SOMATIC
education
in the tradition of Thomas Hanna
The human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm of one's being to be experienced, explored, enriched and, thereby, educated.
Thomas Hanna, founder of Hanna Somatic Education.
Hanna Somatic Education (HSE) is a gentle, effective brain-based bodywork modality that utilises a specific type of movement called a “voluntary pandiculation” to reset the resting length of skeletal muscles, increase body awareness and restore ease to body & mind.
Hanna Somatic Education flips the script on the traditional “no pain no gain” ethos, and instead works within your current ability - meeting you where you are and working with the mobility you have. This is a validating practice; moving towards the limitations in your body with gentle, pain free contractions rather than pulling your muscles apart with a stretch. You will learn to communicate with your body in a language that it understands: easeful movement, which provides the opportunity to rebuild a trusting and reciprocal relationship.
Muscles do not have a mind of their own - they are controlled by your brain. So, in order to restore function and ease to your muscles in a meaningful, long lasting way, Hanna Somatic Education invites first-person activation of your brain - specifically your motor cortex. Your motor cortex has the ability to “teach” your muscles how to release their accumulated tension and regain their capacity for free and intelligent movement.
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We work with a specific three step movement protocol called pandiculation. Pandiculation is a pattern of gentle contraction, followed by intentional lengthening (as opposed to stretching) and finally, complete relaxation of the targeted area.
The experience has a relaxing and opening feel. You no longer need to "work out," stiff, tight muscles but rather “work with” your body, inviting it back into easeful awareness.
Sounds good, right?