For Doctors and the Medical Community
The Clinical Research of Thomas Hanna PH.D. and founder of Hanna Somatics showed that a large majority of commonly diagnosed conditions can be attributed to sensory motor system problems caused by trauma, stress, injuries, repetitive neuromuscular holding patterns and poor lifestyle choices. He referred to the chronic and deep patterns of holding in the physical body as Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA). SMA occurs when the sensory-motor neurons of the cortex of the brain have lost the ability to control all or part of the body, resulting in diminished sensation, loss of feeling, pain, and compromised posture and joint health.
The presentations and pathology of this loss of voluntary control displays as three main reflexes: 1) Trauma Reflex, 2) The Startle or Red Light Reflex and 3) Landau’s or Green Light Reflex. As these reflexes progress further, they present as common health conditions that can be categorized under each reflex.
These neuromuscular problems manifest as certain symptomologies that cannot be resolved with force or medications. Instead they require re-education of the sensory-motor feedback loop – so that the motor neurons of the voluntary cortex of the brain can regain control over the full body movement patterns. When this occurs circulation increases, lymphatic drainage is supported, energy flows, diphagmatics breathing is restored, soothing the nervous system, supporting shifts toward balanced health.
The Technique - Pandiculation
The primary technique used in Somatic Neuromuscular re-education is the Pandiculation. This action is prevalent throughout all animals in the vertibrate kingdom, and a way of waking up the sensory-motor cortex.
The technique involves a strong voluntary contraction, slow release and complete relaxation of the amnesic muscles. This practice creates strong sensory feedback and sensory reinforcement to the motor neurons to get back online and take back voluntary control over the muscles and areas of the body that were “asleep”, locked and in pain.
Accessible for most anyone, in any condition and in any position
The movements are safe, easy to learn and can be adapted from the floor to a bed or to a seated position. They result in transformative changes in the bodies and health of those that practice them.