Why You Should Practice Somatic Movement: The Teachings of Thomas Hanna
Are you looking for a way to reduce tension, improve mobility, and feel more connected to your body? Somatic Movement, based on the teachings of Thomas Hanna, could be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Somatic Movement is a powerful yet gentle practice that focuses on re-educating the body to move with ease, helping you release habitual patterns of tension, pain, and discomfort. Unlike typical exercise or stretching, somatic movement works directly with your brain and nervous system to reset how your muscles function, giving you long-lasting results. But why should you practice it? Let’s explore.
1. Relieve Chronic Pain Without Strain
One of the most compelling reasons to practice somatic movement is its effectiveness in relieving chronic pain. If you suffer from back pain, neck stiffness, or joint discomfort, these may be symptoms of Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA), a condition Thomas Hanna identified as a common cause of chronic pain. It occurs when your brain forgets how to fully control certain muscle groups due to trauma, stress, or repetitive movements.
Through slow, mindful movements, somatic practice retrains your brain to release tension and regain control of these muscles. This method targets the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms, resulting in deeper and longer-lasting relief than conventional approaches like stretching or massage.
2. Reconnect with Your Body
In our busy, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose touch with our bodies. We become disconnected, holding tension and stress without even realizing it. Somatic movement helps you tune back into your body—it brings awareness to the subtle sensations and movements we often ignore.
By practicing somatics, you develop a deeper understanding of how your body moves and feels. This awareness allows you to correct unconscious movement patterns that may be causing discomfort. With time, you’ll start to notice a sense of ease and fluidity in your everyday movements.
3. Reduce Stress and Improve Well-Being
Somatic movement is not just about physical improvement; it’s also a powerful tool for reducing stress. The practice engages your parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, helping your body shift out of the fight-or-flight response.
The slow, mindful movements of somatic practice naturally calm the nervous system, leading to reduced levels of stress and anxiety. You’ll feel more relaxed, centered, and grounded after each session, carrying this sense of calm into your daily life.
4. Improve Flexibility and Mobility Without Stretching
If you’ve ever felt stiff or restricted in your movements but didn’t want to engage in strenuous exercise or stretching, somatic movement is a perfect solution. Thomas Hanna’s methods improve flexibility by retraining your muscles to lengthen naturally, without force.
As your brain re-learns how to relax muscles that have been chronically tight, you’ll notice an increase in your range of motion. The best part? You won’t need to force or push your body—somatic movement is gentle, relaxing, and suitable for all fitness levels.
5. Gain Greater Control Over Your Body
Somatic movement emphasizes mindful control over your body. With practice, you’ll notice that you’re able to move with more precision and coordination. Whether it’s improving your posture, walking more freely, or moving without pain, somatics allows you to have a stronger connection to how your body functions.
This isn’t just about fixing short-term issues—it’s about creating long-lasting, sustainable change in how you experience and move your body. You’re in control of your progress, and the results are cumulative.
6. Suitable for All Ages and Abilities
One of the most wonderful things about somatic movement is that it’s accessible to everyone. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply wanting to move with more freedom, somatic practices can meet you where you are.
Thomas Hanna’s teachings are adaptable to all bodies, regardless of age or fitness level. The movements are gentle and mindful, and you can practice at your own pace. It’s never too late to learn how to move with ease and release tension!
7. A Pathway to Lifelong Comfort and Freedom
Thomas Hanna believed that everyone has the ability to live a life free from pain and restriction. His somatic movement system empowers you to take control of your physical well-being, allowing you to move with freedom, grace, and comfort—no matter your age or physical condition.
The benefits of somatic movement aren’t just temporary; they build over time, helping you develop a new way of living in your body. With regular practice, you’ll find that your body feels lighter, more fluid, and less burdened by stress or pain.
Ready to Begin?
Somatic movement is an invitation to reconnect with your body, release chronic tension, and live with more ease and comfort. It’s a practice of self-care, awareness, and healing that can transform the way you move and feel every day.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards greater well-being,
Check out Somatic "workshops" under workshop listings - Pop-Up: workshop June 5, 12 2025 Register now and reserve your space. Limited space is available. You also can email me to info@wholisticyogacenter.com
With great respect
Silvia
