HEALING ~ CONNECTION ~ FREEDOM
INTEGRAL SOMATICS
PAIN RELIEF THROUGH MOVEMENT
Welcome to Integral Somatics. Somatics is a gentle movement-based practice, that targets the root cause of most chronic pain: being our brains and the way we adapt to life, stress and trauma, through unconscious habituated movement patterns. Over time, muscles learn how to stay contracted and slowly our brains ability to sense, control and relax our muscles diminishes. This leads to what is called "Sensory Motor Amnesia." Meaning a loss of voluntary control of our muscles.
Somatic movement offers a unique appoach to re-wiring the brain to muscle connection, and putting your brain back in control of movement. Through this safe and gentle practice, you will learn to observe areas of the body where movement is restricted and areas of the body where there is freedom of movement. Working from center to periphery, using a series of movements called "Pandiculations" you will begin to release large groups of muscles back to their orignal length and function. By working at the level of the "Sensory Motor Nervous System" you will be able to create more immediate and lasting changes in increased muscle length and function. Somatics is not about working harder. It's about slowing down and giving the brain the time to sense what is happening internally. Therefore, increasing our ability to move more intelligently, more efficiently and with greater ease and joy.
The benefits of this practice are many and include: tools to safely and effectively reverse the causes of chronic pain, renewed muscle control, and greater strength and flexibility. Improved walking, posture, and breathing. As well as helping to reduce stress, anxiety and trauma.
UPCOMING CLASSES:
Somatic Movement Introductory Class
Tuesday September.16th 5:30-6:45pm
Integral Somatics Studio, Cumberland BC
Are you feeling stuck and limited by chronic pain, tension, anxiety, depression, stress, & burnout?
Do you want to learn new tools to start moving and feeling better?
In this introductory somatic movement class, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand why somatic movement is so effective at addressing and reversing the causes of most chronic pain. You will be guided through a series of safe and gentle movements that will help release large groups of muscles, and help to restore greater muscle length and function, while resetting your nervous system to feel more calm, centred and balanced.
Cost: $28
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Somatic Movement 4 Week Series
September.23rd-October.14th 5:30-6:45pm
Integral Somatics Studio, Cumberland BC
In this 4 week series, you will be guided and supported on a rich exploration of learning,
sensing and healing through gentle and mindful movement.
First, exploring areas of the body where there is freedom of movement and areas where it feels restricted. Then each week, we will progressively explore gentle movements that help to release large groups of muscles that have become chronically contracted and painful. By working at the level of the “sensory motor nervous system,” you will begin to experience immediate and lasting changes in increased muscle length and function, as you learn how to re- wire your brain to muscle connection.
This practice is also highly supportive in releasing the effects of anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, grief and more.
By the end of these 4 weeks together, you will have a new toolkit to start moving and feeling better!
Cost: $110
BOOK NOW
Testimonials:
Participating in Angelica's Somatics Classes has left me much more hopeful about achieving long lasting recovery from chronic pain, posture, and balance issues for which other physical therapies have only provided temporary relief. Angelica brings the sensitivity and empathy to her coaching that allows you to safely let go of the emotional tensions that underlie most physical tightness and restricted movement.
Ned Cost, MA Family Therapist
I did a four week somatics course with Angelica, and I can say with all honesty that it continues to help me on many levels. She is an inspired and confident teacher who cares deeply about her students. I was able to feel comfortable in slowing down while I developed more knowledge and balance in how I relate with my body and movement. There was a feeling of safety, and plenty of joy and laughter along the way as well. This is proving to be beneficial in caring for my long-term health!
- S White
The somatic movement series I completed with Angelica increased the awareness of my body and how to be more conscious in my everyday movements. Focusing in class on how I moved my body helped me address some poor posture habits I had developed over the years and gave me encouragement to correct them. I also found these somatic classes had a calming effect on me which carried over into the following days.
- Russ D
Calm Your Nerves 4 Week Series for Health & Wellness Providers
~ ONLINE ~
September.9th - 30th 7:30-8:30pm
Are you a health & wellness practitioner/provider who is constantly giving and dealing with burnout, overwhelm,
tension, anxiety and more, from having limited time to take care of yourself, your body and your needs?
I know this place very well, and I am here to support you with these important and life changing tools to end
the cycle of burnout and depletion, like I have. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It has to be a priority.
In this 4 week series, you will be guided in exploring slow and gentle movements that help to regulate
your nervous systemeasily and effectively, so that you can feel more calm, centred and equipped
as you keep taking on life's many challenges and demands.
Cost: $100
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Private Sessions:
Somatic Movement Private session - Initial Visit
In an initial one on session with me here is what you can expect:
A safe, warm and non-judgemental place to discuss the challenges that are inhibiting you from moving and feeling well.
We will discuss your hopes and goals that I can support you in achieving through working together.
Then based on what is most needed and supportive to your body and nervous system, I will guide
you through a series of safe, gentle and mindful movements, that will help re-wire your brain to muscle connection,
and begin to release the effects of chronic pain, tension, anxiety, depression, stored trauma, grief, and burnout.
From every session you will receive a written review and follow up check in. These sessions are designed to support
you to grow your ability to sense and inhabit more of yourself. To gauge the state of your nervous system and
to be empowered with tools that work for your unique nervous system. Ultimately creating a pathway for you
to experience greater well being, healing connection and freedom to live more fully.
Session length: 75 mins
Cost: $100
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Somatic Movement Private sessions
One on one sessions, following an initial visit. I will guide you through a series of safe, gentle and mindful movements, that
will help re-wire your brain to muscle connection and begin to release the effects of chronic pain, tension, anxiety,
depression, stored trauma and more. From every session you will receive a written review and follow up check in.
Session length: 60 mins
Cost: $100
BOOK NOW
UPCOMING EVENTS:
RISE UP RETREAT FOR WOMEN
May.23rd - 25th 2025
(CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES)
PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] to be put on the waitlist for new date
Do you identify as being neuro diverse, including: autistic, highly sensitive (sensory processing sensitivities,) highly empathic, ADD, ADHD? Do you find yourself feeling misunderstood, alone and trying to fit into the social norms that society expects and struggling with anxiety, depression, overwhelm and burnout? Most of all feeling flawed, different and under-resourced to navigate through the challenges of these traits?
Then we would like to invite you to join us for the first ever RISE UP retreat created especially for us. Over the course of 3 days we will come together in a beautiful, safe and welcoming environment, where we will explore and discuss some of the challenges, as well as celebrating the many gifts that come with these traits.
Together we will explore supportive resources such as videos, books, podcasts, groups, practitioners etc. As well as embarking on a multi sensory exploration of multi disciplinary practices. Including: journaling for mental health. Gentle somatic movement to balance and regulate the nervous system and release chronic pain & tension, anxiety, depression & burnout. Dance classes to connect to our more wild and free side. Pilates to connect to our core. Art therapy & freeing our voice through musical expression. All building to a special musical ending!
This weekend is about fostering a sense of belonging and connection while supporting YOU
in building a resource toolkit that you will take away with you.
Lead by:
Angelica Challenger HSEC/RYT200
&
Jessica Wittman Pilates/Dance Instructor
