that self-healing has been my greatest teacher—it has shown me resilience through hardship and revealed my inner power to navigate pain and uncertainty.
The path to self-healing is a continuous one. It requires patience, mindfulness, and a willingness to listen deeply to oneself. While my scoliosis remains, I no longer see it as an enemy but as a teacher—one that has guided me toward a profound understanding of my body and its innate wisdom.
To anyone struggling with chronic pain or seeking healing, I offer this: Trust your body. Listen with compassion. Move with intention. And most of all, never underestimate the power of your own resilience.
Namaste,
~S
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