The benefits of somatic yoga

Discover Somatic Yoga: Benefits and Essential Practices

Introduction to Somatic Yoga: A Path to Body Awareness

Somatic yoga distinguishes itself from other forms of yoga through its unique approach centered on internal listening and responding to the body's signals.

Originating from the work of Thomas Hanna, somatic yoga not only aims to improve flexibility or strength but seeks to re-educate the body and mind to function more harmoniously. If you're looking to deepen your connection with your body, this practice could be the key!

Somatic yoga aims to release chronic tension by using conscious and repetitive movements. This practice helps re-educate the brain to send the correct signals to the muscles, thereby promoting better posture and a reduction in physical pain.

Somatic yoga gets its name from the somatic nervous system, which manages muscle movements in the body. This system controls voluntary movements like waving or chewing, as well as involuntary reflexes. For example, automatically pulling your hand away after touching something hot is an instant reaction due to this nervous system.

Indeed, the somatic nervous system is composed of sensory nerves (related to the senses) and motor nerves (related to muscle movement). It receives sensory information from the environment and reacts with appropriate motor actions. However, it can suffer from "sensory and motor amnesia," a condition where the brain loses the ability to control certain muscles. This causes chronic pain, stiffness, and an inability of muscles to relax.

Somatic yoga poses are particularly useful for addressing these issues.

Integrating Somatic Yoga into Your Daily Routine

To get the most out of somatic yoga, incorporate this practice into your routine several times a week. Start with 20 to 30-minute sessions, focusing on the fluidity of movement and responsiveness to your bodily sensations. If you are a beginner, take the time to explore each movement and don't hesitate to use props like blocks or cushions for support.

We offer 2 asanas to introduce you to somatic yoga. These are classic yoga asanas, but through a sensory approach, they will allow you to (begin to) actively and subtly feel your body.

Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and step your foot over your left leg, placing the foot flat on the floor.

Place your left elbow on your right knee and use it to help you twist your upper body to the right. This pose increases spinal flexibility and stimulates abdominal organs, promoting better digestion and increased somatic awareness.

Child's Pose (Balasana)

Kneel, touch your big toes together, and sit back on your heels. Spread your knees slightly and lean forward, extending your arms in front of you or alongside your body.

Rest your forehead on the floor to deepen relaxation. Balasana is an excellent pose for relaxing and reducing stress and anxiety, while encouraging deep listening to the body.

In summary, somatic yoga is a wonderful exploration of body awareness that can transform the way you live and move.

Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply find a new way to connect with yourself, somatic yoga offers valuable and accessible tools. Get started and discover the positive changes this practice can bring to your life.

To place somatic yoga among the styles of yoga and compare different practices, consult our complete guide. Discover also how breath is at the heart of somatic yoga, and how the practice enriches mental management.