WHAT IS SOMAYOGA?

Soma - From Greek meaning "body"

SomaYoga is a type of therapeutic yoga developed by Yoga North in Duluth, MN; it uniquely incorporates movements called pandiculations (from Thomas Hanna's Somatics).  According to Hanna, we hold tension in our body in habitual ways, based on previous functions and natural reflexes. Through injury, overuse or lack of use, we develop Sensorimotor Amnesia - a disconnection to certain parts of our body. By contracting into muscles and slowly releasing, we bring awareness to these areas, resulting in neuromuscular reeducation. 

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Every SomaYoga Therapy session looks different, based on the needs and desires of the client, but here are a few examples of what might happen in a session:

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• Breath work - awareness and manipulation of breath for desired outcome

• Pandiculations - Gentle, slow somatic movements of contracting muscles and mindfully releasing 

• Investigation of movement patterns and posture 

• Yoga philosophy 

• Guided meditations 

• Ayurveda self-care practices

• So much more.... Always with a sense of curiosity and non-judgment!