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Becoming
The Best You Can Be
By
Sharon Shelton
If bodywork makes you think of your car, try again and focus on
your own body. Really look at yourself: Does your posture please
you? Is one shoulder higher than the other? Is your chest wide
and forward of your stomach? Or is it narrow and sunken? How about
your back... straight? Or is there a curve? Where do your knees
point? Does your body look as though it can twist, turn, and move
with ease? Ask yourself about your overall health: Do you have
lots of colds, aches and pains? Headaches? Tennis elbow or runner's
knees? Are you easily upset, depressed, tired?
What if you could exchange your tired body for a brand new energy
efficient model? What if you could correct that slump, and those
sagging shoulders?
If you fit all or part of the above description, keep reading.
When muscles cannot function properly, posture is poor, flexibility
is lost, and frequently chronic illness results. If your structure
is not in line with gravity, slumping occurs, and internal organs
are not held in an optimum position for good health. This can
often cause you to feel depressed, anxious, and emotionally upset.
If better posture, improved performance, and less breakdowns appeal
to you, then SOMA bodywork can offer you a body that is operating
at peak performance.
As people age, they lose height, energy and in general resistance
to disease. Through SOMA Bodywork, people experience a reduction
of symptoms, increased energy, and greater flexibility. Some gain
as much as an inch in height through freeing and lengthening the
muscular tissue and myofascia. This improved body can cope with
stress better, has improved ability to interact and exhibits more
self reliance.
SOMA changes people physically and psychologically by structurally
balancing the body so gravity becomes an asset and not a liability.
This technique is a ten session series that coaxes the body to
change and move more freely. It is done by physically manipulating
the myofascia or connective tissue that covers the muscles like
a smooth, well oiled sleeve. This well-oiled sleeve can become
"fixed" or glued because of injury, trauma, age, and
stress. Through addressing structure, function, and releasing
chronic tension, muscle balance is achieved so you feel supported
by gravity instead of weighed down by it.
Take a closer look... The first seven sessions focus on specific
areas of the body with special attention given to the neck, head,
shoulders, and back after each ninety minute treatment. Sessions
eight, nine and ten focus on balancing the structure of the body,
so that the work is not only permanent, but progressive.
Session one focuses primarily on the upper body to free the tissue
surrounding the rib cage, and lengthen the front line of the chest.
This results in a feeling of lightness, and well being, a more
upright posture, and fuller, deeper breathing.
Session two focuses on the body's foundation, the lower legs and
feet, which brings a sense of being firmly grounded.
The third session lengthens the sides of the body, and frees the
shoulders, so breathing can expand for greater relaxation, and
more immediately available energy.
As a group, sessions 4, 5, and 6, lengthen the center line, or
core line, that runs vertically through the body. After these
three sessions, walking takes a fraction of the energy typically
expended, leaving you with improved balance and freedom of movement.
Session 7, releases the muscles of the neck, face, and head which
results in a more softened, relaxed appearance in the face. Clients
report feeling increased self reliance and personal power after
this session.
Integration of the whole body in a new and more efficient manner
are the results of sessions 8, 9, and 10. There is also an increase
in energy and vitality as the body structure becomes more aligned
in balance and gravity.
The multidisciplinary approach taken in the SOMA technique helps
to re-establish your body-mind connection.
To help facilitate and understand this process, SOMA practitioners
incorporate the Three Brain Model, which explains the activity
of the nervous system and human consciousness. The right and left
hemispheres of the brain, along with the third “Core Brain”
of nerve plexi in and around the spinal column helps us understand
the neurological functioning being restored through SOMA Bodywork.
Using a combination of movement education (On and Off the Bodywork
Table), journaling, and integrative exercises, you explore, track,
and utilize all of the changes taking place for maximum and lasting
benefit.
Sharon
W. Shelton is an advanced SOMA practitioner with 25 years experience.
She can be reached at Perfect Balance in Marietta, GA. 770-262-6864
or 678-560-4644.
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Bodywork