Spinal connections & Tao Somatics

Physical connections, simply explained

Spinal nerves carry messages between the brain and the body. These broad pathways help us understand how different areas are connected.

Cervical nerves · Neck

Neck, shoulders, arms & hands

Thoracic nerves · Mid-back

Chest, ribs & abdominal wall

Lumbar nerves · Lower back

Hips, front of the thighs, knees & parts of the lower legs and feet

Sacral nerves · Pelvic region

Buttocks, backs of the legs & parts of the feet and toes

These areas overlap. The labels describe nerve pathways, rather than a single bone controlling a painful area. Foot and toe connections involve both lumbar and sacral nerve roots.

Body, emotion & energy: working both ways

Pain can influence your mood, confidence, and willingness to move. Stress and worry can also influence breathing, muscle tension, and the experience of pain.

In my Tao Somatics approach, I also work with the energy body: the Daoist framework of Qi, meridians, and Dantians. We may begin with movement and notice emotional or energetic shifts, or begin with breath, sound, imagery, and intention and notice how your body responds.

For knee or hip discomfort, this may include exploring grounding, support, and trust in movement. Your own experience guides us; we do not assign a fixed emotion to a painful joint.

Explore our illustrated spinal map ↗Body awareness, emotional reflection & Daoist practice.

From observation to personalised support

Your history, comfortable movement, and response guide the session. We may combine targeted movement and breath with gentle fascia and lymphatic techniques in person, and sound or vibration practices where appropriate. The aim is greater comfort, ease of movement, and more balanced support through the body, alongside any medical care you need.