Table of Contents
Why is Somatic Yoga so important nowadays?
Somatic practices and methods are popular because they are a way to reconnect with being whole again.
Something that we lost and need desperately to reexperience again as a society that increasingly suffers from mental and physical issues because of the way we conduct and act with ourselves in our busy lifestyle.
We have lost how to express, feel, and be with our bodies because of the increased use of abstract realms such as social media, electrical devices, online communications, etc. But also, our jobs, goals and careers, family life and how the world perceives us can be a reason we lose embodiment.
But sadly, Illnesses, mental and physical health conditions, injuries, accidents, emotional trauma, stress and anxiety, burnout, chronic pain, body tension, ageing and habits are common causes of losing the connection with our bodies and ourselves.
But we can change this ‘physical amnesia’ by using techniques that reset and re-educate the brain to recognise sleepy and forgotten parts of our bodies.
This re-education and rediscovery of the body through the brain and the nervous system is possible and allowed by practising simple, gentle slow movements observed and felt by the mind.
Somatic movements allow us to regain control of the lost and forgotten muscles and tissues so that they can cooperate and function together again.
It is returning to ourselves most simply and purely and is available to everyone, all ages and people from all walks of life.
How does it work?
Somatic methods such as Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, and somatic Yoga use repetitive, gentle movements to rewire the brain and nurture the brain-body connection. For example, people who suffer from chronic pain can find that these gentle motions can help ease their symptoms.
People who practice somatic exercise can expect to reduce stress and feel fresh. The process of using the simple motions of somatic movement to create new, less troublesome pathways in the brain is known as sensory-motor learning. It’s a rejuvenating and refreshing way to be present in your body.
What are the benefits of Somatic Yoga?
The Benefits of Somatic Yoga are countless, but the most important is to reinstall and reset the ability of the sensory-motor neurons of the voluntary cortex to reconnect with some of our lost body’s muscles and connective tissues, the fascia.
Following a session, we can experience a deeply felt sense of relaxation, lightness and calm in our all being.
This practice helps eliminate ongoing tension, aches, and discomfort in your shoulders, neck, and body.
They improve the flexibility of your spine and freedom of movement in your body. They help to soothe lower back tension and pain and improve back comfort.
It also increases one’s overall flexibility, and joint suppleness contributes to fluidity in one’s connective tissues and balances the respiratory and nervous systems.
Somatic Yoga helps to improve the body’s posture and a sense of balance, strength, and stability.
It contributes to the fight against anxiety, relieves stress, and regulates the nervous system. This practice also relieves headaches and decreases pain.
Best of all, Somatic Yoga is a therapeutic, soothing, restorative and relaxing path to better health and well-being.
Essential guidelines for a successful Somatic Yoga practice:
This work is about experiencing and not exercising – it is developing a mind of an observer, an explorer. When we work this way, we see something we might have forgotten or never seen before. We are rediscovering the body and its sensations through the eyes of a young child.
There is no need or eagerness to stretch or force through the part of the body in action. Therefore, you must move with ease. The movement is small, comfortable, and easy.
To help this easy movement, you need to move very slowly so that you can notice and observe the sensations and if you make any unnecessary muscular effort.
Although this work is called ‘exercising’, practice relaxation and letting go of any tension. It is crucial in this work.
Always spend a minute or so resting between each exercise so that the brain digest and register new and useful sensory-motor information.
During these exercises, no one should experience pain or discomfort, even in case of physical limitations because of injuries, surgeries, or any illnesses. Instead, reduce and make the movement extra small and easy, or if it is still uncomfortable, use the power of visualisations and experiment with the movement in your mind. This has the same benefits as a classic movement.
You are now ready to practice, and I look forward to showing you all those wonderful techniques and helping you empower your health and well-being.