A simple approach to finding a neutral pelvis is to experiment with the anterior and posterior tilting of the pelvis in relationship to the bony landmarks to find the place in the centre.

These landmarks are incredibly useful in bringing awareness to a vital and yet vulnerable part of the body that we often ignore. Even though we spend so much time sitting on our bum, what we do with our pelvis and pelvic floor are often only brought to our attention when we are experiencing pain or discomfort.

From the bony landmarks, we can begin to explore the intrinsic movement of breath within the inner body, in particular the relationship between the ribcage and the pelvis.

Our respiratory diaphragm sits just beneath the ribs. The heart and lungs rest above the respiratory diaphragm, and our internal organs are below this diaphragm. On the other hand (end), the pelvic floor (also a diaphragm) supports the weight of our internal organs, in addition to sexual and elimination functions.

The respiratory diaphragm and the pelvic diaphragm is actually one continuous integrated “being” that modulates our life force! Their ability to move in resonance with each other is important in the healthy and intricate functioning of all our biological processes, such as oxygenation, circulation, motility of organs, digestive and reproductive processes etc.

Creating an embodied awareness on the symbiotic relationship of the intrinsic rhythm of our breath pulsating through the different diaphragms will not only create optimal alignment and ease in the way we move, sit, stand, walk, but also help regulate our nervous system, return us back to health, and cultivate a sense of grounding and safety.

The post The neutral pelvis as an embodiment PROCESS, rather than just a shape or a form appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

There is so much jargon on ‘correctness’ of our postures and alignment in the modern yoga world, where we should place our hands and feet and rotate shoulders and turn pelvis and engage our core to somehow conform to a set of universal rules to make our yoga body Instagram-worthy, or to fulfil some teacher’s perception of what is ‘right’.

But as I delved deeper into understanding my own body, making sense of habits and patterns intrinsic to my genetic make-up, lifestyle and conditioning, I’ve discovered a whole new terrain in uncovering movement patterns that are simply unique blueprints of our being, honouring who we are as individuals, and melding into the universal sentience that is already within our innate consciousness.

As a movement teacher and therapist, I wish to facilitate, encourage, allow, and most importantly, not obstruct the flow of deep, self-manifested movement patterns to rise up from within, creating the space for inquiry, for practitioners to re-discover their own strength, balance and healing – Our moment-to-moment perfect existence, a.k.a. alignment.

“To unleash our life force, maybe even change our course, we can choose to consciously turn towards the brilliance of intelligent life. Unguided, self-movement (which is not directed by anyone) bubbling up from deep within is elemental for becoming integral. Valuing how intrinsic this self-movement is for supporting our quality of life, we can look no further than the river. Like the river, we too are part of a larger earth and cosmic life force. We are not inanimate (body objects) lacking perception and volition. We cannot achieve good posture by simply correcting, stabilizing, or objectifying. Rather being human, we must become flowing expressions, animated by the movement of the inner sea, the underground springs, and the outer planets…fluid, dynamic, ever changing, a life force… if you will.”

~ Liz Koch on Core Awareness

The post We are all unique appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

I’ll be facilitating the next intake for the upcoming Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy & Bodywork Training in Singapore. It will be a 60-hr training focusing on the nervous system and the clinical application of Somatic Applications of the Polyvagal Theory in touch & movement.

Dates: Part 1 – 26 to 28 Apr and Part 2 – 3 to 5 May (Wednesdays to Fridays over the course of 2 weeks)

In this course, you will:⁣

1. Understand the somatic framework of the Polyvagal Theory in trauma-informed facilitation ⁣through movement & touch
2. Uncover the embodied experience of our body and learn to track the nervous system in therapeutic settings.
3. Learn somatic self-regulation tools, somatic restorative work and simple bodywork techniques. ⁣

I’m excited to share over 10 years of clinical experience in therapeutic yoga and somatics! 😊 Interested attendees who didn’t manage to make it for the previous run, may this come run through for you as well.

DM or email daphne@somatictherapy.asia to register or request for an info pack.
⁣
More information will be released over the course of the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more! #nervousystem #polyvagaltheory #homeostasis #mindbody #yogawithdaphne #somatictherapy #somatictherapyasia #somaticswithdaphne #somaticyoga #somaticssg #somaticssingapore #yogasg #sgyogis #resilience #yogatherapist #yogatherapy #neuroplasticity #nervoussystemreset #sgbodywork #somaticbodywork #somatictherapytraining #yogatherapy #yogattc #therapeuticyoga

The post Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy & Bodywork Training in Singapore (60 hr, May/Apr 23’) appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

Exploring the tensegrity structure of our body’s myofascial system;

Exploring moving from the midline and the fluid spine;

Working with partners in exploring symbiotic relationship between motoring and sensing through our nervous system

This course delves deep into experential learning and embodiment through exploring the body-mind connection in physiology, processes, and self-inquiry.

Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming training dates!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We concluded the Somatic Applications in Polyvagal Theory training course 2 weeks ago @yicsingapore. An amazing 6 days of self-inquiry, somatic explorations, connecting with play and heartfelt exchanges. We learn how to track our nervous system through honing our sensory awareness, and also our ability to observe state shifts. Through experiential anatomy and the understanding of our physiology, we come into embodiment with our embody our relationships to self, to other, to our community, to our inner being and outer environment.

I’ve been facilitating this particular course for several runs now since my return to Singapore. And every intake brings its own unique tinge. Each time my mind is blown by the curiosity, presence, and openness of the participants.

I feel deeply privileged to be able to guide this work, and immensely grateful to have crossed paths with 11 brilliant minds and beautiful souls in this run!

May the seeds planted during the course sprout, and blossom in divine time 🌱

#nervousystem #polyvagaltheory #homeostasis #mindbody #yogawithdaphne #somatictherapy #somatictherapyasia #somaticswithdaphne #somaticyoga #somaticssg #somaticssingapore #yogasg #sgyogis #resilience #yogatherapist #yogatherapy #neuroplasticity #nervoussystemreset #sgbodywork #somaticbodywork #somatictherapytraining #yogatherapy #yogattc #therapeuticyoga

The post Post TTC thoughts appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

I’ve been facilitating this particular course for several runs now since my return to Singapore. And every intake brings its own unique tinge. Each time my mind is blown by the curiosity, presence, and openness of the participants.

I feel deeply privileged to be able to guide this work, and immensely grateful to have crossed paths with 11 brilliant minds and beautiful souls in this run!

May the seeds planted during the course sprout, and blossom in divine time 🌱

#nervousystem #polyvagaltheory #homeostasis #mindbody #yogawithdaphne #somatictherapy #somatictherapyasia #somaticswithdaphne #somaticyoga #somaticssg #somaticssingapore #yogasg #sgyogis #resilience #yogatherapist #yogatherapy #neuroplasticity #nervoussystemreset #sgbodywork #somaticbodywork #somatictherapytraining #yogatherapy #yogattc #therapeuticyoga

The post Post TTC Thoughts appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

I’m more than delighted to be facilitating an embodied anatomy workshop: Somatic Experiences & Embodiment in Dance & Movement at the upcoming 12.ance Festival in collaboration with @sigmacontemporarydance

This workshop will be happening on 4 December, Sunday @sigmacontemporarydance , 1.30pm – 4pm ☺️

All are welcome to join this workshop, regardless of whether you have a dance background or not.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Somatic Experiences & Embodiment in Dance & Movement:

Movement is more than just mindless motion.

When we are awake and attentive, movement is our way of connecting to the world within and around us. When we move with awareness, we are open to the most naunced of sensations that can guide us with more alignment and grace. Intelligent movement leads to the integration of body, mind and spirit, so that dancing can become a sustainable and functional art form.

Inspired by the work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, founder of Body Mind Centering, @yogadaphne will facilitate an embodied anatomy workshop, exploring the innate patterns of movement to uncover the body as an integrated system.

Somatic principles And Embodiment in Dance and Movement
By Daphne Chua (All levels)
4 Dec, Sun / 1.30 – 4pm
@sigmacospace

Whether you have prior dance background or none at all, you are welcome to join this workshop.

More details:
http://sigmadance.co/12ance

_

Daphne helps people of all ages rehabilitate injuries, regain neuromotor functions, manage chronic pain, and work through trauma. She also creates holistic therapeutic trainings and mentorship programs for individuals, movement teachers, fitness instructors, healthcare and coporate professionals.

She applies principles of kinesiology, embodied anatomy & physiology through somatics, evidence-based research on the nervous system, trauma physiology, as well as traditional yoga philosophy into her work.

#12ancefestivalsg #12ance2022 #sgdanceartists #dancers #dancesg #dance #contemporarydance #dancefestival #danceclasses #somaticpractice #embodiment #movementpractice #inthespiritofdance #nervousystem #homeostasis #mindbody #yogawithdaphne #somatictherapy #somaticssg #contactimprov

The post @12.ance : A Collaboration appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

In this course, you will:⁣

1. Understand the basic framework of the Polyvagal Theory in trauma-informed facilitation ⁣through movement & touch
2. Familiarise with the concepts on the embodied experience of our body in relationship with the nervous system
3. Learn somatic self-regulation tools and techniques in the context of different body systems and how they work interconnectively

This course is suitable for:
• Individuals interested in a holistic mind-body practice to heal chronic pain, stress & anxiety.
• Therapists, Bodyworkers, & Healthcare professionals
• Social workers, Psychologists, Counsellors, Caregivers and Life Coaches
• Yoga, Sports & Fitness practitioners
• Dance, Movement & Creative Educators

Course Details:
Date – Part 1: 16-18 Nov 2022, Part 2: 23-25 Nov 2022
Time – 9am to 5pm (except 18 & 25 Nov, 11am to 7pm)
Location – Yoga in Common, Singapore
Course Fees – S$1,450 (early bird price, closes 15 Oct), S$1,680 (regular price)

Registration closes on 10 November 2022

DM or email daphne@somatictherapy.asia to register or request for an info pack.

More information and exciting course snippets will be released over the course of the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more! Greatly looking forward to facilitating this run in November and to share over 10 years of clinical experience in therapeutic yoga and somatics! 😊

#nervousystem #polyvagaltheory #homeostasis #mindbody #yogawithdaphne #somatictherapy #somatictherapyasia #somaticswithdaphne #somaticyoga #somaticssg #somaticssingapore #yogasg #sgyogis #resilience #yogatherapist #yogatherapy #neuroplasticity #nervoussystemreset #sgbodywork #somaticbodywork #somatictherapytraining #yogatherapy #yogattc #therapeuticyoga #polyvagaltheory #movementinquiryembodiment

The post Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy & Bodywork Training in Singapore（60 hr, Nov 22’) appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

. . . . . . . . . .

This week dropping a conversation with Daphne Chua, founder of Somatic Therapy Asia @yogadaphne

A native Singaporean, Daphne grew up checking off all the boxes in life. A degree, a corporate job, successful until the 2008 financial crisis. From there her spiritual journey began where she found herself living a nomadic life, teaching yoga, falling in love, and a decade later reconnecting with her family, her roots and in the process uncovering her own inner healing journey. Tune in to learn more about Daphne’s journey and what Somatic Therapy is and we can all be more in tuned with ourselves in order to heal and change things in our lives!

Thanks, Daphne for sharing your story and for those in Singapore, PM Daphne if you are interested in learning more about her trainings and workshops!

Available on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcast. Link in bio 💫

#curito #curitoconnects #podcast #journey #stories #experience #daphnechua #yogasingapore #nurtureyourself #somatictherapy #somaticmovement #yogatherapy #heal #nervoussystemhealth #wellbeing #yogaandsomatics #loveyourself #betterhealth #mentalwellness #healing

The post Conversation with @hellocurito appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

Props required:

• 1 yoga mat
• 1 blanket (optional)
• 1 soft squishy ball / roller (optional)

The post Nervous System Workshop 2/2 appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.

In the first out of two workshops on the nervous system, we bring our focus back to the pelvis. The pelvic diaphragm works with the respiratory diaphragm to contain and support healthy functioning of all of our organs in the body, particularly in the areas of digestion, elimination, and sexual function. The vagus nerve – which is instrumental to restoring balance to our body and nervous system – passes through all these organs. Through the afferent nerve network of the Vagus nerve, information from the body travels back to the brain. By bringing awareness to the pelvis through interoceptive movement and proprioception, we allow the nervous system to respond with a baseline of the parasympathetic tone of safety and spaciousness. This in turn resets our gut motility and opens up the breath to regulate our nervous system.

The workshop begins with pelvic clock exercises, followed by movement explorations that create activation from a sense of grounding, specifically movement sequences that radiate bi-directionally from the pelvis through the transverse plane – lower half to upper half of our body to the lungs, heart and head. We also engage in movement explorations from the feet too, as well as play with balance and sound.

Props required:

• 1 yoga mat
• 1 blanket
• 1 strap (or scarf/belt)
• 1 soft squishy ball (or 1 pair of socks)

The post Nervous System Workshop 1/2 appeared first on Somatic Therapy Asia.