Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! This book is out now from HarperOne.

Full Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up

Kardin Rabin and Jennifer Mann’s The Secret Language of The Body invites readers on a transformative journey toward healing by emphasizing the profound connection between the mind and body. The authors articulate that our bodies are not merely passive vessels; rather, they are active participants in our emotional experiences. By delving into the latest advancements in nervous system science, they present a compelling argument that understanding the language of our bodies is vital for addressing emotional wounds and unmet needs. The book is divided into three illuminating sections—mind, body, and human—allowing for a comprehensive exploration of cognition, somatics, and the impact of developmental trauma and attachment wounds on our well-being.

Through the A I R method—Awareness, Interruption, and Redesign—Rabin and Mann provide readers with practical tools for self-healing. They emphasize the importance of recognizing dysregulation, interrupting maladaptive patterns, and reshaping those behaviors into healthier responses. The authors skillfully weave together scientific insights with patient vignettes that bring their theories to life, illustrating how trauma can manifest physically and emotionally. By challenging the traditional mind-body dualism, they highlight how our lived experiences are deeply intertwined with our physiological responses, making a compelling case for the inadequacy of conventional talk therapies in addressing the root of our struggles.

Rabin and Mann explore what they term the “nervous system paradox,” explaining how our nervous system, in its quest for safety, can inadvertently lead us into patterns of dysregulation that hinder our ability to heal. They underscore the necessity of cultivating mindfulness, interoception, and curiosity to navigate the complexities of trauma, allowing us to listen to our bodies and release the emotional burdens trapped within. Their emphasis on neuroplasticity instills hope, reminding us that healing is not only possible but also a dynamic process that unfolds at its own pace.

While the authors' approach to individualistic healing may resonate with many, it also raises concerns. I generally prefer a more collective framework for healing. Additionally, as a trauma-practitioner-in-training, I worry that readers may attempt the A I R practices without adequate support, potentially leading to re-traumatization during the vulnerable initial stages of healing. Creating a safe space with a trained therapist is crucial for effectively navigating these transformative practices.

Overall, The Secret Language of The Body is an insightful and informative read for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and its role in emotional and physical healing. Rabin and Mann’s blend of academic rigor and empathetic guidance invites readers to embark on a self-discovery journey, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to heal their mind and body holistically.

📖 Recommended For: Readers interested in the intricate connection between the mind and body, those seeking practical tools for emotional healing, fans of somatic practices, and anyone eager to understand the role of the nervous system in trauma recovery.

🔑 Key Themes: Nervous System Regulation, Healing and Self-Discovery, Mind-Body Connection, Trauma and Resilience, Emotional and Physiological Awareness, Neuroplasticity and Healing Practices.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Chronic Illness (minor), Mental Illness (minor), Abandonment (minor), Substance Abuse (minor), Death of Parent (minor).

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting and informative book.

The Secret Language of the Body was excellent. I loved the science mixed with advice and insight. It was easy to read.

This book has a great take on somatic practices and how to interpret what the body is trying to say. The repetition of ideas felt more like the authors were trying to offer a rhythmic approach that allowed people to slowly absorb the information instead of being redundant.

I would recommend people read this book one chapter at a time and give a day or two for the information to percolate. Reading it in one sitting will not have the same benefits.

Jennifer and Karden have wonderful knowledge and this book is a great starting point for anyone wanting to find a more harmonious relationship with their lived experience.

The Secret Language of the Body is a surprisingly comprehensive exploration, explanation, and how-to of the nervous system. Surprisingly, because I typically think of a text book when I consider the sheer volume of information this book conveys. Instead, it’s pleasantly chatty and very effectively imparts its knowledge. It took me quite awhile to get through it, simply because I kept going back to re-read sections to really let them sink in. I found it highly useful, and will most certainly refer back to it.
If you’re interested in Polyvagal theory, and/or want more guidance on self-regulation than you’ve learned elsewhere, this truly is the book for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperOne for granting access to a digital ARC upon request.

The Secret Language of the Body by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin provides interesting insight into the body and the nervous system. Once you gain insight into your body, you can begin to heal a variety of issues. I find books like this so fascinating. Highly recommended!

Your autonomic nervous system is responsible for the constant but mostly subconscious communication between your brain and body. When you experience stress, anxiety, or trauma, your nervous system formulates responses to keep you alive. But you can also become trapped in survival mode if you’re consistently exposed to unsafe environments, toxic relationships, or destructive thought patterns. When this happens it’s known as nervous system dysregulation or sensitization, which can result in chronic mental and physical pain and confusion, leaving you unable to cope with life’s strains and stresses.

Mind-body practitioners Jen Mann and Karden Rabin, co-founders of the Chronic Fatigue School now provide the first in-depth look at nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, Polyvagal theory, the vagus nerve, and the mind-body connection. Combining science-backed insights and hands-on techniques, The Secret Language of the Body teaches you how to move out of survival mode, regulate your nervous system, and heal your mind and body. Rabin and Mann don’t teach stress management, but something far more powerful–how to control your body’s nervous system. With this revolutionary book, you will learn to skillfully speak the language of your body and train it to not only manage stress but achieve personal transformation.

This book reframes chronic health symptoms (e.g., headaches, fatigue, etc.) and unhelpful patterns (e.g. self-doubt, procrastination, anxiety) as communication from your body – Ones that you can learn to understand and respond to in ways that change the conversation. But most of all, this is a book about hope and the possibility of healing your nervous system, even and especailly for those of us who feel like we are permanently broken.

Inside, you’ll find solid science-based explanations (complete with footnotes!) alongside a dose of the spiritual (there are references to quantum fields, so if that kind of thing bugs you, this may not be the book for you). These bits of background lead into detailed exercises you can do yourself. Peppered throughout are unusually well-done illustrations and charts you’ll want to refer back to.

If you’re a fan of Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, Deb Dana, and Stephen Porges, you’ll love this book.

The Secret Language of the Body explains polyvagal theory in a way that is easy to grasp. Creatures have a body before they have a brain, evolutionally. The body has a deep connection, it warns us when things are going wrong. Usually we listen to our brains for warnings. Sometimes through personal experiences we are told to overwrite what we are feeling, to not show our anger or frustration. When we get upset and don’t show it we find another way to cope, candy, salty chips, over exercising, stress cleaning, etc. Soon our brains just cut the middle part out, you are upset so you feel the compulsion to clean becomes I heard bad news I feel like cleaning for some reason and you gloss over the upset. But that “upset’ is still there waiting to be dealt with.

Holding all this in creates problems in our bodies if we don’t find a way to process. High blood pressure, diabetes, tight muscles, inflammation, etc. can all be caused by this. Mann and Rabin lay out a process to get back in touch with your body and re-wire your brain, interception. Getting at the root of what is really causing that chronic issue can take time and lots of changes but you will be healthier and happier.

In "The Secret Language of the Body," Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin offer a groundbreaking guide to self-healing through understanding and regulating your nervous system. This well-written and accessible book demystifies complex concepts like somatic therapy and Polyvagal theory, providing practical techniques to alleviate stress and chronic pain. Mann and Rabin's down-to-earth approach makes it easy to grasp how to move beyond survival mode and foster true healing. By mastering the communication between your brain and body, you can achieve profound personal transformation. With helpful illustrations, this essential self-healing manual empowers you to take control of your well-being and live a healthier, more balanced life. I highly recommend!