
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.
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?