SOMATIC MOVEMENT
Somatic movement is a muscle release and relaxation method invented by Thomas Hanna, a student of Moshe Feldenkrais. It is extremely simple, efficient and suitable for everybody, even the elderly. The practice consists of very gentle and slow movements, mostly performed on the floor.
The slowness of the technique, called pandiculation, raises body and sensory awareness, helping to retrain the nervous system. Changes that take place in the brain allow us to alter our habitual muscular patterns and release chronically tight muscles for long-term relief. This results in improved body posture and the elimination of chronic pain.
In addition to muscles and movement, the brain also controls our emotions and thoughts. Consequently, the effects of somatic exercises can be felt, not only throughout the body, but also at deeper levels of consciousness.
Somatic movement is for you if:
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you have an office job and you spend all day sitting
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you do physically hard work
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you are a sportsman and you can’t relax your muscles
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you believe that you are old and that’s why your body posture and health issues get worse
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you are exposed to stress, you suffer from anxiety or depression
Benefits of somatic movement:
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relieves pain and chronic muscular tension
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helps to improve body posture
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helps to reduce stress and anxiety
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relieves following conditions:
back pain, disc problems, sciatica, hyperlordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, forward head posture, leg length discrepancy
hip pain, lateral/medial hip rotation, snapping hip syndrome, pelvic torsion or rotation, anterior pelvic tilt, sacroiliac joint dysfunction
knee problems, tightness in the legs, piriformis syndrome, iliopsoas syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis
shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, headaches
Dana Taligova
SMC® Somatic Movement Center certified exercise instructor
Yoga Alliance certified teacher
As a teacher, I have always tried to help my students listen to the body and its needs. Taking inspiration from disciplines like Qigong, Tai chi and the Feldenkrais method, I focus especially on posture and fostering respect for the body. The keys of my practice are awareness, softness and patience. These principles can also be found in Sarah Warren’s somatic movement.
I discovered somatic movement during a Qigong training course for yoga teachers. One of the participants spoke about pandiculation. As I searched to learn more, I came across Sarah Warren’s website. Her concept of movement resonated with me so much that I immediately decided to become one of her students.
At that time, I was working hard physically and the exercises I learned immediately provided me much needed relief. They were so simple, efficient and empowering that I felt like I had to share them with others. That’s how I started teaching somatic movement. Today, I offer group classes, individual sessions and various workshops in Geneva and throughout Europe (in French, English, Greek and Slovak).
Testimonials
Group classes in Geneva
I offer regular classes in suitable places in Geneva and the surrounding area.
These classes last 1 hour.
See below for current offers.
Individual sessions
I am available to prepare and lead individual sessions, adapted to the needs of the person.
Prices: 90chf/1h 110chf/1h30
pack 3 sessions 1h: 240chf
pack 3 sessions 1h30: 300chf
pack 6 sessions 1h: 420chf
pack 6 sessions 1h30: 540chf
Workshops
I regularly organize one-day / half-day workshops to be able to deepen the subject.
These workshops include practice sessions and theoretical instruction.
The dates and prices of the workshops will be published below.
Group Classes
New participants are encouraged to get in touch before showing up for a class.
Salle de cours
Salle Anières
8 Chemin de la Florence, 1208 Geneva
Every Monday 19:00 – 20:00
Salle de cours
8 Rue Lissignol,
1201 Geneva
Every Thursday, 20:30 – 21:30
Access through the main door in the courtyard.
Changing room and yoga mats available.
Salle de cours
Salle Anières
100 Rte de Chevrens,
1247 Anières
Every Thursday 17:30 – 18:30
Salle de cours
Salle Anières
salle Lausanne
47 Bd de Grancy,
1006 Lausanne
Every first Sunday of the month
17:00 – 18:30
Course overview
A somatic movement session lasts one hour, starting and ending in the standing position with body awareness practice. The session mainly consists of somatic exercises that are typically performed lying on a yoga mat. With the eyes closed, you let yourself be guided by Dana’s voice, which takes you from one exercise to another. The slowness and gentleness of the movements, combined with increased internal awareness release any tension in your muscles and provide a sense of deep relaxation.
Somatic movement is a self-care method. The aim of sessions is to learn the somatics exercises so that you can practice them on your own at home and, in this way, heal yourself.
Blog
Thomas Hanna
Thomas Hanna
«Somatic exercises can change how we live our lives, how we believe that our minds and bodies interrelate, how powerful we think we are in controlling our lives, and how responsible we should be in taking care of our total being.» Thomas Hanna
The method I teach was created by Sarah Warren who follows the tradition of Thomas Hanna, one of the most important figures in somatic education. He was among the first to teach the Feldenkrais method, which he had learned from its inventor, Moshe Feldenkrais. He later found a new technique that distinguishes his method from others: pandiculation.
Thomas Hanna coined the term “somatics” in 1976. His book “Somatics, Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health” 1988 is not only an introduction to his method and a fascinating explanation of how the human body works but also a philosophical reflection on human life.
Sarah Warren’s Somatic Movement Center
Sarah Warren, founder of the
Somatic Movement Center
On Sarah Warren’s website, you will find information and articles on somatic movement and its benefits as well as plenty of testimonials.
Here is one of them:
“Sarah, I heard you on the Rogue Running podcast, and your words were like a puzzle piece snapping into place. Before the podcast was over, I had purchased the Level One Course. After 19 years of chronic pain…within 10 days it was all gone. Shoulder, back, feet, knees, neck, all gone. It makes me tear up as I write this, thinking about it. Words cannot describe, so I will not try.” Chris Werts
Here’s an article on somatics exercises and proprioception that will help you to change your body posture.
Contact
Phone/WhatsApp:
+41 76 273 23 51