The Sacred Shimmy!

When in doubt… shimmy it out.

Oh yes, I've seen you shaking your ass, now don’t go all shy and looking around now. You’ve been seen. That gentle shake, that subtle wiggle of the spine, that soft bounce in the knees, it’s not just playful. It’s primordial healing.

From the oldest tribal ceremonies to Touch Yoga, shaking has always been a natural way to reset the nervous system, move stagnant energy, and return to presence.

A gentle shimmy might look lighthearted, and it can be, but underneath the movement is an ancient, sacred act of release. When we shake, we allow the body to soften, to let go, to remember what it means to feel free.

Why Shimmying Works (Yes, There’s Scientific Proof Too!)

When we gently shake the body, even for just 30 seconds, it sends a signal to the brain saying, “We’re safe now.” This activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest mode), calming stress hormones like cortisol.

Shaking also supports the fascia the connective tissue that holds tension and emotion. A light shimmy literally loosens the physical and emotional grip.

Interesting fact: Animals shake instinctively after a stressful event to release tension. Ever seen a dog do that full-body shake? That’s trauma leaving the body.

Ancient Moves: The shimmy has lived in:

• African tribal dance

• Aboriginal ceremonies

• Shamanic healing rituals

• Taoist & yogic shaking meditations

How to Shimmy in Touch Yoga

You can do this standing or seated, whatever feels most supportive. Soften your knees or relax into your chair. Let your shoulders jiggle, your spine ripple, maybe your hips sway just a little.

No effort, no rules, just let the body move like water, shimmy the arms, the hands the legs, the feet. Let a small smile rise to your face. This is your space to feel good.

Add a sigh, hum, or even laugh, giggle whatever bubbles up, let it come. Even 20 seconds of shimmying can shift your whole state of being. Let it be sacred. Let it be silly. Let it be yours.

Make Shimmying your daily releasing practice. You don’t always need stillness to heal. Sometimes… you need to just shimmy. So next time your energy feels stuck, heavy, or just a little off …

Shimmy gently. Shimmy wildly. But shimmy!