Somatic Yoga

Somatic Yoga is an open yoga system that particularly emphasizes the aspects of embodiment. This means that it enables an awareness of bodily processes on a muscular, organic, cellular and energetic level.

What does Somatic Yoga mean?

Somatic Yoga is an open yoga system which, in combination with the Feldenkrais Method, Continuum and the Experiential Breath according to Prof. Ilse Middendorf, strengthens and moves the aspects of embodiment in the yoga practice. In this way, an awareness between design and self-organization can develop in movement, asana, pranayama and bandhas.

What is Somatic Yoga based on?

The somatic methods each emphasize the potential of our physical and bodily perception in their own way and, together with the deepening of experiential anatomy in yoga training, form a beneficial basis in which our bodily references are embodied more vividly and enjoyably and are understood in connection with feeling. An essential change of perspective in which the overemphasis on the perfect pose dissolves pleasantly into a subtle feeling in slow movement. The body's own movement is requested and (finally) becomes visible. The whole organism breathes and flows. Aspects of the trauma-sensitive and low-injury space in Somatic Yoga and Embodiment Yoga are integrated into this type of approach.

How does the Somatic Yoga practice look like?

The traditional postures and forms of yoga - asanas - combine in evenly flowing sequences - flows.

A continuous change of becoming and passing away. We then slow down the smooth flow of movement more and more, gathering and unfolding into and out of each asana, holding, releasing and creating anew. In this way, we immerse ourselves more and more in the fluid and moving depth of the body that once created this asana form.

Through Somatic Yoga, traditional asana series of yoga are expanded through organic and fluid movement sequences, the invitation to feel the body deeply is conveyed through the conscious somatic address of the fascial structures of the body, among other things, and enables a joyful and relaxed approach to the form.

When and how is it possible to explore Somatic Yoga at the Somatic Academy Berlin?

Get to know Somatic Yoga in weekly Somatic Yoga classes or deepen your practice in the professional training Somatic Yoga (Basic & Advanced training).