You're so welcome, David, and thank you for your kind words. My aim is to help educate and help people find freedom in their own bodies, so I hope everything I've shared is of value.
I have chronic back pain, my pelvis has a slight twist and my right leg is about 21mm shorter, consequently my back pain is usually worse on my left side
When there's a leg length discrepancy you can indeed have some back pain. That being said, all of the Somatic Movements, starting with Arch and Flatten and progressing up to the Side Bend (all of which you can learn in a progressive lesson here in our video lessons: courses.essentialsomatics.com/pages/video-lessons) can help you minimize that pain. I have worked with people with structural leg length discrepancies as well as people with functional leg length discrepancies that were mis-diagnosed as structural. You can do a lot for yourself to relieve pain even if your structure is not "perfect."
This should be the starting point for "nerd" rehab. Neglect for years then searched for years. Now finally someone who sees it. Micro tension build up should be battled with micro movement release. Now I see.
I'm so glad you're finding this useful. "Nerd rehab," indeed! Slow is better for the brain when learning. Then, once we re-educate our brain and muscles, we can go both fast and slow - but with skill and grace. Check out the Essential Somatics Story video for more inspiration (pass it on to your friends) and consider attending a Fundamentals Immersion. We teach them all over the world. Thanks for your comment.
@@Pieter-JanNotebaart Homeostasis is what you're looking to create from the inside out. Because each day is different and change is inevitable these skills will serve you for the rest of your life! Happy exploring.
Hi Carol, It sounds like you should be working one on one with a skilled Clinical Somatic Educator. The body is a system in which tension in what part of the body can create tension in other parts of the body. There is no one movement to get rid of cervical dystonia. It is a pattern of chronic muscle tension that is best addressed through hands-on clinical Somatics sessions. On the "Find a Practitioner" page of the Essential Somatics website you will find our practitioners. I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos!
I love your teaching. Do you have another exercise to release computeritis that does not require lying on one's side (shoulder)? After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, that, along with reaching behind with the affected shoulder/arm are now impossible. Yet, persistent keyboarding pain only began after the surgery. Somatics are great and I'm looking for the Essential Somatics adaptive moves (if any exist) for computeritis. THANK YOU for all you do!
If you've had a major surgery on your shoulder I would start very small and rather than try to adapt or modify a more complex movement like "computeritis," explore other more basic movements that address tension in the front, back, and sides: Arch and Flatten, Flower, Seated Side Bend, gentle shoulder shrugs. The Flower is amazing given that it addresses the red light reflex and all those muscles of the shoulders, neck, and back. In fact, I would find a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator near you with whom you can work. I can only assume that while you had your shoulder repaired there are LOTS of muscles in the center of your body that tightened in response to not only the surgery itself, but the patterns of muscle imbalance or the accident/injury that may have led to the need for the surgery. I don't know your history, so I'm only making an assumption. The function of the shoulder joint starts in the center so addressing sensory motor amnesia in the center will go a LONG way towards releasing tension around your joint and up into your neck/collarbone/thoracic outlet. I hope this helps!
@@EssentialSomatics THANKS, Martha. I took your course last winter and the Flower is my constant, daily helper. This advice about center is SO helpful. I'll review those exercises you suggest.
This is very helpful for what you describe. Another wonderful one for rounded shoulders is the Flower. A neck hump is indicative of a habituated red light reflex (the center is slumped, pulled in, and tight, and the back is round). We also have video lessons which can help you learn how to release tight necks and shoulders. You can purchase them here: essentialsomatics.com/shop/
@@ayseaysegn7931 I hope it goes well. Just remember to take things slowly and to explore, breathe easily, and rest when you need to. This is all about learning to restore the ability to sense yourself more deeply.
Oh yes! Look closely. I am supporting my head and helping to lift my face towards the ceiling. It's a bit too strenuous for the neck if you don't support the head.
Thank you so much, Angela! If you're getting a lot out of these videos I highly recommend that you come to one of our classes and learn more. I'd love to meet and teach you! essentialsomatics.com/essential-somatics-online-classes
@@angelagreer3310 You're in luck! We have a 6-week Introduction to Somatic Movement Series starting in Australia on July 1! It will be online, taught by one of our wonderful teachers, Jo Bentley. I strongly encourage you to register in this series to begin to learn all the basic movements, principles, and concepts. Here's the sign up link: app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19347029&appointmentType=22951881
Glad you're enjoying them. To learn even more (so that you have skills for life to keep yourself moving with freedom and choice), attend a Fundamentals Immersion. We teach this course worldwide, so check it out on the Essential Somatics "Upcoming Events" schedule. There is no end to learning!
@@EssentialSomatics Thanks so much for your reply. Will definitely try this out. As this is for pain relief, could you pleaseo recommend movements for strengthening the neck and shoulders? Many thanks
@@chooihuangtan1230 I'm not a strength coach, so I can't recommend strengthening exercises. What I do know is that when you reduce excess tension in your muscles and nervous system you will be able to strengthen safely and efficiently because your brain will have full control of both the lengthening AND the contracting phase of the muscles.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I do this one frequently as well and find it very effective. The muscles that insert into the occipital region (have a look at an anatomy chart - it's fascinating!) are on the back of the body. Chronically contracted back and shoulder muscles are part of the green light reflex. Headaches are often the result of unconsciously tight back muscles that your brain can't turn off. The back lift, arch and flatten, arch and curl are all great movements to get your brain to learn to release your back and front (they coordinate together). The flower is another good one. Better yet, come and learn in person at one of our Fundamentals Immersion courses so you can dive into a longer routine of movements you can use whenever you want. Thanks for your question!
No, not necessarily. This movement addresses the red light in a different way as it also addresses the trauma reflex. Arch and Curl more specifically addresses the full pattern of Red Light. This movement does not.
Love your channel. My shoulder (the side w my hand under head) hurts when trying to do this. Do you have another somatic movement that might be able to help with my shoulder? TY❤️
This movement may not be the one you want to start with. There are loads of other simpler movements I suggest you learn first: Arch and Flatten (with a focus on the connection of your shoulders to your back), Arch and Curl, Flower, Back Lift, Washrag... Better yet, consider coming to some of our online classes or working individually online with a skilled practitioner so you can learn more of the basics about how your brain/muscles connect and organize, the principles of Somatic Education, and the movements of course. This will give you solid life long tools for self-care. essentialsomatics.com/essential-somatics-online-classes
@@EssentialSomatics Thank you Martha. I will look and sign up for a few classes. I wish you lived in Boston then I could see you in person 😉. Wondering if you are familiar with the Ecosque Method of realignment? Possibly a combination of Somatics and Ecosque might be a huge help for many in pain. Thank you for all you do 🙏
Does some people inhale and lift head also in this exercise? I saw in one of your side bend videos where you stated that it was taught by hanna somatics to inhale in a side bend, this one is also a side bend technically!
Oh yes, you can play with the breath on this. Differentiating breath is a great way to discover something new about the movement and your ability to sense what you're doing. Hanna taught the Side Bend on the inhale, yet he also taught it on the exhale. Enjoy!
I get a lot of pain in the sides of the hips when I lay on the side like this. I also noticed that my knees slide quite a lot doing the exercise. Any thoughts or tips? Many thanks
It sounds like you have other areas of sensory motor amnesia to resolve before you do this movement. Sliding on your knees during this movement isn't a big deal, but having pain lying on your sides means there is tension elsewhere in your body. Go back to some of the basics. I would highly recommend that you attend classes. We're all teaching online now and you will learn loads of useful information that will help you with your home practice. Look at the ES website under "Services."
I'm impressed with the answers and suggestions for my leg length discrepancy, thanks, David
You're so welcome, David, and thank you for your kind words. My aim is to help educate and help people find freedom in their own bodies, so I hope everything I've shared is of value.
Wow, I love it!
Wonderful! Keep exploring and enjoy your practice.
@@EssentialSomatics I want to be exploring that peace of mind that comes with consistent practice!
You are wonderful ❤
Thank you!
I have chronic back pain, my pelvis has a slight twist and my right leg is about 21mm shorter, consequently my back pain is usually worse on my left side
When there's a leg length discrepancy you can indeed have some back pain. That being said, all of the Somatic Movements, starting with Arch and Flatten and progressing up to the Side Bend (all of which you can learn in a progressive lesson here in our video lessons: courses.essentialsomatics.com/pages/video-lessons) can help you minimize that pain. I have worked with people with structural leg length discrepancies as well as people with functional leg length discrepancies that were mis-diagnosed as structural. You can do a lot for yourself to relieve pain even if your structure is not "perfect."
This should be the starting point for "nerd" rehab. Neglect for years then searched for years. Now finally someone who sees it. Micro tension build up should be battled with micro movement release. Now I see.
I'm so glad you're finding this useful. "Nerd rehab," indeed! Slow is better for the brain when learning. Then, once we re-educate our brain and muscles, we can go both fast and slow - but with skill and grace. Check out the Essential Somatics Story video for more inspiration (pass it on to your friends) and consider attending a Fundamentals Immersion. We teach them all over the world. Thanks for your comment.
@@EssentialSomatics Thanks for that information. I will see to it. An inch away from homeostasis.
@@Pieter-JanNotebaart Homeostasis is what you're looking to create from the inside out. Because each day is different and change is inevitable these skills will serve you for the rest of your life! Happy exploring.
Hi, I'm loving your videos! I have cervical dystonia and was wondering if you could recommend a particular video for this condition? Many thanks
Hi Carol,
It sounds like you should be working one on one with a skilled Clinical Somatic Educator. The body is a system in which tension in what part of the body can create tension in other parts of the body. There is no one movement to get rid of cervical dystonia. It is a pattern of chronic muscle tension that is best addressed through hands-on clinical Somatics sessions. On the "Find a Practitioner" page of the Essential Somatics website you will find our practitioners. I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos!
Thank you for your advice.
You're very welcome!
I love your teaching. Do you have another exercise to release computeritis that does not require lying on one's side (shoulder)? After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, that, along with reaching behind with the affected shoulder/arm are now impossible. Yet, persistent keyboarding pain only began after the surgery. Somatics are great and I'm looking for the Essential Somatics adaptive moves (if any exist) for computeritis. THANK YOU for all you do!
If you've had a major surgery on your shoulder I would start very small and rather than try to adapt or modify a more complex movement like "computeritis," explore other more basic movements that address tension in the front, back, and sides:
Arch and Flatten, Flower, Seated Side Bend, gentle shoulder shrugs. The Flower is amazing given that it addresses the red light reflex and all those muscles of the shoulders, neck, and back.
In fact, I would find a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator near you with whom you can work. I can only assume that while you had your shoulder repaired there are LOTS of muscles in the center of your body that tightened in response to not only the surgery itself, but the patterns of muscle imbalance or the accident/injury that may have led to the need for the surgery. I don't know your history, so I'm only making an assumption.
The function of the shoulder joint starts in the center so addressing sensory motor amnesia in the center will go a LONG way towards releasing tension around your joint and up into your neck/collarbone/thoracic outlet.
I hope this helps!
@@EssentialSomatics THANKS, Martha. I took your course last winter and the Flower is my constant, daily helper. This advice about center is SO helpful. I'll review those exercises you suggest.
@@BvocalNet Wonderful! I hope my suggestions help.
Hello thank you for the amazing video💕Is this helpful for rounded shoulders and neck hump too or do you have another video for that?
This is very helpful for what you describe. Another wonderful one for rounded shoulders is the Flower. A neck hump is indicative of a habituated red light reflex (the center is slumped, pulled in, and tight, and the back is round). We also have video lessons which can help you learn how to release tight necks and shoulders. You can purchase them here: essentialsomatics.com/shop/
@@EssentialSomatics thank you so much for your answer I will watch the Flower one♥️♥️
@@ayseaysegn7931 I hope it goes well. Just remember to take things slowly and to explore, breathe easily, and rest when you need to. This is all about learning to restore the ability to sense yourself more deeply.
I love your videos Martha, thank you. For this particular method - are you supporting your head at all?
Oh yes! Look closely. I am supporting my head and helping to lift my face towards the ceiling. It's a bit too strenuous for the neck if you don't support the head.
This is potentially life changing ❤️❤️❤️Thank you so very much
Thank you so much, Angela! If you're getting a lot out of these videos I highly recommend that you come to one of our classes and learn more. I'd love to meet and teach you! essentialsomatics.com/essential-somatics-online-classes
@@EssentialSomatics I would LOVE to one day ❤️I live in Australia and can’t wait to fly again 🙏
@@angelagreer3310 You're in luck!
We have a 6-week Introduction to Somatic Movement Series starting in Australia on July 1! It will be online, taught by one of our wonderful teachers, Jo Bentley. I strongly encourage you to register in this series to begin to learn all the basic movements, principles, and concepts. Here's the sign up link: app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19347029&appointmentType=22951881
Love ya Martha.this knowledge is invaluable
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.Come to Fundamentals Immersion and learn more!
Love these exercises.. really helpful!
Glad you're enjoying them. To learn even more (so that you have skills for life to keep yourself moving with freedom and choice), attend a Fundamentals Immersion. We teach this course worldwide, so check it out on the Essential Somatics "Upcoming Events" schedule. There is no end to learning!
hi Martha, Just wondering if you have a video on Thoracic Outlet syndrome ?
No, not a specific video. This movement is super helpful for thoracic outlet syndrome, however.
@@EssentialSomatics Thanks so much for your reply. Will definitely try this out. As this is for pain relief, could you pleaseo recommend movements for strengthening the neck and shoulders? Many thanks
@@chooihuangtan1230 I'm not a strength coach, so I can't recommend strengthening exercises. What I do know is that when you reduce excess tension in your muscles and nervous system you will be able to strengthen safely and efficiently because your brain will have full control of both the lengthening AND the contracting phase of the muscles.
@@EssentialSomatics Thanks so much. Appreciate your response
Worked like magic. Any exercises for tightened muscles in occipital area, causing headaches?
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I do this one frequently as well and find it very effective. The muscles that insert into the occipital region (have a look at an anatomy chart - it's fascinating!) are on the back of the body. Chronically contracted back and shoulder muscles are part of the green light reflex. Headaches are often the result of unconsciously tight back muscles that your brain can't turn off. The back lift, arch and flatten, arch and curl are all great movements to get your brain to learn to release your back and front (they coordinate together). The flower is another good one. Better yet, come and learn in person at one of our Fundamentals Immersion courses so you can dive into a longer routine of movements you can use whenever you want. Thanks for your question!
@@EssentialSomatics Thank you!
@@TerryLightfoot I have this same problem.. horrible headaches whenever I do upper body exercise. So helpful.
Hi Martha, would you say this movement is more effective than arch and curl for the red light reflex?
No, not necessarily. This movement addresses the red light in a different way as it also addresses the trauma reflex. Arch and Curl more specifically addresses the full pattern of Red Light. This movement does not.
Thank you for your response 🙂
Interesting concept
I hope you're learning how to move more easily by learning how your brain controls your muscles and movement!
@@EssentialSomatics Indeed. May you be strengthened by Yahweh God and His love towards you be upon you and your family.
Love your channel. My shoulder (the side w my hand under head) hurts when trying to do this. Do you have another somatic movement that might be able to help with my shoulder? TY❤️
This movement may not be the one you want to start with. There are loads of other simpler movements I suggest you learn first: Arch and Flatten (with a focus on the connection of your shoulders to your back), Arch and Curl, Flower, Back Lift, Washrag...
Better yet, consider coming to some of our online classes or working individually online with a skilled practitioner so you can learn more of the basics about how your brain/muscles connect and organize, the principles of Somatic Education, and the movements of course. This will give you solid life long tools for self-care.
essentialsomatics.com/essential-somatics-online-classes
@@EssentialSomatics Thank you Martha. I will look and sign up for a few classes. I wish you lived in Boston then I could see you in person 😉. Wondering if you are familiar with the Ecosque Method of realignment? Possibly a combination of Somatics and Ecosque might be a huge help for
many in pain. Thank you for all you do 🙏
Does some people inhale and lift head also in this exercise? I saw in one of your side bend videos where you stated that it was taught by hanna somatics to inhale in a side bend, this one is also a side bend technically!
Oh yes, you can play with the breath on this. Differentiating breath is a great way to discover something new about the movement and your ability to sense what you're doing. Hanna taught the Side Bend on the inhale, yet he also taught it on the exhale. Enjoy!
@@EssentialSomatics beautiful! Thank you! You are a blessing Martha! 😇🙏🙂
@@subhashchandna5235 Thank you so much! Keep moving forward and keep exploring. Take good care of yourself.
I get a lot of pain in the sides of the hips when I lay on the side like this. I also noticed that my knees slide quite a lot doing the exercise. Any thoughts or tips? Many thanks
It sounds like you have other areas of sensory motor amnesia to resolve before you do this movement. Sliding on your knees during this movement isn't a big deal, but having pain lying on your sides means there is tension elsewhere in your body. Go back to some of the basics. I would highly recommend that you attend classes. We're all teaching online now and you will learn loads of useful information that will help you with your home practice. Look at the ES website under "Services."
@@EssentialSomatics Okay, thanks for the reply!