7 Top Somatic Yoga Books to Regulate Your Nervous System

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Looking to deepen your understanding of somatic yoga? 

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, trauma survivor, or simply craving a more intuitive and body-led practice, the right book can unlock new layers of wisdom. In this guide, I’ve rounded up my top somatic yoga books that bridge neuroscience, movement, and mindful embodiment—so you can bring healing from the mat into your everyday life.

But first…

What Is Somatic Yoga?

Somatic yoga combines traditional yoga poses with techniques from somatics—like breath awareness, intuitive movement, and nervous system regulation—to help you reconnect with your body in a conscious, healing way. 

Unlike structured styles like Hatha or Vinyasa, somatic yoga invites you to slow down and feel from the inside out. The goal isn’t the perfect pose—it’s presence, curiosity, and felt experience.

In my Uplifted™ Somatic Yoga Certification, where ancient wisdom meets modern nervous system science, I talk a lot about how somatic yoga is all about talking to your animal body. Not just telling it what to do, but talking in the language it understands—through sensation, sound, breath, and movement. 

It’s yoga for your real life. Messy. Healing. Beautiful. I believe that literally everyone can benefit from learning more and practicing somatic release.

Somatic Healing Masterclass: Rewire Trauma, Reclaim Your Intuition (usually $67) FREE👇

How To Choose A Somatic Yoga Book 

If you’re like me and want to start nerding out on all things somatic yoga and how to teach it you’re probably going to want to get a few books on the topic. But where should you start? When choosing a somatic yoga book, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want theory, practice, or both?
• Am I looking for trauma-informed tools, class sequences, or personal healing?
• Does this book align with the way I teach (or want to teach)?

Now that you have a little bit of direction…Below, I’ve broken down the best somatic yoga books by category, so you can find one that speaks directly to your body—and your students’.

7 Best Somatic Yoga Books

Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite books relating to somatic yoga. But remember, these aren’t just books—they’re invitations. Each one offers a unique doorway into the world of somatic yoga, whether you’re just beginning your somatic journey, looking for practical sequences to incorporate into your teaching, or trauma-informed insights.

Let’s explore the best somatic yoga books to guide your practice, your teaching, and your healing.

Title	Author	Best For	Main Focus	Theory vs. Practice	Trauma-Informed	Includes Visuals
The Language of Yin	Gabrielle Harris	Beginners, Yin/Restorative teachers	Intuitive movement, poetic cueing	Practice-focused	Lightly	Journaling prompts, not poses
The Body Keeps the Score	Dr. Bessel van der Kolk	Trauma survivors, mind-body healing	Trauma, neuroscience, somatic therapy	Theory-heavy with some practices	Yes	No
How Yoga Works	Eleanor Criswell Hanna	Teachers, injury recovery, pain relief	Somatic yoga poses, subtle movement	Balanced	Yes	Yes
Waking the Tiger	Peter Levine	Nervous system education, trauma work	Biology of trauma, somatic discharge	Theory-focused	Yes	No
The Wisdom of Your Body	Hillary McBride	Emotional healing, trauma awareness	Shame, embodiment, body trust	Balanced	Yes	No
Bodyfulness	Christine Caldwell	Teachers, coaches, movement facilitators	Somatic psychotherapy, theory to practice	Balanced with exercises	Yes	Some diagrams
The Four Desires	Rod Stryker	Holistic teachers, life purpose seekers	Dharma, desire, embodiment	Balanced	No	No

1. Best Somatic Yoga Book for Beginners: The Language of Yin by Gabrielle Harris

This poetic, down-to-earth guide explores the language of sensation and intuitive movement, especially for Yin yoga. While not specifically a somatic yoga book, Harris gently invites you inward, encouraging presence over perfection—ideal for somatic newcomers who feel overwhelmed by rigid structure.

Features I Love:

• Journal prompts and reflection exercises
• Body-focused cueing for internal awareness
• Includes breath, sound, and sensory explorations
  

Best For:

• Yoga teachers and students new to somatic work
• Yin and Restorative teachers looking to deepen embodiment cues
  

Why I Recommend It:
This book teaches you how to “speak body”—an essential skill for any somatic yoga journey.

2. Best Somatic Yoga for Weight Loss: The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Okay, hear me out: this isn’t a yoga book per se. But it is a must-read for anyone looking to release long-held trauma patterns—physically, emotionally, and yes, metabolically. Chronic stress changes your body. This book explains how.

Features I Love:

• Science-backed insights on trauma and the nervous system
• Somatic-based practices including yoga, EMDR, and movement
• Emphasis on reclaiming body ownership
  

Best For:

• Students who equate weight with self-worth
• Teachers integrating mind-body healing with physical transformation
  

Why I Recommend It:
If you’re stuck in a shame cycle around food, fatigue, or your body, this book helps you reconnect with yourself from the inside out—where true change begins.

3. Best Book for Somatic Yoga Poses: How Yoga Works: An Introduction to Somatic Yoga by Eleanor Criswell Hanna

This foundational text bridges the gap between Hanna Somatics and traditional yoga. Eleanor Criswell Hanna, one of the pioneers in the field, offers a clear, science-backed introduction to somatic principles within yoga poses. Perfect for teachers who want to support students dealing with chronic pain or muscular tension.

Features I Love:

• Detailed explanation of somatic awareness applied to yoga
• Emphasis on neuromuscular education and gentle movement
• Deep roots in both somatic psychology and yoga therapy

Best For:

• Teachers working with pain, tension patterns, or injury recovery
• Yogis wanting a research-backed approach to subtle body movement
  

Why I Recommend It:
This is the go-to book for understanding how and why somatic movement works, especially when integrated into yoga.

4. Best for Understanding the Nervous System: Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine

A classic in the world of somatics, Peter Levine’s Waking the Tiger explains how unresolved trauma lives in the body—and how we can gently discharge it through body-based awareness. While not a yoga book, its insights are foundational for any teacher or student working with nervous system regulation and trauma-sensitive movement.

Features I Love:

• Accessible explanation of the stress cycle and freeze response
• Emphasis on innate animal instincts for healing
• Real-life case studies and somatic techniques
  

Best For:

• Teachers seeking a nervous system science foundation
• Anyone who’s experienced trauma and wants a body-based path forward
  

Why I Recommend It:
This is the book for a foundational understanding of the biology of trauma and how somatic awareness is the key to healing—both on and off the mat.

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5. Best for Emotional Release: The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride

This compassionate book reminds us that healing happens when we feel safe in our bodies. McBride weaves personal story, research, and embodiment practices to help you reclaim inner trust. Not yoga-pose specific, but deeply somatic.

Features I Love:

• Guided practices for tuning into body sensations
• Explores shame, trauma, and body image
• Gentle, inclusive tone that empowers
  

Best For:

• Teachers exploring emotional safety in class
• Students healing from disconnection or trauma
  

Why I Recommend It:
This book will melt your heart and rewire your relationship with your body.

6. Best for Bringing Theory into Practice: Bodyfulness by Christine Caldwell

This is the book I wish more YTTs included. Caldwell blends somatic psychotherapy, movement, and mindfulness with clear frameworks for understanding how the body stores—and transforms—experience.

Features I Love:

• Practical breath, posture, and movement awareness tools
• Explores boundaries, addiction, pleasure, and presence
• Bridges psychology and embodied practice
  

Best For:

• Yoga teachers seeking trauma-informed language
• Therapists, coaches, or facilitators who use movement practices
  

Why I Recommend It:
It’s a brilliant bridge between clinical science and spiritual embodiment.

7. Best for Purpose-Driven Somatic Exploration: The Four Desires by Rod Stryker

While not branded as “somatic yoga,” this text is rich with practices that attune you to the felt sense of desire, dharma, and subtle energy. Includes breath, journaling, and movement rituals rooted in yogic and Tantric wisdom.

Features I Love:

• Connects physical and emotional cravings
• Invites somatic intuition into life path decisions
• Beautiful guided meditations and mantras
  

Best For:

• Holistic teachers bridging yoga, Tantra, and coaching
• Students feeling stuck or disembodied in their purpose
  

Why I Recommend It:
This book invites you to embody your longings—and move from them.

FAQs: Somatic Yoga Books for Teachers & Practitioners

What’s the difference between somatic yoga and traditional yoga practices like Hatha or Vinyasa?

Somatic yoga emphasizes inner awareness over outer form. While traditional styles focus on alignment and flow, somatic yoga invites curiosity, micro-movements, and nervous system regulation through felt sensation and embodiment.

Are there somatic yoga books that include class sequences or protocols I can try or teach right away?

Yes! How Yoga Works by Eleanor Criswell Hanna offers practical movement flows and posture variations you can adapt for class.

Which somatic yoga books are best for understanding trauma-informed practices?

Top picks include The Body Keeps the Score, The Wisdom of Your Body, and Bodyfulness. Each explores how trauma is held in the body and offers gentle, informed practices for healing.

Do any of these books integrate somatics with Yogic Philosophy, breathwork, or meditation?

Yes—The Four Desires is a standout for Tantric philosophy. Yoga for the Nervous System and Bodyfulness weave in breath and meditation beautifully.

Can somatic yoga help with chronic pain or tension patterns? Which books explore this in depth?

Absolutely. Somatic Yoga by Criswell and Bodyfulness both target long-held muscular patterns and how to unwind them through slow, conscious movement.

Are these books more theory or practice-focused?

Some are science-heavy (Body Keeps the Score), others are practice-rich (Language of Yin, Somatic Yoga). This list offers a mix of both, depending on your goals.

Which somatic yoga books are recognized or recommended in yoga therapy trainings or certifications?

Books by Peter Levine (Waking the Tiger) and Eleanor Criswell Hanna (How Yoga Works) are widely respected in yoga therapy, coaching, and trauma recovery programs.

Is there a “must-read” somatic yoga book that’s considered foundational for teachers?

Waking the Tiger is a trauma-informed essential. Pair it with How Yoga Works to bridge science and movement.

Do any of these books include visuals or illustrations to guide somatic movement?

Yes! How Yoga Works includes diagrams and posture breakdowns. The Language of Yin offers poetic cues and space for journaling.

Which books help you incorporate somatic awareness into other yoga styles like Yin or Restorative?

The Language of Yin is perfect for this. It helps you infuse somatic cueing and inner awareness into slower-paced classes.

Are these books accessible to students or beginners, or are they better suited to yoga teachers and advanced practitioners?

Most of these are written with clear, accessible language. Some lean more academic (Bodyfulness), but all can be valuable depending on where you are in your journey.

Do any books provide insight into the neuroscience or physiology behind somatic movement?

Yes—Waking the Tiger, The Body Keeps the Score, and Bodyfulness all explore how the brain, body, and nervous system respond to trauma and healing.

Which somatic yoga books are suitable for creating workshops or retreats?

If you’re planning immersive experiences, check out The Language of Yin, How Yoga Works, and Bodyfulness. These books offer themes, practices, and language you can build from.

Closing Thoughts

Somatic yoga isn’t just a trend—it’s a homecoming. The books on this list are your invitation to teach, live, and move with more presence. Whether you’re easing chronic pain, holding space for trauma healing, or deepening your own embodiment, these books are your wise mentors.

✨ Want to experience somatic yoga in action? Explore my Somatic Yoga Training Certification and dive into my growing library of somatic movement classes inside the Uplifted Membership. Your body already knows the way—these books will help you remember.