-- Thomas Hanna, founder of Hanna Somatic Education

Therapeutic Yoga

Yoga therapy adapts the ancient science of yoga to the needs of a person with health or rehab issues. Medical research has shown that yoga therapy can be an effective modality for healing. It is not intended to replace medical treatment, but the practice can augment traditional treatment and help the student maintain a greater sense of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimes of breathing, hatha and therapeutic postures, Somatics, and meditation to address the student’s individual needs.

Somatics

Developed by Thomas Hanna, PhD, Somatics is a system of neuromuscular (mind/body) training that utilizes small movements to target “sensory motor amnesia,” re-educating the brain through movement to help reduce chronic tension and muscular pain.

Gentle Yoga

Not just for beginners, gentle yoga consists primarily of floor-based, reclining, or seated (rather than standing) poses. Like most yoga practices, the pace is slow, and it is appropriate for both new and experienced students.

Hatha Yoga

One of the oldest and most traditional forms of yoga, hatha is a gentle practice that combines individual poses without the continual flow of a practice like vinyasa. Poses are combined with breathwork, and the the practice concludes with meditation.

Meditation

Just as muscular tension can stress the body and nervous system, mental “chatter” of all kinds can stress the mind, preventing relaxation and natural recovery and rejuvenation. Meditation is proven, traditional way of quieting the mind. Yoga practices prepare the body and create the stillness needed for effective meditation.