Somatic movement is a gentle retraining of our neuromuscular system in order to regain voluntary muscular control and to learn new and more efficient ways to use our muscles for long-term changes to our bodies. This can be a helpful practice to counteract repetitive movements (such as habitual movement patterns like typing, hammering, or repetitive movements like playing a musical instrument or sports), to help alleviate chronic muscular pain or contraction, or in general, just to feel good! It is also an effective alternative to traditional stretching and beautifully complements yoga or pilates. I believe anyone can benefit from somatic movement classes. Somatics addresses the three basic brain reflexes and functional posture reflexes. One, called Red Light, addresses a stooped posture (subconscious response to fear or danger) and the muscles of the front of the body; one called Green Light addresses the sway back posture and the muscles of the back of the body; and one called Trauma which addresses contracted muscles on one side of the body. These protective reflexes can occur in an instant from some type of accident, or can have taken years to develop. Either way, distorted postural reflexes can turn into habituations which can inhibit movements and activities we love doing. Somatic movement is a wonderful way to release these patterns and regain that ease of movement!
For more information on somatic movement, visit www.associationforhannasomaticeducation.com/learn-more .
About me
I have recently finished my training as a somatic movement educator in the tradition of Thomas Hannah with Brian Ingle and Maya Anderssen. Over this year-long training I have noticed many changes in the way I hold myself - my breathing is more free, some little niggles and pains have gone, and my body awareness has developed in such a way that I can usually notice when I engage in any unhelpful muscular habituations. These things make a huge difference to my wellbeing, especially as I negotiate ageing - Hannah called these classes 'the myth of ageing'! The simplicity and effectiveness of this gentle practice makes it an ideal complement to my other passion - craniosacral therapy. I warmly invite you to try this wonderful practice for yourself and enjoy the benefits of long-lasting relaxation, suppleness and release.
I am based in Birmingham, UK and offer weekly online classes on Mondays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 9am and on Fridays at 6pm. These classes can be taken in the quiet and comfort of your own home - the focus is on gentle relaxation for long-lasting release of unhelpful neuromuscular patterns.
Contribution:
individual class: £7
4 classes: £25
monthly subscription for all classes: £50
If you are interested in these classes, please contact me at ralfehlers@icloud.com , and indicate which time slot you would prefer.