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Somatic Freedom
Somatic • Movement • Freedom
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of slow movement

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replace old habits

regain your personal freedom.

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Introduction to Hanna Somatic Movement - Lying on Your Back ~ PART II

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Articles

Head Forward Posture “Tech-Neck"

Everywhere around us all the time we see others holding their head forward and down, looking at their mobile phone, working at their computers. Initially, this leads to loss of the gentle backward curve in our neck which sags and then is thrust forward because the muscles in the front of the neck become increasingly contracted. The weight of the head collapses the chest, reducing space for our heart and lungs to function. At first we may not notice but it becomes increasingly hard work for the neck muscles to keep the head from tipping further forward.

We have two large muscles forming an outer supporting ring of neck muscles which are uniquely activated by one of the cranial nerves of the brain stem. Cranial nerves regulate a vast array of bodily functions necessary for maintaining homeostasis and facilitating rest. If they become chronically either tense or flaccid, other problems beyond stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders stem from these muscles including forward head posture, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.

You can rebalance your neck muscles and optimise the functioning of the cranial nerves by doing some very gentle movements in your feet. You may think otherwise, but try it and feel if it makes a difference: as you are lying comfortably down, bring the top of your foot away from your shin bone whilst simultaneously bringing your toes in the direction of your knee, giving your full conscious attention to your internal sensations. Very slowly release, rest and repeat with your other foot.


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“Embarking on the Hanna Somatics series of classes was a profound and transformative journey for me. From the very first session, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly extraordinary. The holistic approach, expert guidance, and profound experience of Hanna Somatics have left an indelible impact on my mind, body, and overall well-being.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Hanna Somatics series is its emphasis on empowering individuals to take control of their own healing process. By teaching us the principles of pandiculation and the importance of unlocking habitual muscular contractions, I was able to release chronic tension and pain, restoring balance and freedom of movement in my body. The classes provided us with a toolkit of practical techniques that I apply in my daily life, ensuring long-lasting benefits beyond the duration of the series.”
DAPHNE MARINOPOULOS, Threlkeld, Cumbria
“I'm in my mid 60's and have led a fairly active life, playing squash, hockey, cycling and more recently more golf. Of course this leads to several aches and pains which need attention, but we know that 'prevention is better than cure'. With that in mind I embarked on a course of Hanna Somatic Education with Karen, with the idea that the movements would not only cure some of my ills but also keep my muscles soft so as to prevent any further injuries. I found the movement sequences very relaxing and they also provided the added benefit of providing some calm during stressful days. I was surprised how effective the movements were with the impact being felt nearly immediately with improved mobility (of the lower back in my case) and aIso reduction and often removal of any pain. Having completed the series of exercises with Karen I now regularly do the 'Cat Stretch' sequence of moves which keeps me supple and definitely helps my golf swing. My teaching Pro has often been surprised at my maintenance of flexibility! Karen is a great teacher, knowledgeable, patient and encouraging and I would recommend that you give Hanna Somatics a go for a calmer and more flexible life!”

Audio Library

HOLISTICALLY HEAL YOURSELF BY OPTIMISING THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR CRANIAL NERVES ~ PART I

Release and rebalance the sternocleidomastoid muscles in your neck by making interesting movements in your jaw, neck and shoulders which at the same time are optimising the functioning of your cranial nerves.

HOLISTICALLY HEAL YOURSELF BY OPTIMISING THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR CRANIAL NERVES ~ PART II

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Optimising the Functioning of the Vagus Nerve by relating the movements in your head and neck with the movement of your feet.

INCREASE THE STABILITY & MOBILITY OF YOUR HEAD & NECK WHILE SITTING & STANDING

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We often spend a lot of time sitting during the day creating accumulated tension in our head, neck and shoulders. Learn some gentle movements that you can rely upon to relieve any restriction of movement in your upper spine area and sustainably maintain that release for the longer term.

Somatic Freedom

A Story of Taking your Personal Control and Freedom back

In 2014 I was searching for an alternative healing process after being diagnosed with spondylolisthis, a condition in which a vertebra slides forward over the bone below it. In my case the slippage was in the lower spine just above where the sacral vertebrae meet the lumbar vertebrae. The professor who diagnosed me suggested regular injections into my spine that would kill all the nerve endings numbing the area. Then there would be a gradual and progressive deterioration that would eventually lead to surgery.
Alongside this the professor advised me to not go walking or pursue any activity that would mobilise the lower back area. This was contradictory to the earlier advice I had received from the portfolio of physical therapists I had seen to seek relief from the excruciating and debilitating back pain that was becoming chronic. My instinct was to keep moving and I was determined to keep going as I could not believe this was it as I was approaching 50.
My functioning systems had put themselves into a defensive state and I was chronically held contracted. Looking back now I realise that I had been pushing myself too hard, that I was too competitive within myself in my work as a Yoga teacher. Another significant aspect was the threat and danger in my life at the time.
I found an approach that would transmit signals of safety to my parasympathetic nervous system to enable a shift from a defensive state of contraction in an attempt to protect the vulnerability of my lower spine, into a state of calm that functionally allows the neuromuscular skeletal system to naturally assume its natural comfortable position.
The problem arising from 'relaxation exercises' is the physical and psychological loss of vitality involved. Understanding the distinction between becoming slack and the process of release which protects the healthy tonicity and aliveness natural to the human organism is fundamental to the work of Hanna Somatic Education.