There is no denying the fact that, as we get older, we usually become stiff and less mobile, but why does this degeneration take place? How is it that science and its many medicines can protect us from infections and organic disorders but fail to protect us from bodily stiffness, aches and pains.
Could it be that physiological diseases (functional breakdown) could arise from psychological causes, such as stress.
A pioneer in this movement, Thomas Hanna believed this to be the case and set out to prove his theories.
Hanna believed that to combat the inevitability of aches and pains, one must learn how to positively manage stress.
Stress (physical/emotional) has grave implications to the body, if not controlled it will cause our muscles to habitually contract, triggering a distortion to our posture and affecting our ability to move freely with comfort.
Hanna discovered engaging in a daily process of slow mindful exercises known as pandiculations, stimulates the higher levels of the brain to administer greater voluntary control of muscles.
These movements are much like you would see a cat or dog perform upon waking.
They sequentially contract muscles to stimulate the voluntary levels of their brains.
Out of contraction they engage in a slow release process in order to feel muscles relax.
All healthy mammals have the ability to pandiculate (contract and release muscles), this includes humans who usually set upon stretching or forcing muscles to lengthen in order to gain greater flexibility.
Pandicular movements are naturally occurring movements that can be performed whilst lying on the floor or a mat.
Individuals often notice a significant improvement in comfort levels, posture, awareness, energy and fitness by engaging in a daily routine of "Somatic Exercises".