SomaYoga is a therapeutic blend of Somatics Exercises and classic asana, or yoga postures. These movements can flow together well, supporting flexibility and strength building. As we learn to build better habits in our muscular structure by slowing down to pay attention, we can progress well toward our goals.
In order to get maximum benefit from Somatics Exercises, Thomas Hanna, founder of Somatics, encouraged these tips:
Maximum Benefit List
- Learn the nature of sensory motor amnesia, how it occurs in your brain, and where it occurs in your body
- While doing the Somatic Exercises, your primary task is to focus your attention on the internal sensations of movement
- Ideally, you should do your Somatic Exercising while lying on a rug or mat, wearing loose clothing, and being away from all distractions
- Always move slowly
- Always move gently and with the least possible effort
- Do not force any movement
- Somatic Exercises are not painful.
- Be persistent, patient, and positive
Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA) a memory loss of how certain muscles or muscle groups feel and how to control them. It is an adaptive response of the nervous system that is undiagnosable and untreatable through traditional medical or surgical applications. Many clients with SMA are deemed “incurable” by current medical practice. SMA requires reeducation of the sensory motor system, not traditional medical interventions or treatment. Reeducation occurs through using interoception, proprioception and a combination of somatic 1st person awareness and 3rd person support.
- SMA does not have to do with age. It can and does occur from childhood onward.
- Specific sudden trauma as well as long term sustained stress can create SMA
- Force, like whiplash, is a traumatic event, while our day to day habits may create smaller insults
- SMA lives (occurs) in the nervous system
- SMA is a learned adaptive response of the nervous system and because it is learned, it can be unlearned!
- SMA looks like a limited range of motion, pain or dysfunction.
- Examples are TMJ, Plantar Fasciitis, Urinary Urgency, Pelvic Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Digestion Issues… and more
Practice therapeutic SomaYoga with me. View my current in person and online schedule.
Sources:
1) Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health by Thomas Hanna
2) Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute (www.yoganorthduluth.com)
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