In the revolutionary Somatics, Thomas Hanna demonstrates that so many problems we accept as inevitable over time-chronic stiffness, bad back, chronic pain, fatigue, and even high blood pressure -need never occur if we maintain conscious control of nerve and muscle, a state which Hanna calls sensory-motor awareness. This gentle, lifelong program can help almost anyone maintain the pleasures of a supple, healthy body indefinitely, with only a five-minute routine once a day.
Somatics
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Editorial Reviews
Review
San Fernando Valley Sun, 1/28/10
“[A] favorite body scanning bible.”
“[A] favorite body scanning bible.”
About the Author
Thomas Hanna, Ph.D. , founder of the field of Somatics, is director of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training in Novato, California. He is also editor of Somatics Magazine-Journal of the Mind/Body Arts and Sciences.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
165 of 166 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book really changed my life. I used to suffer from shoulder tendinitis and other muscular ailments, but by using the material in this book I'm now 99% pain free. In addition, "Somatics" taught me about the causes and cures of muscular tension, "aging", and poor posture. By applying what I learned in "Somatics", my body has become much more supple and relaxed, making activities from walking to playing tennis to doing the dishes much more enjoyable.
But what is the catch? As Thomas Hanna explains, once you learn how your body really works, its up to you to learn how to improve its function. The bad news is that it takes time and persistance to effectively apply the knowledge in "Somatics" to your own body. The good news, however, is that by applying this knowledge you'll gain control over your own muscular (and thereby skeletal) health, now and for the rest of your life!
I also like this book because even though the material is fairly scientific, the book's occasional humor and its case study format make it an enjoyable read.
91 of 93 people found the following review helpful
By Bonnie
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A wise Pilates/Feldenkrais teacher introduced me to this book. Using "Somatics" I personally found relief from chronic lower lumbar pain, and got help retraining my gait and balance after a severe ankle injury.The book is simple to understand with sections for various problems.
Somatics are a system of gentle movements - while breathing and mildly focusing (and sometimes simple "looking" in certain directions)- which through a combination of neuromuscular stimulation and the gentlest of stretches (no pain!) manages to to roll back years of stiffness, aid injury recovery, and significantly relieve some of the stresses of aging.
Somatics is based on sound science, and Feldenkrais, yoga, and Pilates are related. But Somatics exercises - movements really - are even gentler, and smarter, No equipment but a towel or mat is needed. Any level of fitness can benefit, even someone in a wheelchair or bedridden can do some of the movements.
If you have the patience and interest, I suggest reading the book and working through every single exercise presented, which is what I did coming back from traumatic injury. Some will "speak to you", and you'll incorporate them later into daily practice.
If you lack the patience or the time for this, the book is still valuable for its simple "CAT STRETCH" a five minute series of gentle movements which gently moves the whole body and seem to me like "the fountain of youth" . I do the cat stretch twice a day - on arising and before bed.
I could not recommend this book and Somatics in general more highly. Your back, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and neck will thank you!!!! And so will your friends when you pass this book along!
Somatics are a system of gentle movements - while breathing and mildly focusing (and sometimes simple "looking" in certain directions)- which through a combination of neuromuscular stimulation and the gentlest of stretches (no pain!) manages to to roll back years of stiffness, aid injury recovery, and significantly relieve some of the stresses of aging.
Somatics is based on sound science, and Feldenkrais, yoga, and Pilates are related. But Somatics exercises - movements really - are even gentler, and smarter, No equipment but a towel or mat is needed. Any level of fitness can benefit, even someone in a wheelchair or bedridden can do some of the movements.
If you have the patience and interest, I suggest reading the book and working through every single exercise presented, which is what I did coming back from traumatic injury. Some will "speak to you", and you'll incorporate them later into daily practice.
If you lack the patience or the time for this, the book is still valuable for its simple "CAT STRETCH" a five minute series of gentle movements which gently moves the whole body and seem to me like "the fountain of youth" . I do the cat stretch twice a day - on arising and before bed.
I could not recommend this book and Somatics in general more highly. Your back, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and neck will thank you!!!! And so will your friends when you pass this book along!
58 of 59 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a massage therapist and use elements of Hanna's work daily.
Most people don't understand that their posture and how they use their body comes from how they have unwittingly programmed their
bodies. Their bodies are on "auto-pilot". Hanna makes this clear to the reader and then discusses how the reader can re-awaken their brain circuits and change their body programming, releasing
muscular tension, using the exercises in the back of the book. Granted that the wooden figures showing the exercises can be difficult to discern, it is worth your patience to work it out.
Your body will thank you. I have adapted many of the movements to my table work sessions and always assign one or two movements as homework. You can do much on your own. I have given away many copies of this book to clients who showed great interst in Hanna's work and in taking care of themselves.
Most people don't understand that their posture and how they use their body comes from how they have unwittingly programmed their
bodies. Their bodies are on "auto-pilot". Hanna makes this clear to the reader and then discusses how the reader can re-awaken their brain circuits and change their body programming, releasing
muscular tension, using the exercises in the back of the book. Granted that the wooden figures showing the exercises can be difficult to discern, it is worth your patience to work it out.
Your body will thank you. I have adapted many of the movements to my table work sessions and always assign one or two movements as homework. You can do much on your own. I have given away many copies of this book to clients who showed great interst in Hanna's work and in taking care of themselves.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
love
cant get enough of this book. I am slowly learning all the exercises and so far I have seen an improvement. Worth checking out.
Published 4 days ago by Linda Dazey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Somatics Enchanted Evening
Very clearly written. A nice mix of example/anecdotes, philosophy and actual technique.
My only criticism is the photography of the wooden articulated models is a little... Read more
My only criticism is the photography of the wooden articulated models is a little... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Kenneth Gray
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stiff muscles and joints are not a "given"
I work at a desk and spend hours sitting. I do get up often to move around (although I spent years not doing so), but as I have gotten older I have become less limber. Mr. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Texas T
5.0 out of 5 stars
this book will help understand the brain/body connection
recommend this book to anyone who experiences chronic muscular/skeletal pain....you'll learn why it hurts, and how to relieve that pain naturally
Published 21 days ago by Sharon M Farthing
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fix your back
the theories and exercises in this book really helped me to reconnect my mind withe my muscles. My back pain is only intermittant now, and I have practical solutions to follow... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Matthew R. Goodwin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative book
Had back problems off and on for the past 10 years. My solution has been stretching and learning better ways to naturally heal and protect my back. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Paul Cassidy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real eye opener when it comes to health and age
Written for a layman and a great guide for better health no matter what your age. I have had muscular problems with my back and the explaination and pictures gave me new hope.
Published 1 month ago by Bill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and Perhaps Life Changing
The premise behind Somatics makes so much sense. An injury to one leg can cause the other leg to take on the full burden and act as a crutch. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Feathers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I bought this for a class taught locally and it has definately helped. i had numerous trauma related injuries and have learned a series of movements and now stand straighter and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dan Worcester
5.0 out of 5 stars
Somantics
My Physician told me to get this book , and it is very uplifting, and makes things
go into another perspective.
go into another perspective.
Published 3 months ago by Nancy C. Brown
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 18
books:
See all 18 books this book cites
- The Physiology of the Joints: Upper Limb, Volume 1, 5e by I. A. Kapandji MD in Back Matter
- Psychosomatic Medicine: Its Principles and Applications by Franz Alexander in Back Matter
- The Stress of Life by Hans Selye in Back Matter
- The End of Tyranny: An Essay on the Possibility of America by Thomas Hanna in Front Matter
-
The Aging Motor System
by p>Gabe
Maletta
in Back Matter
See all 18 books this book cites
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