“We don’t stiffen because we age; we age because we stiffen.”
— Thomas Hanna
Most of us are taught to expect stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility as part of getting older. But according to movement educator Thomas Hanna, this decline isn’t inevitable. He proposed a radical idea: much of what we associate with aging is caused by a loss of communication between the brain and the muscles—a condition known as Sensory-Motor Amnesia (SMA).
What is Sensory-Motor Amnesia (SMA)?
SMA occurs when the brain “forgets” how to relax certain muscles, leaving them chronically contracted. This can happen after:
– Long-term stress
– Injury or repetitive movement
– Poor posture
– Emotional trauma
Over time, these patterns can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and movement habits commonly mistaken for the effects of aging.
The Somatic Solution
To address SMA, Hanna developed a method called Hanna Somatic Education—a gentle form of neuromuscular re-education. At its core is a natural movement process called **pandiculation**, which helps the brain relearn how to release tension and restore smooth, controlled movement.
What Is Somatics?
Somatics is the study and practice of embodied awareness. Rather than focusing on how the body looks, it centers on how the body feels from the inside.
The word “somatics” comes from the Greek soma, meaning “the living body in its wholeness.” This approach honors the body as an intelligent, adaptable system with the ability to heal itself—when given the right tools.
Core Principles of Somatics:
Body Awareness: Paying attention to sensation, not performance
Internal Perception: Moving from the *felt sense* within
Mind-Body Integration: Recognizing that thoughts, emotions, and movement are deeply interconnected
Somatics is used in wellness, yoga, therapy, dance, rehabilitation, and trauma healing.
Why It Matters
– Aging does not equal pain—habitual tension does
– You can retrain your brain and body through mindful movement
– Somatics empowers you to take charge of your own healing and freedom
Ready to Explore Open Soma Flow?
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, support with stress, or a deeper connection to your body, somatic practices can help you come home to yourself.