Donna Brooks
Most people who find their way to my practice find the twin devils of muscle tension and anxiety plague their lives. In this blog post I hope to explain why these “devils” often come together, and offer you help for muscle tension and anxiety. When you feel anxious your body gets ready to leave the … Read more
Many women and some men, seek out pelvic floor therapy for an answer to incontinence, painful sex, prolapse or pelvic pain. Pelvic Floor Therapy is often thought of as Kegel exercises or contracting pelvic floor muscles. And, strength is important. But, research is showing that relaxing the pelvic floor is crucial too. However, relaxation does … Read more
Embodiment and Somatic Movement as key to pain-free living. The new science of holistic pain relief tells us that chronic pain is often a habit. Let me back up. Pain is real – injury to our bodies (or minds or emotions hurts!). Yet, tissue injury heals in a matter of months. Why does pain continue … Read more
Walking is the best exercise you can do and a walking course will help you do it!. Walking increases cardiovascular fitness, reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes, helps you lose weight. It improves conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Walking strengthens bones and muscle, relieves stiffness and helps with balance. But, In … Read more
Why Somatic Breathing Exercises? As a long time yoga and somatic movement therapist I studied many breathing techniques that dictated rules about breathing. For years, I imposed breathing exercises on my body. But, by giving my body the freedom to find its own breath I am healthier and happier. Somatic Breath is about breathing from … Read more
A self help tool. Lower back pain can be everything from an ongoing nuisance to a debilitating life crisis. Everyone who feels lower back pain needs both pain alleviation and learning how to move without re-triggering the problem. So how can yoga poses help alleviate lower back pain? And how can you help yourself with yoga poses for … Read more
Yoga for Parkinson’s can teach you how your voice can lift your mood. Yoga For Parkinson’s: how voice can lift your mood while helping you speak more loudly and deeply. Just like understanding and practicing how to stretch, bend, stride or breath properly help you relieve the stiffness of Parkinson’s, understanding the movement of your … Read more
A somatic movement is made with focus on the internal movement instead of on the external movement. Internal movement is very different from most physical or exercise training. Because his internal way of moving builds your interoception (self sensing) it helps you feel good. And, as you master this skill, you will make better and … Read more
Finding pain relief with somatic movement is often what brings people to my office. When pain is severe or when it triggers other symptoms people look for a gentle approach. I help them ease out pain and move in more ease and wholeness. In doing so, I recognize three different levels of pain somatic movement … Read more
Creating a good life after a child dies is not easy. In 2020, I lost my adult son. His death has been, without a doubt, the most devastating loss of my life. I wanted to beat the odds and create a good life after my child died. I was told about all the statistics that … Read more
