EP62 Neurogenic Integration: The Mystery of Spontaneous Movement

What if your client’s tremor, stretch, or undulation wasn’t a symptom—but a sign of healing? In this episode, Alex sits down with physical therapist, somatic educator and TRE Provider, Joel Begin to explore the natural, spontaneous movements that often arise in bodywork, movement therapy, and somatic healing—but are still largely misunderstood.

Joel shares the story behind his 2022 paper, “Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements,” a collaborative work that brings together perspectives from across the globe to map out how tremors, shakes, and fluid movements emerge across therapeutic, spiritual, and cultural contexts. From TRE® and myofascial unwinding to Qigong and authentic movement, Joel helps us reframe these expressions not as random or pathological—but as beneceptive and healing.

Together, we explore the potential of spontaneous movement as a doorway into nervous system regulation, trauma resolution, and embodied intelligence. This episode invites you to see what might already be happening in your sessions with new eyes—and perhaps, to trust the body just a little more.

Key Highlights: 

• [00:02:00] The Paper That Sparked It All: Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements
• [00:08:00] What Is Myofascial Unwinding?
• [00:14:30] Modalities That Evoke Spontaneous Movement
• [00:17:45] Spiritual Practices & Movement States
• [00:24:00] Case Study: Spontaneous Movement After Surgery
• [00:27:00] When Movement Feels Uncomfortable
• [00:33:00] TRE®, Trauma, and the Polyvagal Lens
• [00:38:45] Understanding Freeze Through Biotensegrity
• [00:41:00] What Makes These Movements Arise?
• [00:43:30] Creating a Container for Curiosity

Links & Resources

• Joel Begin’s 2022 Paper:
   “Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements”
   Read the full paper in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
• Joel Begin’s Practice – Creative Pathways PT
• Continuum Movement: https://continuummovement.com/ 
• Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/about-peter 
• Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ 
• Myofascial Release John F. Barnes

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