Somatics: Understanding the Connection Between Body and Mind
Somatics is a scientific discipline that explores the relationship between the human body and psyche. It is a comprehensive approach that examines bodily processes, including physiological, emotional, and psychological aspects. Somatics delves into phenomena such as body perception, movement, breathing, contact, and more. It helps individuals better understand their bodily processes and utilize them to their advantage—for example, to improve health, enhance emotional stability, and elevate overall quality of life.
What Are the Modern Branches of Somatics?
There are several dozen branches of somatics, each emphasizing different aspects of the interplay between the body and mind. Here are some notable approaches:
Hanna SomaticsDeveloped by Thomas Hanna, this approach focuses on improving the functioning of the muscular system through conscious control of muscle contractions and relaxation.Training in Russia is temporarily suspended.
The Feldenkrais MethodCreated by Moshe Feldenkrais, this method emphasizes improving movement and bodily functioning through experimentation with various motions and conscious body control.Training in Russia: feldenkraisrussia.ru
Body-Mind CenteringFounded by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, this approach investigates movement and bodily development throughout a person’s life. It incorporates work with various body systems, such as bones, muscles, organs, and the nervous system.Training in Russia: somaticbody.ru
Somatic Experiencing (SE)Developed by Peter Levine, this somatic approach studies how bodily symptoms may be linked to psychological trauma. The core idea of SE is that traumatic events can disrupt the nervous system, leading to accumulated physiological stress in the body. This stress can manifest in symptoms like back pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. SE enables patients to address these symptoms by reconnecting with their physical sensations and restoring harmony between the body and mind.SE is effective for addressing various types of trauma, including physical, emotional, and psychological injuries.
Authentic MovementInitially proposed by Mary Starks Whitehouse and later developed by Janet Adler and Joan Chodorow, this movement practice creates a safe space for personal material from the unconscious to emerge through movement and the tracking of sensations, feelings, thoughts, and images. The essence of the practice lies in cultivating compassionate and non-judgmental inner witnessing, considered a foundation for therapeutic presence.
Choosing a Somatic Approach
Each branch of somatics offers a unique perspective on the relationship between body and mind. Whether your goal is to enhance awareness, improve posture, refine movement, or alleviate pain, there is a somatic method tailored to your needs.
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