Somatics

This article is about sensation-based movement practices. For the matter-bound beings in Gnosticism, see hylics. For other uses, see Somatic.
Somatic educator Moshe Feldenkrais
Somatic educator Moshe Feldenkrais in 1978, teaching how to rise from a chair

Somatics is a field within bodywork and movement studies which emphasizes internal physical perception and experience. The term is used in movement therapy to signify approaches based on the soma, or "the body as perceived from within",[1][2] including Skinner Releasing Technique, Alexander technique, the Feldenkrais Method, Eutony, Rolfing Structural Integration, among others.[3] In dance, the term refers to techniques based on the dancer's internal sensation, in contrast with "performative techniques", such as ballet or modern dance, which emphasize the external observation of movement by an audience.[4][5] Somatic techniques may be used in bodywork, psychotherapy, dance, or spiritual practices.

  1. ^ Hanna, Thomas (1986). "What is Somatics?". Somatics: Magazine-Journal of the Bodily Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  2. ^ Mullan, Kelly (2012-08-31). "The Art and Science of Somatics: Theory, History and Scientific Foundations". MALS Final Projects, 1995-2019.
  3. ^ Bresler, L. (2007). International Handbook of Research in Arts Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer Netherlands. p. 1120. ISBN 978-1-4020-2998-1. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Williamson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Brodie was invoked but never defined (see the help page).