Somatic yoga is a yoga practice that focuses on awareness of your own body. The term "soma" comes from the Greek and means "body as a whole". The focus here is on experiencing and perceiving your own body from the inside out. While traditional yoga often emphasizes structured poses and fixed movement sequences, somatic yoga focuses on slow, conscious movements that allow you to release deeper tensions and blockages.
The following blog post covers these topics:
- Origins of Somatic Yoga
- Somatic Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga
- The right practice for you
- The most frequently asked questions about somatic yoga
Origins of Somatic Yoga
The roots of somatic yoga lie in the 1970s and go back to Thomas Hanna, a philosopher and body therapist. Hanna developed "Somatic Education", heavily influenced by pioneers such as Moshe Feldenkrais. Somatic yoga aims to strengthen the connection between mind and body by focusing on inner sensations and adapting your movements to experience deeper healing.
How is Somatic Yoga practiced?
The practice of Somatic Yoga is usually slow and mindful. The focus is on consciously perceiving and executing each movement. Breathing techniques and meditation are often integrated to calm the mind and promote body awareness. Whether in individual lessons or in groups, Somatic Yoga is often combined with therapeutic approaches to enable deep relaxation and healing.
Find your yoga mat for Somatic Yoga
Somatic Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga
You may be wondering what makes somatic yoga different from traditional yoga. Here are the biggest differences between these two forms of yoga that will help you choose the right practice for you.
History and Evolution
Traditional yoga has a history dating back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the spiritual practices of India. It includes various styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini and Ashtanga Yoga. Yoga is not only a physical practice, but also a holistic and spiritual Practice aimed at calming the mind and expanding consciousness.
Basic Practices and Techniques
The basic practices in traditional yoga include asanas, pranayama and meditation. These practices are designed to strengthen the body, calm the mind and balance the life energy. The precise execution of the poses is often crucial to optimizing the energies in the body.
Philosophical Differences
While traditional yoga often strives for a higher consciousness and the union of body, mind and soul, somatic yoga focuses on the individual experience of the body in the here and now. Traditional yoga is often practiced in a broader spiritual context, while somatic yoga takes a more therapeutic approach.
Physical and mental benefits
Both forms of yoga offer both physical and mental benefits, but in different ways. Traditional yoga strengthens your body, improves flexibility and promotes mental well-being. Somatic yoga, on the other hand, focuses more on releasing deep-seated tension and developing better body awareness, which can lead to deep relaxation and increased mobility.
Choose the right practice for you
Personal goals and preferences
If you suffer from chronic tension or pain, or want to develop a deeper understanding of your own body, Somatic Yoga may be the right choice for you. It is especially helpful for people who are working through physical or emotional trauma and are looking for a gentle method to release it.
Finding the right teacher
No matter which form of yoga you choose, an experienced teacher is crucial to deepening your practice. Make sure your teacher is trained in the particular form of yoga and has experience working with different needs and bodies. Especially with somatic yoga, it is important to find a teacher who is empathetic and helps you to understand your own body better.
Common misunderstandings
A common misconception is that yoga always has to be an intense physical practice. Somatic Yoga shows that gentler approaches can also be extremely effective. Another misconception is that somatic yoga is only suitable for people with injuries or special needs. In fact, everyone can benefit from the mindfulness and conscious use of the body that somatic yoga promotes.
The most frequently asked questions about somatic yoga
Is Somatic Yoga suitable for beginners?
Yes, Somatic Yoga is ideal for beginners as it is practiced at a slow pace and offers plenty of space for self awareness.
Can I practice Somatic Yoga without any previous yoga knowledge?
Absolutely! Somatic yoga requires no previous experience and is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
How often should I practice Somatic Yoga to see results?
If you practice it just once or twice a week, you can see noticeable results in your body awareness and mobility.
What equipment do I need for Somatic Yoga?
All you need is a yoga mat and comfortable clothing. Optionally, you can use props such as pillows or blankets to support your practice.
Can I combine Somatic Yoga with traditional yoga?
Yes, many people combine both forms to experience both the gentle and the more intense aspects of yoga.
Where can I learn Somatic Yoga?
Somatic yoga is offered in many yoga studios, often as part of special courses or workshops. Online platforms can also offer you a good introduction.
