Clinical Somatics

Lesson 1. Hanna begins with very good theory on the Startle Reflex and ensuing tendency toward Red Light posture. He follows guiding listeners in actualizing their experience of Red Light posture. This lesson will leave you with little question as to what Red Light posture is and how it feels for those who suffer from it. Theory: 70%/Movement: 30%. *****

Lesson 2. Lesson 2 has listeners continuing with their exploration of Red Light posture, here from a prone position. Hanna gradually segues into flexion and extension patterns along a sagittal plan. (Similar to Lesson 4 in the Protruding Bellies series and Lesson 4 in the Delicate Backs series, and also Lesson 5 in the Full Breathing series.) 60%/40%. *****

Lesson 3. Ala Lesson 4 in the Myth of Aging series, this lesson entails cross-legged trunk wringing combined, eventually, with steeple-positioned arm patterns. 40%/60%. *****

Lesson 4. During this lesson listeners will lie on their sides and practice rolling the shoulders and/or hips in differentiating patterns. (Similar to Lesson 1 of the Legs and Hip Joints series, and Lesson 2 of the Delicate Backs series.) Also included is a pattern of arm movements to open the chest/ pectoral muscle. (Similar to Lesson 2 in the Full Breathing series.) 40%/60%. *****

Lesson 5. Hanna starts this lesson off with a rendition of the back arching movements, performed from a prone position, ala Lesson 1 in the Myth of Aging series. He procedes into a diagonal limb-lifting pattern, involving some very nice head, neck and pelvis work. 40%/60%. ***** (second half of this lesson gets the extra (*).)

Lesson 6. Hanna begins with a wrap up of material covered in lessons 1-5. He then presents an excellent, next lesson for opening the chest, shoulders and upper back. You too will feel like a disdainful, yet well-postured, Spanish flemenco dancer by the time you finish this lesson. Hanna will have you looking back over your shoulders and down at your own buttocks. 40%/60%. *****(*)

-John Loupos