Central to Hanna’s work is the concept of Sensory-Motor Amnesia (SMA), which describes a diminished ability to consciously sense and control certain muscles and movement patterns. Chronic stress, injury, trauma, and repetitive habits can lead to persistent muscular contraction and bracing that gradually fall outside conscious awareness.
He suggested that many common experiences associated with stiffness, discomfort, and restricted movement may be related to these learned neuromuscular patterns rather than being inevitable consequences of aging.
This is good news! Hanna Somatic Education uses mindful attention, gentle movement, and sensory feedback to help individuals re-establish awareness and voluntary control of habitual muscular contractions. Through exploring common stress-related movement patterns and practicing specific somatic exercises, participants can learn to release unnecessary tension, improve movement efficiency, and cultivate greater ease, comfort, and embodiment in daily life.
