Somatics is “the field which studies the soma: namely the body perceived from
within by first-person perception” Thomas Hanna. •. Somatic exercises improve ...
HOW SOMATICS WORKS Somatics is “the field which studies the soma: namely the body perceived from within by first‐person perception” Thomas Hanna • Somatic exercises improve the mind/body connection by changing how the central nervous system communicates with the somatic nervous system. They can help to o decrease chronic pain o increase freedom of movement o improve flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and posture o improves energy levels o reduces stress •
We develop habitual movement patterns that are unconscious responses to positive and negative stresses o Red Light Reflex – neuromuscular adaptation to sustained negative stress, withdrawal response which tells the body to stop, contracts the front of the body causing rounded forward posture in order to protect the vital organs o Green Light Reflex – adaptation to sustained positive stress, action response telling the body to go, contracts muscles along back of body lifting and arching the back preparing for action o Trauma Reflex – reaction to impact or other trauma to guard against pain, causes body to cringe around injury site which curves or tilts the body to the side o Over time all of these reflexes are triggered resulting in habitual muscle engagement on the front, back and sides of body causing chronic postural problems and pain.
This sequence is an excerpt from the Integrative Yoga Therapy training material. Please see www.somaticsed.com for more in depth information about Thomas Hanna Somatics
