What is Somatic Movement?

Pain free movement in the style of Thomas Hanna

“Somatics” refers to movement re-education that seeks to build internal awareness within the body. Your own awareness provides a very different perception from your doctor, chiropractor or massage therapist’s point of view.

Developed by Thomas Hanna in the 1970s, the Somatic experience creates a new self-awareness, viewing our movement from within to open our eyes to our own bodily sensations. Through simple, guided and controlled movements, Somatic Education teaches you how chronic muscular pain develops and what you can do to restore your nervous system’s muscular control. This can reverse chronic pain at its source and improve an overall freedom in movement.

Scientifically this is known as Neuromuscular Reprogramming. Early pioneers in the field of Somatics education created methodologies that foster a deep sense of internal awareness and an ability to control our body in space. Such early explorers include F M Alexander (Alexander Technique), Gerda Alexander, Elsa Gindler and Moshe Feldenkrais.  Yoga and Tai Chi can also be considered as a form of Somatic Education.

It was Thomas Hanna’s discovery of Sensory Motor Amnesia, and his understanding of the reflex patterns that our bodies create in response to stress that distinguishes Hanna Somatic Education from all other modalities past and present.

Benefits of Practising Somatics Regularly Include:

• Improved mobility, strength and co-ordination.
• Eliminate unhelpful or faulty movement patterns.
• Improved breathing and posture.
• Increase flexibility, co-ordination and balance.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Pain relief without medication.

MI Studio offers private Clinical Somatic sessions as well as group classes.