Mountain Method – Soma Walking
The Mountain Method is a functional and somatic movement method devised by Carol Murphy (Neuromuscular Therapist, FRC Mobility Specialist, Yoga Trainer). The Mountain Method is an alignment methodology which underpins different somatic practices such as Soma Walking, SomaRoll and Functional Yoga Therapy.
Functional Movement
Mountain Method practices work on the basis that the health of our joints are all connected to the waves of the spine and that correct posture can create the foundation for functional movement. The Mountain Method incorporates alignment cues in the practices that work specifically at creating optimal health for the joints. Even if a joint is affected by a direct trauma or injury, Mountain Method practices can help to strengthen and release all of the correct muscles to help the healing process.
The Somatic Connection
In addition to the functional benefits of Mountain Method, these practices also work somatically. Stress, trauma, grief and depression create imprints on our fascial body, that express themselves through our posture and deregulate our nervous system. As we balance our posture though the practices, we switch on the core muscles in a gentle way to facilitate correct breathing, allowing the nervous system to reset, which in turn helps the other systems of the body to optomise.
Soma Walking is a Functional and Somatic practice that stabilises the joints, strengthens all the micro-muscles that support joint health, helps to relax the mind and resets the nervous system.
- It helps to stack the curves of the spine in relation to the force of gravity so that all of the other joints of the body can find their stack and work optimally.
- It works on activating specific muscles to support the joints.
- A great rehab practice after surgery or injury.
- It activates the core musculature in relation to the breath, helping to reset the nervous system out of neuro-core inefficiency, which in turn can create a myriad of energetic imbalances from IBS to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- It resets the nervous system out of fight or flight and stress allowing all other systems of the body to reboot.
- It help the body to recover from somatic scripts relating to anxiety, depression, trauma and grief.
- It’s a great evening practice to do after switching off all the screens to help reset the nervous system before bed, so that the mind has already switched from the active Beta consciousness to the more relaxed Alpha and Theta consciousness, for better sleep.
- This is also an excellent practice for injured or elderly people who want to strengthen but would find it difficult to sit on a yoga mat. It is an excellent add-on to Chair Yoga.
SomaRoll is a Myofascial Mobility Method that works functionally and somatically. It combines Myofascial Release Therapy to release tightness and stress in the body with Functional Range conditioning Mobility exercises to strengthen specific muscle to create stability in the joints.
- It helps to stack the curves of the spine in relation to the force of gravity so that all of the other joints of the body can find their stack and work optimally.
- It helps to counterbalance stuck stress in the upper body relating to sitting at computers, driving etc.
- It helps to release somatic scripts embedded into the fascia relating to stress, fear, depression and trauma.
- It helps to strengthen specific muscles to support the joints.
- A great rehab practice after surgery or injury.
- It activates the core musculature in relation to the breath, helping to reset the nervous system out of neuro-core inefficiency, which in turn can create a myriad of energetic imbalances from IBS to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- It resets the nervous system out of fight or flight and stress allowing all other systems of the body to reboot.
- It help the body to recover from somatic scripts relating to anxiety, depression, trauma and grief.
- It’s a great evening practice to do after switching off all the screens to help reset the nervous system before bed, so that the mind has already switched from the active Beta consciousness to the more relaxed Alpha and Theta consciousness, for better sleep.
- SomaRoll is also a great add-on to Yin Yoga and Functional Yoga Therapy.
