The word "somatic" became known thanks to Thomas Hann. So he called new approaches to the study of movements. After publication, they became very popular. Thomas Hannah founded the Institute for Somatic Research. His teachings help people overcome diseases of the joints, bones, and spine. In Europe, the method is already very popular. “Heal yourself and live in ease and pleasure” - this motto is ideal for understanding what to expect from somatics. It is also promoted as a way to combat aging.
History of somatics
The method is based on the natural recovery of the body using special sets of exercises. Somatica Thomas Hannah was published in 1977 in the new Somatics Magazine. And the term itself appeared in 1976. In the magazine, the author told what somatics are. This is a scientific field that studies human movements and the body. “Soma” is translated from Greek as “body”. Sannika Hannah teaches to feel and realize it from the inside.
This process takes place in the integrity of the body and mind. The focus here is on the effect of consciousness on the functioning of the body.
Somatic founder
American Thomas Hannah is known as a Ph.D. and philosopher. He studied functional integration and looked for a way to alleviate physical pain and complex mental conditions.
He became a Ph.D. in 1958 in Chicago. After that he taught at college and at universities. All the time he conducted various studies and wrote his works in different countries of the world, where he was invited to give lectures. In 1965, he headed the Department of Philosophy at the University of Florida. There he studied neurology at a medical school. All his knowledge, research and experience in philosophy, medicine and theology gave birth to the idea of the appearance in the human body of physical patterns that depend on life events.
Later, in 1973, he met Moshe Feldenkrais, who was the same-minded Hannah and conducted similar studies. The first functional integration training program created by Feldenkraisem was organized and led by Thomas Hannah. Through practical experience and research, he found that people very often have problems with posture. This can be defeated if you perform certain movements. Developing these teachings, he created a method called somatics. This is the ability to control movements, flexibility and health with the mind. This method has become known worldwide. Thomas Hannah has published eight books that are translated into various languages.
Method Description
Somatics is a learning method to get rid of such ailments:
- muscle aches;
- pain in the back and joints;
- chronic fatigue.
Using it improves mobility and coordination of the whole body. Those who have studied this method will forever gain freedom in movement, forget about incorrect posture and are freed from physical patterns that have arisen in the body due to stress or as a result of trauma.
Somatics is an innovative system. This is an individual work, which with the help of manual techniques makes the body mobile and light.
Who should turn to somatics
Thomas Hannah's somatic is useful for those who suffer from chronic or acute pain.
With the help of special exercises, concentration on the places where the problems are, on sensations, understanding of your body comes, its physical condition improves, muscle tension and relaxation are under your control.
Most people turn to this method when they feel pain. With regular attendance, the pain disappears. Those who practice the Hannah method say that a feeling of lightness comes very quickly. Clients find the strength in themselves to cope with the pain, and do not resort to the help of a doctor. This leads to improved posture and appearance.
Hannah's lessons and exercises
Detailed exercises are described in the book "Somatica", which was translated into Russian in 2012. It presents 8 lessons, each of which acts on a specific muscle group.
In each exercise, all initial positions, movements along the phases of execution are described in detail. Somatica Thomas Hannah provides for the principle of a gradual increase in complexity. The first four lessons will teach you to control the muscles in the center of gravity of the body, i.e. in its middle part. Two more lessons will work out the muscles of the arms, legs and neck. The last two lessons are focused on breathing and gait. Small changes will be noticed after the first lesson. The body will become smoother, tension and clamps will go away.
Exercise changes the muscle system, changing the central nervous system.
The complex also includes “cat sipping”. These exercises are recommended to be done daily early in the morning.
Exercise technique
The goal of the program is to relax the muscles of the body. A full focus on your sensations, no mirrors, the work of the brain and body - this is Hannah's somatics. Exercises must be performed smoothly, smoothly, without jerking. The slower the movement, the better. Until you complete the first exercise, you can not proceed to the next. The system is designed in such a way that the successful completion of the next exercise depends on the successful mastery of the previous one.
With easy implementation, a clear mind-body feedback will be formed. Setting different goals determines the set of exercises that you need. To perform, you need a rug or bedding. If movements are limited due to pain, and a person cannot get up and lie on the floor, you can perform them right in bed. There is a lot of literature devoted to somatics: practical exercises and theory. But initial knowledge must be obtained from the teacher. He will be able to teach the correct implementation, point out errors and prepare for independent work at home.
Building training
According to the mood in the classroom, this can be compared to Pilates or yoga. All distractions such as music and TV must be eliminated.
For those who want to master this healing technique, two options can be considered. The first is learning for yourself, for use in your life. The second option gives you the opportunity to teach other people this, which, no doubt, can change your life. To do this, conduct various trainings that give concepts about the principles of somatics, introduce the basics of neurophysiology, philosophical knowledge that are included in the system. And, of course, the exercises themselves and the technique of their implementation are studied.
Some experts suggest using somatic exercises in the physical education program of the younger generation. With early learning, you can avoid such processes in the body as cancer, heart and blood vessel diseases, and others.
Psychosomatic diseases
The study of somatics formed the basis of the theory of the relationship between diseases and the mental state of a person. Below is the somatic of diseases - a table with some types of disorders of the emotional state.
| Human condition | Possible violations |
| Emotional stress | Arthrosis, headache, osteochondrosis |
| Unspoiled grief | Bronchial asthma |
| Persistent irritability | Stomach diseases |
| Anxiety | Heart dysfunction |
| Anger, anger | Disruption of the gallbladder and liver |
| Communication with unpleasant people | Chronic runny nose |
| Lack of affection and tenderness | Skin diseases |
| Favorite occupation | Oncology |
Diseases that are of a psychological nature have been called psychosomatic. In modern medicine, a direction has emerged that deals with these diseases.
Thomas Hannah died tragically on July 29, 1990. When he died, various institutions continued his work.
Sannika Hannah has become very popular in many countries around the world. New somatic disciplines are being developed, more and more positive results and grateful students are appearing.