Somatics
The Myth – Of Aging
Thomas Hanna writes in his book “Somatics – The myth of aging”, that our body reacts to stress with three different reactions: the attack, the defense and the trauma.
Attack manifests itself mainly in the back, as pain and back muscles of ‘steel’. Defense strikes especially on the stomach, digestion and internal organs. Trauma often comes after an accident, fall or sudden fright; The body bends away from one side and stretches to the other.
Our body automatically goes into one or more of these reactions that manifest themselves in a particular posture. Since stress in our everyday life is almost inevitable, it is up to us to tell our body that it is time to relax again.
When these reactions are not dissolved, the body becomes more and more stiffened and the attitude of a life-bent old person seems inevitable. That does not have to be. In his book, “Somatics – The myth of aging”, Thomas Hanna has exposed the myth that infirmity and lessening mobility are inevitable with age.
Thomas Hanna has developed gentle, mind and body awareness exercises to reduce physical deterioration, e.g. Fatigue, back and neck problems, chronic pain and tension, high blood pressure.
Somatics in Group Settings
Somatics teaches conscious control of the muscles to relieve pain and stiffness. You will learn how to regain your well-being at any time with these exercises. This makes you feel more relaxed and flexible. You have more energy, can handle stress better, feel more balanced and improve your posture.
You get taught various exercises developed by Hanna and the main somatic basics like, the daily cat stretch, somatic breathing and somatic walking.
Somatics for You and Your Body
Thomas Hanna developed a system to restore the body from the manifestations of stress. Clearly structured movements in connection with resistance relax the muscles of the stop-, start- and trauma-reflexes.
Somatics teaches body awareness and responsibility. Therefore it is recommended that you commit to at least a four or six session package. This way, bad posture and old movement patterns can be changed consciously and sustainably. Prevent age related stiffness by giving your body this wholistic treatment at least once a year.
