What is SOMA?
Soma bodywork is a form of Structural Integration. Structural Integration is an umbrella term that includes other bodywork modalities such as Rolfing and Hellerwork. These types of bodywork originate in the work of Ida Rolf who developed Rolfing. Structural Integration works with the body from a structural perspective. It looks at the overall posture and structure of the body, and how the relationships are working together. It works by effecting the fascia. Fascia is what wraps every muscle and muscle fiber. It is in fact what gives the muscles and body its shape, and is a continuous matrix through out the body.
We take for granted the structural complexity that is required to stand upright in the gravitational field; and not only stand but to run, reach, and move with relative ease. Think of the engineering that goes into creating a building that allows it to stay upright in gravity. An even more complex structure is necessary in the human body. As Structural Integrators, we understand the relationships necessary for the bodyʼs dynamic support and movement, as well as how to optimize them.
Why optimize the bodyʼs structural integrity? Because imbalances lead to injury, fatigue, improper muscles recruitment, strain on joints, pain, etc. In fact there is little dis-ease in the muscular/skeletal system that does not have, as part of its cause, an imbalance to the overall structure and its resultant compensation. When the body is able to access its optimal kinetic chains, less energy is required to do daily tasks. Athletic performance is also enhanced. Reduced pain, increased energy, more flexibility, greater ease and increased physical and emotional stability are among the many benefits of Structural Integration.
As Soma Practitioners we work in three primary ways: the 11 Session Series, treatment work, and Somassage. The most comprehensive basis of our work is an 11 Session Series. This 11 Session Series progressively works the entire body- essentially taking it a part and putting it back together again. Each session has a specific and different focus. You will leave each session with an awareness that a distinct change has been made to your body. These changes do hold, and build upon each other. By the end of the series, your body will feel and function better, and with more ease. Clients often say they feel taller, move easier, have more energy, and recovery from stress faster. The 11 Session Series is an amazing journey in body awareness, and a great structural “remodel”.
Treatment sessions are the perfect way to handle your “tweaks”. If you lifted something wrong, woke up with a stiff neck, or have an IT band that needs some loosening, Soma can help! Depending on the nature of the “tweak”, one or two session may be all that is required to work it out. More chronic conditions often may require more sessions, or even the 11 Sessions to work out.
Somassage is a general whole-body rebalancing treatment. If you are not ready to commit to the full 11 Session Series, but see massage as a way to support your health and wellness, Somassage fits that goal. It works with the same principle of Structural Integration with the intention of lengthening fascia and creating more balance and ease in the body.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have heard Rolfing is painful, does Soma hurt?
I wonʼt lie, it can be intense. However, one of the differences between Rolfing and Soma is that as Soma Practitioners we prepare the body more for the more deep and intense work. We prioritize working with the client rather then on the client. We work with each personʼs individual sensitivities. Your “issues are in your tissues” so sometimes when something has been held tightly or chronically in the body, there can be some discomfort working it out. Consider this: would rather you experience short term discomfort on the massage table, or long term pain in your body. I will say very few ever leave the experience of Soma to return the experience of “spa” massage. In my experience, clients become raving fans, and Soma loyalists.
How long are the sessions and how much do they cost?
Somassage and 11 Session Series are typically around 90 minutes in length. Treatment work can often be done within an hour, depending on the nature of the injury. Hour sessions are $85, 90 minute sessions are $135.
Do you take insurance?
If your booking with Natasha, she does do some insurance work with Healthways. Auto accident insurance can also be worked with.
How do I make an appointment?
Call Natasha Cottingham at 206-930-6012.