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Somatics
What is it?
Created by Thomas Hannah, Ph.D., Somatics is movement education based on sensory-motor integration for the relief of tension, pain, and dysfunction in the body. Positions are easy, very gente and static.
Somatics is a gentle method of body positioning and movement that provides “brain-muscle training” for the long-term relaxation of muscles. Very quickly, somatics relieves pain, increases range of motion and reduces muscular tension. Muscles often hold tension patterns long enough for the brain to condition the muscles to habitually continue it … long after the original cause (stress or injury) has healed. Somatics works to recondition the brain to relax the muscles and promote healthy patterns.
What can I expect?
Individual lessons and Somatics Exercise workshops are available, although not widely available, yet. Hanna Somatics is in support of each person becoming his own movement educator. The organization has created user friendly materials at low cost. You can achieve the same results as in lessons, according to Eleanor Hanna, Ed.D. , Director of the Novato Institute, using the Somatics book and tapes. These are easy, brief 5-15 minute daily sessions or 3-4 hour long sessions. Hanna recommends the daily 5-10 minute Hanna Cat Stretch plus adding specific exercises as needed. This Cat Stretch is “all you need” for maximum flexibility. The effects of increased flexibility and movement are cumulative. The immediate results and rewards keep you doing those exercises.
What are the reported benefits?
The Hanna Somatics Educators are known to very accurately identify muscular tension patterns and restricted movement patterns to predict success within a recommended number of sessions. Relief from many specific and common injuries, pain in joints, arthritis, and chronic pain can usually be expected. The successful treatment of many other health conditions such as obesity, dizziness and headaches has been well documented. Somatics is excellent for overall relaxation, balance, alignment, coordination, injury prevention, posture and increased ease of movement and strength. Somatics has been known to enhance athletic performance, prepare for physical training, and enhance brain functioning through integration. Through Somatics, many people have achieved the strength and flexibility of people as much as twenty years younger!
How much does it cost?
Costs vary with practitioner’s skill level and location ranging from $50 to $175. Between two and eight sessions resolve most complaints. To do Somatics at home, audio and videotapes are available from $10 per tape to $100 or more for comprehensive sets.
What kind of training is required?
Hannah Somatic Education ( Novato California ) offers a ten-week Certification Program spanning three summers. When looking for a practitioner, keep in mind, there are fewer than 100 certified currently, worldwide. Practitioner Training Workshops are available through the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training four days per month for six months. Techniques workshops conducted by Certified Hanna Somatic Educators are also available in other locations across the United States .
Recommended Reading
Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health by Thomas Hanna
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