What is Somatic Movement Education?

Thomas Hanna is considered the father of modern Somatic Movement Education. He developed a system of movements that release habituated patterns of tension by pairing slow, deliberate movement with internal sensation, allowing the nervous system to let go of what it has been holding.

Who is Thomas Hanna?

Thomas Hanna, Ph.D. was a philosopher and student of Moshe Feldenkrais who went on to develop Hanna Somatic Education. Drawing on his studies in neurology, Hanna believed that life experiences leave physical patterns in the body. He identified a key cause of chronic pain and tension as Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA), which he described as the loss of awareness and voluntary control over certain muscles, often due to habitual movement patterns or injury. Through Hanna Somatics, he developed a hands-on clinical approach and a series of movement practices designed to reverse SMA and restore ease and freedom of movement.

What can I expect in a Somatic Movement Class?

Gentle. The movements are slow and deliberate. Using a technique called pandiculation, you contract muscles and slowly release them to relieve tension.

Quiet. There is no music. Your teacher will calmly guide you through the movements, and for most of the class your eyes will be closed so you can focus on your internal experience.

Sensing. Your work is to notice what is happening in your body as you move through each pandiculation.

What if I have physical limitations?

Somatic Movement is a gentle practice accessible to most people. If getting down on the floor is difficult, I recommend scheduling a private session before joining a group class. Most group classes are floor-based, but in a private session we have more flexibility. You can work in a chair or on my Somatics table.

What should I wear?

Loose fitted, comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.