A Holistic Approach to Concussion Recovery

Healing Your Brain: A Holistic Approach to Concussion Recovery with Bodywork, Intuitive Healing, and Mind-Body Coaching

The Power of Healing the Head and Mouth

Years ago, my fascination with head and mouth work began during a jaw class when I discovered how massaging the tongue could be life-changing. Yes, the tongue! This discovery opened my eyes to how we, as bodyworkers, can significantly contribute to post-concussion recovery. As my practice expanded into mind-body treatments, I realized the incredible value of alternative therapies in healing head injuries and concussions.

My Personal Experience with Concussion Recovery

Last April, I fell and hit my head hard on the stairs. Determined to stay healthy, I focused on maintaining brain health and resisted the idea of having a concussion. But soon after, I experienced major mood swings, uncontrollable anger and sadness, and an odd craving for junk food. It was as if something else took over my mind and body. I didn’t immediately connect it to the fall.

Thankfully, during a business retreat, I met a specialist in concussion care. She recommended supplements to reduce brain inflammation, which helped. However, I neglected my own bodywork routine due to work and travel. While traveling, I noticed odd behavior—poor decisions, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating—but I didn’t realize these were concussion symptoms. Sometimes, our loved ones notice these shifts in us before we do. If you live alone, like I do, the changes might go unchecked for a long time.

The Ghost in My Brain is an excellent book that details one man’s journey of recovering from a brain injury, explaining how concussion symptoms can remain invisible to the person experiencing them. If you’ve ever wondered why life hasn’t been quite right since a head injury, this book might offer clarity.

Common and Uncommon Concussion Symptoms to Watch For

Concussions aren’t just about headaches and dizziness. Some symptoms might surprise you, such as:

 • Irritability or mood swings

 • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

 • Sensitivity to light or noise

 • Changes in sleep patterns

 • Unexplained fatigue or lethargy

 • Changes in appetite or cravings

 • Memory lapses

 • Difficulty with balance or coordination

 • Anxiety or feelings of depression

Listening to those around you is critical after a head injury because you may not recognize the symptoms yourself. Mood swings, personality changes, or even subtle behavioral shifts may signal that your brain is still recovering.

How the Mind-Body Approach Speeds Up Recovery

Recovering from a concussion is a multifaceted journey that requires more than just rest. Here are five holistic practices that can aid in your recovery:

 1. Massage Therapy for the Tongue, Neck, and Jaw

Massage therapy is a powerful tool in post-concussion recovery. Focusing on areas like the neck, jaw, and even the tongue can relieve tension, increase circulation, and restore proper alignment. When these areas are addressed, the brain benefits from improved blood flow and reduced stress, aiding in faster healing. If you’ve experienced a head injury, don’t underestimate the profound impact of specialized massage on your recovery.

 2. Visualization for Restoring Peripheral Vision

Visualization is a simple but effective tool for concussion recovery. By mentally picturing your brain healing and your vision expanding, you can help restore your peripheral vision. This type of mental exercise aids in rewiring the brain and optimizing function. I recommend trying the Open Flow exercise in the Soma Flow^TM Library of Healing, which is designed specifically to help restore peripheral vision and keep you out of fight-or-flight mode.

 3. Hypnosis, Meditation, and Recode for Brain Healing

Hypnosis and meditation calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation, helping the brain recover more quickly. Recode—a cutting-edge mind-body healing technique—can clear unconscious patterns that might slow recovery. These practices restore the brain’s optimal functioning by creating a healing environment both mentally and emotionally. Research has shown that hypnosis and meditation significantly improve cognitive function and reduce post-concussion symptoms.  Check out the Soma Flow^TM Library of Healing.

 4. Dietary Adjustments to Reduce Brain Inflammation

Small dietary changes can make a big difference in reducing brain inflammation. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and nuts. Supplements like Omega-3s and curcumin (from turmeric) are excellent for brain health. Stay hydrated and avoid processed foods to support your brain’s recovery.

 5. Cranial Sacral Therapy for Balancing Brain Function

Cranial sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps regulate cerebrospinal fluid flow, relieving tension in the head, neck, and spine. This therapy supports the body’s natural healing process, reducing headaches, improving sleep, and restoring cognitive function. It is one of the cornerstones of post-concussion care in our practice and has been proven to enhance brain recovery. Book with Daniel.

Why Soma Massage and Wellness is the Right Choice for Your Recovery

At Soma Massage and Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach that aligns the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic aspects of healing. Whether you’re recovering from a concussion or seeking to enhance your overall well-being, our specialized treatments can make a profound difference.

Our offerings include:

 • Targeted massage therapy that relieves tension in the tongue, neck, and jaw

 • Mind-body coaching to help you understand how emotions affect physical health, plus access to our online library of healing tools

 • Cranial sacral therapy to restore brain balance and function

 • Intuitive healing to support the energetic body’s recovery

Book a session at Soma Massage and Wellness today and experience the power of a holistic approach to concussion recovery. Activate your free 14-day trial of the Soma Flow Healing Library and take the first step toward full recovery.

Disclaimer:

At Soma Massage and Wellness, we are committed to offering holistic support that complements traditional medical care. However, we are not medical doctors, and our services should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially after a head injury like a concussion. Our practices are designed to work in harmony with medical treatment to promote optimal health and recovery.