What Is Somatic Movement? Benefits, Origins + How It Works
What Is Somatic Movement?
Somatic movement is also known as somatic education or somatic therapy and is a lineage of gentle, mindful movement practices that began with Moshe Feldenkrais's Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lessons. I think of somatic movement as neuromuscular repatterning: through gentle, conscious movements done with full awareness, we can break down old habits of posture and movement and open up the possibility of sitting, standing and moving in new, more efficient ways. Although these ways may seem new to us as adults, we are really restoring patterns of movement learned as babies and children, before we were impacted by seeing the movements of adults around us.
Through the practice of somatic movement, our brain and body become more connected and integrated. This can result in a reduction in chronic pain, improved digestion and sleep, and increased energy, to mention just a few of the benefits. When we change the way we move, our mental health and emotional wellbeing can be affected and improved too. It's possible that emotional and mental stress is held within the muscles, fascia and tissues of our body, and when released, the mind and heart states shift as well, leaving us lighter, calmer and more balanced.
What Are the Benefits of Somatic Movement?
Through regular practice, the brain and body become more connected and integrated. Benefits can include:
Reduction in chronic pain
Improved digestion and sleep
Increased energy
Better posture and ease of movement
Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing
Who Can Benefit From Somatic Movement?
Somatic movement in the lineage of Feldenkrais and Hanna has been used successfully to aid with Parkinson's disease, brain injury recovery, and to support children who are developmentally delayed. It has also been used with performers, dancers and athletes, as well as to address the effects of aging. Generally, anyone can benefit — the practice helps reduce tension, create more ease in movement and promote better posture.
The Science Behind Somatic Movement and Neuroplasticity
Norman Doidge dedicated two chapters in his book The Brain's Way of Healing to the work of Moshe Feldenkrais. In chapter five, he tells the story of Feldenkrais himself and describes some of his revolutionary work with healing serious brain problems previously thought of as hopeless cases by the medical community. In chapter six, he profiles David Webber, who used the Feldenkrais method to cure himself of blindness after medications and operations had failed. This powerful example highlights how somatic movement and neuroplasticity can promote healing and recovery in ways that traditional approaches often overlook.
The Influences Behind My Practice
My own approach to somatic movement is influenced by Moshe Feldenkrais and his long-time student Thomas Hanna. I have practised with Thomas Hanna's audio recordings since 2012 and completed a nine-day training in Hanna Somatics that same year. I have also collaborated with Ada Riley and Debra Lerman, PT - both are Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioners.
Since 2015, I have studied yoga with Tias Little, a teacher who incorporates his own particular take on somatic movement. His interpretation is modified from the approach of Feldenkrais and Hanna to particularly suit yoga practitioners. I have completed a full three-module course in Tias's SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement).
What Does Somatic Movement Look Like in Practice?
I generally include somatic movement in my restorative yoga practices as well as at the start or end of some of my more active classes. The movements are done on the floor — often lying on the back, but sometimes side-lying or face down.
Interspersed between movements are periods of rest: 30–60 second savasanas in which the body, mind and nervous system integrate before moving on. Because the emphasis is on complete awareness, these rest periods ensure that the movements don't become rote or automatic. It is the quality of attention rather than the number or size of the movements that matters. In most cases, fewer repetitions that are smaller and more subtle are recommended.
What the Experts Say
"The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education is a practice, a process, and a system for self-improvement. It is a form of somatic education, which means it uses movement and real-time awareness of your own body sensations to guide you toward the positive changes you seek." — Feldenkrais.com
"Hanna Somatic Education® is a rapidly effective form of neuromuscular movement re-education that goes directly to the root cause of most chronic muscular pain: the brain and the way in which it senses and organises the muscles and movement." — HannaSomatics.com
"The SATYA practice opens doorways into the interior, providing new pathways of perception and feeling. It guides students away from doing movement and toward sensing, receiving and being movement." — Tias Little, PrajnaYoga.net
Experience Somatic Movement With Me
I incorporate somatic movement into my yoga classes, workshops and retreats. You'll also find somatic movement workshops in my virtual library HERE.
If you're curious about experiencing the benefits directly join me this summer at Alpine Yoga in Leavenworth:
These Thursday evening classes are designed to help you slow down, soften tension patterns, and reconnect with your body in a supportive and nourishing way.
Each class will begin with simple floor-based somatic movements to help unwind holding patterns before moving into longer yin poses that target the fascial layers of the body. We’ll close with a restorative savasana to help integrate the practice and leave you feeling grounded and restored.
Thursdays | 6:00–7:15pm
Alpine Yoga, Leavenworth
Upcoming dates:
June 25
July 2
July 16
July 23
August 6
August 13
This series is open to all levels and especially supportive if you’re feeling overstretched, tired, stressed, or simply in need of some quiet space to listen inward.
Blog updated June 2026