Understanding Cricketing: A Self-Soothing Technique

Trauma survivors often rub their feet together repeatedly in a soothing motion called cricketing.

This unconscious behavior is actually your nervous system's built in calming mechanism trying

to regulate itself during moments of stress or overwhelm. The repetitive motion activates pressure

points and creates a rhythmic sensation that signals safety to your brain. Many people do this

while sleeping or sitting without even realizing it. Therapists are now recognizing cricketing

as a legitimate self soothing technique that shouldn't be discouraged. Instead of feeling

embarrassed about these movements, understand your body is literally trying to heal itself.

The same way rocking or humming can calm anxiety, cricketing serves as your nervous