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BioSomatics:
An Overview to Frequently Asked Questions
What
is BioSomatics?
BioSomatics is an original bodywork technique created by Lilian
Jarvis, former principal dancer of The National Ballet of
Canada (1951-1963). Founded on the principles of the Martha
Graham dance technique, BioSomatics consists of a series of
deep stretch and strengthening exercises that help to alleviate
strain and muscular aches and pains by improving the mechanical
and structural condition of the body. The core belief of the
technique is that many ailments as well as many injuries and
health-related problems result from accumulated tensions and
poor postural habits, and that correcting these conditions
is essential to bodily comfort and superior fitness and health.
Class
participants are encouraged to work at their individual needs
and at their own level of ability, making this a safe and
effective technique. It is applicable not only to all who
wish to feel better, both physically and mentally, but to
all who wish to maximize their physical potential.
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What
does BioSomatics mean?
In Latin, "bio" means "life," and "soma" means "body."
The word BioSomatics was coined by its creator in 1980 after
a successful return to the stage at age 45. She attributed
the success of this performance to the improved physical condition
and the inflow of 'life energy,' known in the East as "Ki,"
or "Chi," that she experienced after working with exercises
such as those that now comprise her program.
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What
is the mission of BioSomatics?
The
overall goal of BioSomatics is to promote genuine fit-ness,
which it views not as a condition that results from activities,
but as one that prepares the body for activities.
This
view stems from the word "fit" itself, which means "prepared
for use." A car, for example, is fit to drive when its mechanical
components are in good working condition. Similarly, our bodies
are fit for activities as well as for comfortable daily living
when their mechanical and structural needs are met.
These
needs are:
When
these needs are satisfied, posture inevitably improves bringing
with it a multitude of benefits. Aches and pains are relieved,
strains and injuries happen less frequently, bodily movements
become freer and easier, health is more stable, lessening
the need for doctors and other healthcare practitioners, energy
increases, and a sense of wellbeing is established.
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How
does BioSomatics achieve these results?
An important first step in BioSomatics is learning to release
tension. For a variety of reasons,
tensions in the body build up and become lodged in the muscles,
resulting in stiffness and bad posture. Weight that should
properly be supported by the bone structure falls instead
onto muscles, tendons, and ligaments, fatiguing and straining
them. Nerves can be pinched and blood flow diminished, lessening
the supply of vital nutrients to the body.
BioSomatics
begins the process of change through gentle stretching, allowing
the body the time it needs, and giving it the opportunity,
to release tensions and undo wrongful patterns of use. Through
focused exercises, muscles begin to lengthen and joints to
loosen, while underlying support muscles gradually strengthen.
At the same time, an awareness of the inner body develops,
making bodily movements more consciously controlled. Posture
can then be corrected and the bone structure brought into
proper alignment, removing strain from soft tissue and freeing
blood flow throughout the body.
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How
does BioSomatics compare with aerobic exercise?
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Aerobic
exercise aims primarily to achieve cardiovascular fitness
BioSomatics aims to put the body into proper working
order.
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Aerobics
expends energy and requires a period of recuperation.
BioSomatics frees energy, priming the body for use.
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Aerobics,
without proper preparation, can be damaging.
BioSomatics builds resilience in muscles and joints
to prevent or minimize injury.
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Aerobics
does little to develop body awareness.
BioSomatics is a process that enhances the mind-body
connection.
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Aerobic
activity can be limited by age.
BioSomatics can be continued throughout life.
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Both
require commitment and continuity.
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What
distinguishes BioSomatics from other bodywork techniques?
Bodywork techniques have been created by individuals who,
through personal experience, have discovered that the body
functions best when it is mechanically and structurally sound.
Though
similarities amongst methods exist, approaches can differ.
BioSomatics
regards the release of tension and the development of flexibility
and body awareness as the necessary beginning stages of physical
improvement. Emphasis is therefore placed on becoming aware
of where tightness inhibits movement. Body parts can then
be "separated" and muscles strengthened in an isolated way.
The exercises consist of both floor and standing work and
utilize no major equipment. A Stretchcloth, featured in the
book Stress Releaser Stretchcloth,
is regularly used in certain exercises and occasionally rubber
tubing is used for extra strengthening. Rebounders have been
used on occasion for cardiovascular work as an alternative
to on-the-spot jogging.
BioSomatics
is process oriented rather than goal oriented. It does not
aim for the ability to "touch your toes," sit cross-legged,
or achieve other extreme positions. Such goals are viewed
as possibilities that may be achieved by working specifically
and without strain on those areas of tightness or weakness
that limit the full extent of a movement. Progress is measured
not by advancing to more difficult exercises, but by gradually
removing the barriers that prevent further progress.
This
approach is summarized in the main tenets of Biosomatics,
which are:
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There
is an ideal condition of the body to hold as a potential,
ultimate goal, the essentials of which are release of
tension, flexibility, postural alignment, and weight
support.
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You
begin where you can and then work on the difficulty
that prevents further progress.
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To
avoid this confrontation with yourself is to compromise
and be left with the difficulties.
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Any
progress in the direction of the goal makes your body
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The technique
thus serves as a fundamental approach to physical improvement,
develops the body's potential in a safe and self-instructive
way, and offers the possibility of higher levels of proficiency.
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What
are the main benefits of BioSomatics?
Biosomatic exercises work the internal areas of the body
not normally reached in more active types of exercise. They
increase flexibility and joint mobility, correct muscular
imbalances, improve muscle tone, build resilience in tendons
and ligaments, and stimulate the circulatory, nervous and
lymphatic systems. At the same time, they reduce the possibility
of injury and relieve many discomfiting ailments such as indefinable
aches and pains, backache, neck and shoulder tension, stiffness,
fatigue, insomnia, and general malaise.
Often
described as "an internal massage," the exercises become gratifyingly
pleasant after initial muscular resistance is overcome. The
deep stimulation, along with the release of tension, engenders
the sense of 'life in the body' reflected in the BioSomatic
name. Class participants commonly experience the effects of
the exercises as an 'awakening' of the body and an enlivening
of the mind and spirit.
A book
and video on Biosomatic exercises is planned. If you would
like to be notified of their availability, send an e-mail
to ljarvis@somaticstretch.com.
Write, "Send book and video info when available" and you will
be on our mailing list.
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