Somatic Modalities

Yoga & Body Therapies

Self-led myofascial release for body tension and pain management. We can speak directly to the nervous system through breathwork and breath training (healthy breathing habits).

One powerful way to meet your medicine is through a regular somatic practice. There are times for movement (yang), and times for stillness (yin) – both are needed and discernment is how we know when and why. It is safe to be still. It is safe to move.

Yin yoga is an ongoing practice of stillness, devotion and a development of discernment, which creates a foundation for engaging fully with every aspect of life. On a physical level, deep stretches with long holds speaks to the fascia, tissues which weave through the entire body and only respond to stress (stretch or compression) held over time (long holds in stillness). On a mental level, this practice invites us to observe thought patterns, notice sensations which serve as portals, to discern between internalised narrative and truth of felt experience. On an emotional level, this practice provides a container of safety, where emotions are metabolised and integrated, connecting mind and body, speaking to energy which is beyond words. These lessons are in observation and receptivity, these are the yin medicines.

With yang styles of yoga, such as Hatha, prana/energy/chi is actively engaged through the flow of instinctual movement. This practice is energising and catalysing, even if movements are slow. Intentional movement offers a different layer, one that is not automatic or reactional, but instead arises from presence and awareness. These are the yang medicines.

Energy Work

Vibrational and sound therapy through tuning forks and the Rattle are energetic tending practices which only require you to receive. Shamanic ritual creates a container for integration, inviting the ancient wisdom of the body to open to healing. Energy work addresses root patterns for long-term change.

Enveloping the body is a web of energy and information often called the biofield. Within this electromagnetic field, which emanates from the heart and extends 5-8 feet around us, is a library of information formed by your lived experiences and your DNA. This “record” in turn informs the harmonious operation and possible imbalances within the body, which can tie up a significant amount of energy. Using sound medicine, this energy can be freed up and returned to the central channel of the body to restore vital force/chi/prana through coherence. The science and mechanics of this field is described in depth here.

In scientific terms, nitric oxide production increases in the presence of certain frequencies, causing muscles to relax and blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), resulting in relaxation. Nitric oxide is an immune, vascular, and neural-signaling molecule, with antibacterial, antiviral effects, down-regulating endothelial and immunocyte activation and adherence; meaning enhanced healing.