Q&A Video #4: Why do we work with the core of the body before the extremities? Today I want to address a topic that I know a lot of students wonder about and sometimes get frustrated by. And that is, why in Clinical Somatics do we focus on working with the core of the [...]
In this video, I explain the two reasons why static stretching isn't effective for releasing muscle tension and relieving pain: Because static stretching activates your stretch reflex (myotatic reflex), and because it doesn't change the learned messages that your nervous system is sending to your muscles to stay tight. You can learn more in these [...]
Breathing in Clinical Somatics exercises Many students ask me how to breathe correctly when practicing Clinical Somatics exercises. Your breathing pattern is more important in some exercises than others, depending on whether or not the exercise includes extension (arching) or flexion (curling) of the spine. In this article I'll describe why diaphragmatic breathing is [...]
Unlocking Your Body: Your Personal Process of Releasing Tension and Pain Many people ask me how long it will take them to release their chronic tightness or get out of pain. I wish I could answer this question, but the truth is that everyone's patterns of muscular tension and pain are so unique that [...]
You can listen to Sarah's podcast on this topic here: What is Clinical Somatic Education? Scroll down to watch Sarah's video "What is Somatic Movement?" Many people have heard the term somatic, as it's becoming a bit of a buzzword in the health and wellness industry. The word somatic means “of or relating to [...]
How to Get the Most out of Clinical Somatics Exercises What are Clinical Somatics exercises? Clinical Somatics exercises work directly with the nervous system to release chronic muscular tension, relieve chronic pain, and improve posture and movement. The exercises are extremely slow and gentle, and are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. The exercises [...]
You can listen to Sarah's podcast on this topic here: What is Somatic Movement?Scroll down to watch Sarah's video "What is Somatic Movement?"Let's start with what "somatic" means. The term somatic means “of or relating to the living body,” and it's used in medical terminology; for example, somatic cell, somatic nervous system, somatic disorder, and [...]
What is Somatics? Part Two: How Clinical Somatic Education Was Developed F.M. Alexander Somatic education, as it came to be known, began with the work of Frederick Matthias Alexander at the end of the nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century. Alexander was an actor and reciter who struggled with vocal problems during performances. [...]
What is Somatics? Part Three: How is Clinical Somatic Education different from other methods? Clinical Somatic Education (CSE) uses both hands-on and self-care movement techniques to teach the nervous system how to release chronic muscular contraction and relearn natural, efficient posture and movement patterns. The movements are extremely slow and gentle, and are suitable for [...]
What is Somatics? Part Four: Is Clinical Somatic Education right for me? Clinical Somatic Education (CSE) is a highly effective chronic pain treatment for people whose pain is being caused by their habitual muscular patterns. CSE also has enormous benefits for athletes, people who experience stress, and anyone who wants to improve their posture and [...]
What is Somatics? Part Five: What to expect in Clinical Somatic Education lessons and classes You can learn Clinical Somatic Education (CSE) exercises in several different ways. You'll get the most personal attention and in-depth understanding of the exercises if you are able to have private lessons with a certified educator. A less expensive option [...]
What is Somatics? Part Six: The Clinical Somatic Education learning process Please note: You may enjoy reading the updated, expanded version of this post: Unlocking Your Body: Your Personal Process of Releasing Tension and Pain. A series of Clinical Somatic Education (CSE) lessons or classes is a learning process, and that process is different for [...]
