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What is the Difference Between Somatics and Somatic Yoga Classes?
This is a great question and I’m starting here with an explanation that relates to the founder of Somatics, Thomas Hanna because both classes are founded in this method. Thomas Hanna coined the term “Somatics” fromthe Greek word “Soma” meaning “to sense oneself from within” and so both classes are grounded in deepening self awareness and nervous system regulation through slow gentle movement, giving you time to sense yourself as you move, how you move and breathe.
What is Somatics? (aka clinical somatics)
It is a movement practice that re-educates your brain to muscle connection, with a unique technique, and together with specific principles relating to the fight/flight/freeze responses this method restores balance from the roots of your nervous system.
Somatics Classes
These classes are primarily for chronic pain and tension, for rehab and recovery after illness and surgery, especially if you feel nervous about returning to or even starting a movement class as it gives you confidence and trust back in your ability to move and teaches you effective tools to alleviate pain, tension and restore movement. This class is also a gentle way to maintain flexibility and functional movement especially if traditional yoga and or pilates has felt too strong.
The movements in somatics are the foundations upon which all other movements build upon, so if you are experiencing any dysfunctional movement or pain, coming back to these foundational movements is a great starting place for pain free movement, suppleness and ease.
Also as somatics movements are based on releasing patterns relating to the fight/flight/freeze responses this method directly regulates the nervous system and offers a movement based approach for stress, anxiety and trauma.
The majority of the movements are practised lying down on your back, front and sidelying with occasional seated and standing movements. To learn more and to receive my free E-book scroll to the bottom of this webpage (the blue setion) to receive a free copy of my E-book.
What is Somatic Yoga?
My approach to somatic yoga is founded in somatics and my training in therapeutic yoga.
This is a deeply relaxing class through gentle, explorative and restorative movement with a therapeutic approach to the yoga postures, including gentle breath awareness practices and guided relaxations.
My Pause & Nourish somatic yoga classes are an opportunity to get to know yourself from a different perspective, to feel more ease, calmer and more grounded, from a gentler and slower pace.
This class includes seated, lying and standing movements.
If you are unsure as to which class is most suitable for you email me liz@intelligent-movement.co.uk