Somatic
Movement Therapy is an umbrella for many distinct disciplines.
Somatics became the umbrella term for techniques and
approaches that focus on the individual developing and deepening
a sense of the self within the body. The foundation
for this field was developed by the early practitioners
like F. Mathias Alexander, Moshe Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf,
Rudolph von Laban, and Joseph Pilates to name a few.
The essential first person viewpoint, the "experience
within" requires consideration in equal part with the
scientific and medical viewpoint. Somatics embraces
theory and practice, the work is a process. The facilitation
and support given in this process promotes the body/mind
unity and shifts our attention from the objective to the
subjective.
Today people are highly verbal, and computer savvy managing
their lives with beepers and cell phones. There is a great
emphasis on reasoning and thinking, the heart and soul are
being left out. In a world where regular exercise in a gym
three times a week is expected to give some benefit to general
levels of fitness, Somatic Movement therapy sessions provide
an alternative environment that involves hands on energetic
touch and utilization of simple exercises. The client begins
to deepen his/her awareness of moving in parts of the body,
increasing ease and range of motion and at the same time
experience a sense of relaxation.
Dr.
Simon Yu speaks to the fact that a single vulnerable link
in the immune system can create favorable conditions for
a vast range of illnesses. He says, many factors bombard
the immune system over time. Unlike most conventional disciplines,
he believes alternative medicine examines the whole person
as a means to uncover informational clues necessary for
proper therapy. Cleansing and detoxification are two of
the important factors in rebuilding the immune system. The
Lymphatic System plays a vital role in the body's ability
to fight off toxins and maintain Homeostasis.
One of the hands on therapies that I use works with movement
of the lymph. Movement of lymph throughout the lymphatic
system is known as Lymphatic drainage; it begins in the
lymph capillaries. Lymph movement out of the interstitial
spaces and into the lymph capillaries is assisted by the
pressure exerted by compression of skeletal muscles against
the vessels during movement. The movement sequences
and specially focused soft tissue methods mimics the compressive
forces of movement and respiration, helping facilitate the
lymphatic flow.
There are many avenues Somatic Therapists take to help the
individual client in their own personal journeys. One
main reference point is the body's innate wisdom, deepening
this understanding enhances a sense of well-being throughout.
For
more info please call me, 314-443-0206
Mary Francis Hoffman RSMT CHTP RYT |
