The Science Behind Somatic Movement
Somatics is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its biological and neurological processes. At its core, somatics emphasizes the body's innate capacity for self-regulation and healing, achieved through heightened awareness and specific movement patterns, as detailed in the principles of Hanna Somatics.
“The human body is an extraordinarily adaptable system. Given the right conditions, it will always move toward health.”
Neurology of Somatics
Somatic practices directly engage the nervous system— both the somatic (voluntary) and the autonomic (involuntary) systems . The somatic system allows us to sense and control our muscles, while the autonomic system regulates our stress and relaxation responses. By educating these systems through intentional movement, their function and balance are restored. This integration also shifts us from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state toward a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, which is proven to reduce stress hormones, support heart function and improve sleep quality.
Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections—is what makes lasting change possible. Somatic techniques are specifically designed to harness this adaptability, retraining the brain and allowing us to transform how we feel, move, and respond to stress.
What is Pandiculation?
Somatics addresses the impact of habitual movement patterns and postural habits on the musculoskeletal system. Through the three step process of pandiculation (a hallmark of Hanna Somatics) individuals actively contract, slowly release then fully relax muscles to reset their resting length and restore optimal function. This process can be enhanced with the hands-on feedback of a clinical somatic practitioner.
Pandiculation works by engaging the entire sensory-motor feedback loop— a dynamic, interconnected system where the outcome of one response generates new sensory input, which then feeds back into the loop for further processing. Bringing this process fully into consciousness reawakens dormant connections in the cortex and helps the brain recalibrate muscle tone and length. It’s a form of active neuromuscular education that reduces involuntary muscle contractions that are often being held constantly, even while we’re sleeping.
Unlike passive stretching, pandiculation actively works with the nervous system to recalibrate the relationship between the brain and muscles. This method interrupts chronic tension patterns and a reestablishes a natural state of being.
The Role of Sensory-Motor Awareness
Somatics prioritizes sensory-motor awareness and proprioception— the ability to consciously perceive and control movement. By enhancing the brain's awareness of the body, somatic practices improve coordination and functional movement. This heightened awareness is key to addressing sensory-motor amnesia, a condition where the brain loses conscious control of certain muscle groups due to habitual misuse or trauma.
Restoring sensory-motor awareness through Somatics allows individuals to regain control over their movements, leading to greater ease, efficiency, and strength in daily activities.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Pain Reduction: Somatic techniques like pandiculation have been shown to alleviate chronic pain by reprogramming neuromuscular habits.
Improved Posture and Mobility: Hanna Somatics helps retrain the body to move with natural alignment and efficiency.
Stress Relief: Activating the parasympathetic nervous system reduces cortisol levels and fosters a deep sense of calm.
Enhanced Motor Control: By addressing sensory-motor amnesia, Somatics restores voluntary control over muscles and movement patterns.
Conclusion
The science of Somatics, particularly as articulated in Hanna Somatics, highlights the interplay between the brain and movement. By addressing neuromuscular patterns at their root and leveraging the principles of neuroplasticity and sensory-motor awareness, Somatics offers a practical, evidence-based pathway to improved physical function and overall vitality.