When our physical body is not functioning optimally, the whole being is affected. Physical pain reduces our desire to seek joy. Illness can separate us from others and discourage us from forming meaningful relationships. Physical limitations can block our ability to commune with nature, exercise and fully embody each experience.

We are multidimensional beings. Every experience we have in our past and present lifetimes is processed, filtered and stored in our energy bodies. The energy body is composed of our mental, emotional and spiritual energy and serves as a repository of our interactions, thoughts and feelings. There is a correlation between energy and physicality; both molecular (physical) and energetic coding is shaped and programmed by all experiences, internal and external. Any discordant energy or distorted coding can manifest in the physical body as pain, illness and limitation. Our inner worlds become a mirror of our outer world and reflect those experiences in our physical body.

“There is a correlation between the condition of the physical body and ascension of the whole being,” states Christy Abate, co-owner and program director of the spiritual center and metaphysical store, The Angel Cooperative. “When the physical body is holding onto stuck energy, the multidimensional being doesn’t easily calibrate to incoming light codes. Upleveling your light body is thwarted when there are blocks stored in the physical body.” Fortunately, there are ways to move stagnant energy through the physical body so one can fully integrate their subtle bodies and activate conscious ascension.

How do we make breakthroughs when we feel stuck in our healing journey? A popular concept in modern wellness is somatic healing. In its simplest form, somatic is defined as “of the body, distinct from the mind”. In a therapeutic milieu, it summarizes a path to moving energy through the physical body to support healing in all of the subtle bodies.

“In Chinese Medicine, dis-ease manifests when energy is stuck,” says acupuncturist Casey Potetz. “Therefore, we find ways to move and redirect energy.” When we dance, move, use our voice (chanting and singing), practice breathwork, do yoga, use mudras and receive healing touch, we are shifting the chi (energy) not only of our body, but of our spiritual and energetic being. As the inner landscape is reshaped, our bodies can process and release stagnant energy that no longer serves us. We are reborn on the cellular level. Toxicity, such as pain and stored emotions, is released.

The process of physical and energetic healing is an ongoing process. Humans are always having new experiences and constantly processing the world around them. Food, sleep, stress and the weather can impact our physical body. Therefore, we need to find ways to continually move energy through the systems of the body. “Yoga is an ancient practice that gifts so much to the modern human,” says Abate. She teaches a gentle yoga class twice a week which includes breathwork, vinyasa, chanting and mudra, meditation and yogic philosophy. All of the yoga offerings at her spiritual center, The Angel Wing (next door to The Angel Cooperative) include a combination of techniques to support the multidimensional human.

“We recognize that there are endless ways to heal and, because humans are relational beings, we love creating opportunities for us to gather and practice healing work in community,” says Potetz. The free monthly Women’s Circle hosted by Potetz and Abate offers women an opportunity to connect on a spiritual and emotional level, as well as practice embodiment activities to integrate the shared experience.

“The modern medical system categorizes therapeutic modalities in order to specialize, but in holistic healing work, we integrate physical practices with energetic, emotional and spiritual modalities to provide a truly whole-body experience,” explains Potetz. In addition to her acupuncture practice and women’s circles, she leads group healings, workshops, retreats and embodiment classes, and she hosts an online membership for self-healing.

A common misconception about physical healing and spiritual ascension is that something outside of ourselves holds the key to our success. It is important to recognize that although we receive help through information, guidance and effective strategies, healing is internally generated. It is the process of how the body repairs and regenerates itself.

“I believe every person intuitively knows what they need to heal. A lot of the time, we just need a little help executing what we know will be effective, whether that is a type of movement, a therapy, a healthy routine or a fulfilling experience,” enthuses Potetz. “Healing is a continuous process that lasts a lifetime, so we might as well find meaningful connections, and have lots of fun while doing it.”