I want to try SOMA but do I have to take the whole series?
Of course not - try Session 1 or a Somassage to see if SOMA is something you would like to further experience.
How long do I wait between each session?
Your body needs some time to adapt to the changes between sessions. This can be as short as 24-hours. The recommended interval is once a week. However, there are still great benefits when the interval is longer, up to one month.
What do I wear to a session?
Both men and women wear their underwear during sessions.
Why does SOMA have eleven sessions, while others (Rolfing, Hellerwork) only have ten?
Recognizing the need to comprehensively integrate the body, SOMA has added a session specifically dedicated to the arms and hands. While traditionally this work was included within the ten session series, SOMA has expanded upon the arm work and included movement re-education.
How does SOMA differ from other forms of Structural Integration?
While all Structural Integration modalities share a common methodology called the 'Recipe' on how to progressively manipulate the body, all differ to some degree on the layout of the sessions. SOMA has also drawn more influence from movement theory and the impact of the sessions on individual psychology and spatial awareness.
How does SOMA differ from massage?
Both SOMA and massage are touch therapies, but the methods and results differ greatly. The primary benefit of a traditional massage therapy such as Swedish massage is relaxational. These changes are of a relatively short duration - on the order of hours to days. SOMA provides long term change to the body by changing the structure of the body through the fascia. Manipulating the fascia of the body is an uncommon concept within traditional massage therapy.
How does SOMA differ from 'deep tissue' massage?
Deep tissue massage generally works on isolated muscles without a comprehensive view of the effect on the whole body. SOMA uses deep tissue techniques, but applies these techniques to sets of muscles contained within lines of connective tissue called fascia.
How does SOMA differ from Chiropractic?
Chiropractics goal is to detect, reduce, and help prevent nervous system dysfunction. This is primarilly accomplished by manipulation of the spine. SOMA supports the changes of chiropractic manipulations by aligning and balancing the muscle structure of the entire body.
How are SOMA practitioners certified?
This would depend upon the State in which they practice. In the State of Washington, SOMA and other structural integrators are regulated as Licensed Massage Practitioners (LMP). The Washington State Department of Health sets standards for training, certification, licensing, ethics and compliance. Many practitioners are also nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The NCBTMB is the recognized certification authority for massage professionals in the U.S. and sets requirements for training, continuing education, professional ethics and conduct. Structural integrators may also be certified by the International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI). The IASI certifies graduates of recognized Structural Integration schools as Professional Structural Integrators. The mission of the IASI is the advocacy of Structural Integration at the national and international levels, including setting standards for training, continuing education, professional ethics and conduct.
