I want to share something with you that’s been helping me settle in my body, really settle, in ways that have remained elusive to me even with everything I know about healing.
It’s called TTAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique), and it comes from somatic trauma work, which treats trauma where it’s actually stored: in the body. It works directly with the nervous system to clear what talk therapy can’t reach, the somatic imprint of trauma living in your tissues, by helping your body feel safe enough to release what it’s been holding. If you’ve ever felt like you never quite believe it’s safe to relax, where you can’t ever fully let your guard down because some part of you is always braced for what’s coming next, TTAT might be for you too.
It’s simple. Almost too simple. But that’s exactly why it works.
The Practice
Sit or stand, whatever feels right. You don’t need to be anywhere special.
Take one hand and place your thumb and ring finger at the inner corners of your eyebrows right where they meet the bridge of your nose. Your middle finger goes on your forehead, just above where your brows are.
Your other hand goes on the back of your head, where your skull meets your neck. You’ll feel a little ridge there.
The pressure? Light. Like you’re holding something delicate. No pressing, just resting.
Now bring to mind whatever’s sitting heavy in you. Don’t tell a story about it; just name it. “This fear.” “This tightness.” “What happened yesterday.” Whatever it is, just be aware of it.
Hold the position and let your body do what it needs to. You might sigh. You might yawn. Your breath might drop lower. You might feel warmth or softness somewhere. You might cry a little.
That’s the clearing happening.
Stay there for 30 seconds to a minute, maybe longer. When something shifts, you’ll feel it: a sigh, a yawn, a settling, maybe even a tear or two. That’s when to stop.
Take a breath. Notice what’s different.
That’s it.
You’ve actually released stored energy.
What’s Actually Happening
When you hold these points, you’re calming your amygdala (your brain’s threat detector) and activating your vagus nerve (which controls your body’s ability to rest, restore, and digest). Your nervous system shifts out of survival, fight-or-flight mode and into a restorative state where healing can actually happen.
Letting go with Ease
This isn’t about fixing yourself or working harder at healing. It’s about giving your body permission to let go of what it’s been holding, and likely for too long.
You can do this practice once a day, or whenever you feel wound up, or right before sleep. Do it when it feels right.
The more you do it, the more your nervous system learns: I can release this. It’s safe to let go. Ease is possible. I don’t have to carry it any longer.
Be patient with yourself. Some days the shift is subtle. Some days it’s big. Both matter, and over time, both change your life.
Your body adapted brilliantly to all the stressors you’ve experienced. But for real healing to happen, it needs to feel safe to return to rest and restore mode. That’s where the magic is, learning to live with ease.
